Summaries of books about Military History:
The Taking of K-129
How the CIA Used Howard Hughes to Steal a Russian Sub in the Most Daring Covert Operation in History
Josh Dean
The book recounts the true story of a covert CIA operation during the Cold War to recover a sunken Soviet nuclear submarine, K-129, from the Pacific Ocean floor using a specially constructed ship, the Hughes Glomar Explorer. It details the technological challenges, espionage, and elaborate cover story involving eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes to execute one of the most ambitious intelligence operations of the era.
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SOG
The Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Vietnam
John L. Plaster
The book provides a detailed account of the covert operations conducted by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Vietnam, including harrowing missions behind enemy lines. It offers personal narratives and insights into the tactics, challenges, and heroism of the elite group of American commandos during the Vietnam War.
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Killing the Bismarck
Destroying the Pride of Hitler's Fleet
Iain Ballantyne
The book provides a detailed account of the British naval pursuit and eventual sinking of the German battleship Bismarck during World War II, a pivotal event in naval warfare. It delves into the strategies, personal stories, and intense combat that led to the demise of one of Nazi Germany's most powerful warships.
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Alamein to Zem Zem [Illustrated Edition]
Keith Douglas
The book is a personal account of a British soldier's experiences during the North African campaign of World War II, particularly focusing on the Battle of El Alamein. It combines vivid poetry and prose to convey the harsh realities of war and the author's reflections on life and death on the front lines.
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Beyond The Call
The True Story of One World War II Pilot's Covert Mission to Rescue POWs on the Eastern Front
Lee Trimble|Jeremy Dronfield
The book recounts the daring mission of Captain Robert Trimble, who, under the guise of a bomber pilot, was tasked with rescuing Allied prisoners of war from the advancing Soviet front in the final months of World War II. It details his covert operations, the challenges he faced, and the lives he saved amidst the chaos of war-torn Europe.
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The Great Halifax Explosion
A World War I Story of Treachery, Tragedy, and Extraordinary Heroism
John U. Bacon
The book chronicles the events leading up to, during, and after the 1917 collision between two ships in Halifax Harbour, which resulted in the largest man-made explosion before the atomic bomb. It details the devastating aftermath, the acts of heroism, and the international aid response, particularly from Boston, highlighting the enduring bond formed between the cities.
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Firearms
An Illustrated History
DK
The book presents a visual guide through the evolution of guns, from early flintlocks to modern-day military weapons, featuring more than 300 iconic examples of firearms throughout history. It includes detailed photographs and graphics, historical context, and specifications of each weapon, offering readers an in-depth look at the development and diversity of firearms.
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Crisis Convoy
The Story of HX231, A Turning Point in the Battle of the Atlantic
Sir Peter Gretton
The book provides a detailed account of Convoy HX231, a critical engagement during World War II where Allied naval forces faced off against German U-boats in the North Atlantic. It highlights the strategic importance of the convoy system and how this particular battle marked a significant shift in the Allies' favor in the ongoing Battle of the Atlantic.
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Our Vietnam Wars
Vol 1: as told by 100 veterans who served
William F. Brown
The book is a compilation of firsthand accounts from 100 veterans who served in various capacities during the Vietnam War, sharing their personal experiences, challenges, and perspectives. These narratives cover a wide range of roles, from infantrymen to pilots, providing a diverse and intimate look at the complexities and impacts of the war on those who fought it.
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The Generals
Patton, MacArthur, Marshall, and the Winning of World War II
Winston Groom
The book delves into the lives and military careers of three iconic American generals—George Patton, Douglas MacArthur, and George Marshall—highlighting their distinct leadership styles, personalities, and pivotal roles in orchestrating Allied victories during World War II. It provides a comparative analysis of their strategies, battlefield decisions, and the interplay of their actions that ultimately contributed to the defeat of the Axis powers.
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