Summaries of books about Military History:
Lightning Down
A World War II Story of Survival
Tom Clavin
The book recounts the true story of Joe Moser, an American fighter pilot shot down over Nazi-occupied France during World War II. It details his capture, harrowing experiences in Buchenwald concentration camp, and the struggle for survival and eventual liberation.
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Blackjack-33
With Special Forces in the Viet Cong Forbidden Zone
James C. Donahue
The book recounts the true experiences of the author, a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, during the Vietnam War, specifically detailing a month-long mission, Operation Blackjack-33, deep within enemy-controlled territory. It vividly describes the daily challenges, combat encounters, and camaraderie among the soldiers as they navigate the treacherous terrain and engage with the Viet Cong.
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The Dead and Those About to Die
D-Day: The Big Red One at Omaha Beach
John C. McManus
The book provides a vivid account of the 1st Infantry Division's harrowing assault on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion of World War II. It details the personal experiences and heroic actions of the soldiers, known as the Big Red One, as they faced intense German resistance to secure a crucial foothold in Nazi-occupied Europe.
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The Tunnels of Cu Chi
A Harrowing Account of America's Tunnel Rats in the Underground Battlefields of Vietnam
Tom Mangold
The book provides a detailed account of the American soldiers known as "tunnel rats" who bravely navigated the extensive network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. It explores their dangerous underground missions, the psychological and physical challenges they faced, and the innovative tactics of the Viet Cong that transformed the landscape into a warren of hidden passages and booby traps.
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The Storm of War
A New History of the Second World War
Andrew Roberts
The book provides a comprehensive analysis of World War II, examining the strategic decisions, military tactics, and pivotal battles that shaped the conflict. It also explores the leadership styles of key figures and the reasons behind the Axis powers' ultimate defeat.
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The Mosquito Bowl
A Game of Life and Death in World War II
Buzz Bissinger
The book chronicles a 1944 football game played between Marine trainees on a Pacific island during World War II, capturing the personal stories and wartime experiences of the young men, many of whom would later fight and die in the Battle of Okinawa. It weaves together the intensity of the sport with the broader context of the war, highlighting the poignancy of the players' camaraderie and the fleeting nature of their lives during a tumultuous period in history.
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The Generals
American Military Command from World War II to Today
Thomas E. Ricks
The book critically examines the evolution of American military leadership and its effectiveness from World War II to the present, highlighting the shift from innovative and daring field commanders to a more risk-averse and bureaucratic officer corps. It scrutinizes the performance and accountability of high-ranking officers, arguing that the quality of generalship has declined, with implications for military strategy and national security.
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Last Stand at Khe Sanh
The U.S. Marines' Finest Hour in Vietnam
Gregg Jones
The book provides a detailed account of the 77-day siege of Khe Sanh in 1968, where U.S. Marines held their ground against North Vietnamese forces in one of the Vietnam War's most brutal confrontations. It offers personal narratives from the soldiers, strategic analysis of the battle, and explores the impact of the media and public opinion on the war effort.
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Operation Thunderbolt
Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport, the Most Audacious Hostage Rescue Mission in History
Saul David
The book recounts the hijacking of Air France Flight 139 by terrorists in 1976 and the subsequent Israeli commando raid on Entebbe Airport in Uganda to rescue the hostages. It details the planning and execution of the mission, the political backdrop, and the personal stories of those involved in this dramatic and historic event.
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The Twilight Warriors
Robert Gandt
The book chronicles the final battle of World War II in the Pacific, focusing on the pilots and crew members of the USS Enterprise. It details their intense combat experiences and personal stories as they engage in the critical air and sea clashes leading up to Japan's surrender.
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