Summaries of books about Military History:
The First World War
John Keegan
The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the causes, battles, and consequences of the Great War, examining its impact on soldiers and civilians alike. It delves into military strategies, political dynamics, and the social upheaval brought about by this global conflict from 1914 to 1918.
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Undaunted Valor
Medal of Honor
Colonel Matt Jackson
The book presents a collection of inspiring stories of American soldiers who were awarded the Medal of Honor for their extraordinary courage and selflessness in combat. It delves into the harrowing experiences and acts of bravery that led to their recognition, highlighting the sacrifices made in service to their country.
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Batavia
from the author of The Opera House, Ned Kelly and Mutiny on the Bounty
Peter Fitzsimons
The book recounts the harrowing tale of the shipwreck of the Dutch East India Company vessel, Batavia, in 1629, and the subsequent mutiny and massacre that took place among the survivors on the isolated Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Western Australia. It delves into the leadership of the ship's commander, Francisco Pelsaert, the psychopathic mutineer Jeronimus Cornelisz, and the desperate struggle for survival by the remaining castaways.
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Eastern Inferno
The Journals of a German Panzerjäger on the Eastern Front, 1941–43
The book presents the personal wartime journals of Hans Roth, a German anti-tank gunner, providing a firsthand account of his experiences on the Eastern Front during World War II. It offers insights into the daily life, combat, and psychological toll on German soldiers as they faced the harsh realities of war against the Soviet Union.
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Against All Odds
A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II
Alex Kershaw
The book chronicles the extraordinary tale of the crew of the USS Plunkett, a U.S. Navy destroyer, during World War II. It details their harrowing experiences in the Battle of Anzio and the courage they displayed amidst brutal combat and devastating losses.
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Black Cat 2-1
The True Story of a Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and His Crew
Bob Ford
The book recounts the experiences of a U.S. Army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, detailing his missions, the camaraderie with his crew, and the challenges they faced in combat. It provides a personal narrative of the war from the perspective of the air cavalry and the intense survival situations encountered in the conflict.
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Easy Company Soldier
The Legendary Battles of a Sergeant from World War II's "Band of Brothers"
Don Malarkey|Bob Welch
The book is a firsthand account of Sergeant Don Malarkey's experiences as a paratrooper with the U.S. Army's Easy Company during World War II, detailing his participation in major battles, including D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, and the bonds he formed with his fellow soldiers. It provides personal insights into the bravery, hardships, and camaraderie of the men of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, famously known as the "Band of Brothers."
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The Doomsday Machine
Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner
Daniel Ellsberg
The book reveals the author's experiences as a defense analyst and his role in shaping US nuclear strategy during the Cold War, exposing the dangerous policies and practices that could lead to accidental or intentional catastrophic nuclear war. It provides an insider's perspective on the ethical and strategic dilemmas of the era, including the lack of secure controls over the arsenal and the true nature of America's nuclear war plans.
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Whispers in the Tall Grass
Back Behind Enemy Lines with Macv–Sog
Nick Brokhausen
The book is a firsthand account of the author's experiences as a member of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), an elite unit that conducted covert operations during the Vietnam War. It details the harrowing missions, camaraderie among soldiers, and the psychological and physical challenges faced while operating in enemy-controlled territories.
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Big Week
The Biggest Air Battle of World War II
James Holland
The book provides a detailed account of the critical seven-day air battle over Germany in February 1944, known as Operation Argument, which aimed to destroy German aircraft production. It examines the strategic importance of the air campaign, the experiences of pilots and crews, and its impact on the outcome of World War II.
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