Summaries of books about Military History:
Dog Company
A True Story of American Soldiers Abandoned by Their High Command
Lynn Vincent|Roger Hill
The book recounts the experiences of an American infantry unit in Afghanistan, detailing their intense combat encounters and the controversial decisions made by their leaders. It also explores the aftermath of their deployment, focusing on the legal battles faced by the soldiers and the perceived betrayal by their own military command.
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Overlord
D-Day and the Battle for Normandy
Max Hastings
The book provides a detailed account of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, examining the planning, execution, and aftermath of Operation Overlord. It offers insights into the strategies, leadership, and experiences of both the Allied and German forces, as well as the impact on French civilians.
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MRF Shadow Troop
The untold true story of top secret British military intelligence undercover operations in Belfast, Northern Ireland, 1972-1974
Simon Cursey
The book provides a detailed account of the clandestine activities of the Military Reaction Force (MRF), a covert unit of the British Army, during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. It reveals the methods and operations undertaken by this secret unit to gather intelligence and counteract paramilitary groups in Belfast between 1972 and 1974.
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The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers
Economic Change and Military Conflict from 1500 to 2000
Paul M. Kennedy
The book analyzes how major world powers have risen and fallen over the past five centuries, attributing their trajectories to the interplay between economic resources and military strength. It argues that maintaining a balance between economic growth and military expenditure is crucial for a nation's long-term dominance and stability.
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The Day the World Went Nuclear
Dropping the Atom Bomb and the End of World War II in the Pacific
Bill O'Reilly
The book provides a historical account of the events leading up to and following the United States' decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, effectively ending World War II in the Pacific. It explores the political, military, and scientific considerations of the time, as well as the profound consequences of nuclear warfare on global politics and human life.
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The First Wave
The D-Day Warriors Who Led the Way to Victory in World War II
Alex Kershaw
The book chronicles the harrowing experiences of the Allied soldiers who were the first to land on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, detailing their bravery and the pivotal role they played in the initial phase of Operation Overlord. It provides personal accounts and vivid descriptions of the challenges these men faced as they fought to secure a foothold in Nazi-occupied Europe, setting the stage for the eventual Allied victory.
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Tigers in the Mud
The Combat Career of German Panzer Commander Otto Carius
Otto Carius
The book is a memoir detailing the experiences of Otto Carius, a highly decorated German tank commander during World War II, focusing on his actions on the Eastern Front. It provides personal insights into tank warfare, his battles against the Soviet forces, and reflections on his own military career and the broader context of the war.
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Top Dog
The Story of Marine Hero Lucca
Maria Goodavage
The book chronicles the life and career of Lucca, a highly trained military working dog who served with distinction in the U.S. Marine Corps, completing over 400 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan without a single human casualty under her watch. It details her bond with her handlers, her courageous actions in the line of duty, and her recovery and adaptation to civilian life after losing a leg to an IED.
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The Wild Blue
The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-1945
Stephen E. Ambrose
The book chronicles the experiences of the American bomber crews, particularly the B-24 Liberators, during World War II, focusing on their perilous missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. It highlights the bravery, challenges, and daily lives of these young men, including the story of future U.S. Senator George McGovern, who was a B-24 pilot.
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Convoy Escort Commander
A Memoir of the Battle of the Atlantic
Sir Peter Gretton
The memoir recounts the experiences of a Royal Navy officer who commanded escort ships protecting convoys in the North Atlantic during World War II, detailing the tactical challenges and personal stories of confronting German U-boats. It provides insight into the strategic importance of the Battle of the Atlantic and the relentless struggle to secure vital supply routes against the threat of submarine warfare.
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