Summaries of books about Military History:
Across The Fence
The Secret War in Vietnam
John Stryker Meyer
The book provides a first-hand account of the covert operations conducted by the Studies and Observations Group (SOG) in Vietnam, detailing the harrowing missions and experiences of the elite Green Berets who operated behind enemy lines. It offers a personal perspective on the challenges, tactics, and sacrifices of these soldiers during the Vietnam War.
See full summary
Neptune's Inferno
The U.S. Navy at Guadalcanal
James D. Hornfischer
The book provides a detailed account of the naval battles surrounding the Guadalcanal campaign during World War II, focusing on the challenges faced by the U.S. Navy as it fought to secure a strategic foothold in the Pacific against Japanese forces. It offers a blend of strategic analysis, personal narratives, and an examination of the leadership and tactical decisions that shaped the brutal and pivotal sea engagements.
See full summary
Normandy '44
D-Day and the Epic 77-Day Battle for France
James Holland
The book provides a detailed account of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, examining the planning, execution, and aftermath of D-Day. It offers fresh perspectives on the strategies, tactics, and human experiences of the 77-day campaign that followed, drawing on extensive research and firsthand accounts.
See full summary
LRRP (Provisional) 2nd Bde 4th Infantry Division Vietnam 1966-67
Frank Camper
The book is a personal account of the author's experiences as a member of a Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol unit during the Vietnam War, detailing the harrowing missions and the intense combat situations faced by these elite soldiers. It provides insight into the tactics, hardships, and brotherhood that defined the LRRP teams as they conducted reconnaissance and ambush operations in hostile territory.
See full summary
Enemy at the Gates
The Battle for Stalingrad
William J. Craig
The book provides a detailed account of the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II, focusing on the intense combat and strategic maneuvers between German and Soviet forces. It also delves into the personal stories of soldiers and civilians, highlighting the harrowing conditions and the pivotal impact of this battle on the outcome of the war.
See full summary
Quartered Safe Out Here
A Harrowing Tale of World War II
George MacDonald Fraser
The book is a firsthand account of the author's experiences as a young soldier in the British Army's 9th Division during the Burma Campaign against the Japanese in World War II. It combines vivid combat narratives with reflections on the camaraderie and the psychological impact of war on those who fought.
See full summary
Guadalcanal Diary
Richard Tregaskis
The book is a firsthand account of the early stages of the U.S. Marine Corps' campaign on the Pacific island of Guadalcanal during World War II, chronicling the brutal combat and daily struggles of soldiers from the perspective of a war correspondent embedded with the troops. It details the harsh conditions, the camaraderie among Marines, and the intense battles against Japanese forces from August to December 1942.
See full summary
The Day of Battle
The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944
Rick Atkinson
The book provides a detailed account of the Allied campaign in Sicily and Italy during World War II, focusing on the strategic decisions, battlefield tactics, and personal stories of soldiers and commanders. It covers the challenges faced by the Allies, from the rugged terrain and fierce German resistance to the internal conflicts and logistical hurdles that shaped this pivotal phase of the war.
See full summary
Ardennes 1944
The Battle of the Bulge
Antony Beevor
The book provides a detailed account of the last major German offensive on the Western Front during World War II, focusing on the surprise attack in the Ardennes Forest and the fierce battles that ensued. It examines the strategies, hardships, and human experiences of both the Axis and Allied forces during this pivotal and brutal confrontation.
See full summary
In Harm's Way
The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors
Doug Stanton
The book recounts the tragic sinking of the USS Indianapolis by a Japanese submarine in 1945, which led to the deaths of hundreds of sailors due to exposure, dehydration, and shark attacks. It also details the harrowing survival story of the crew members who awaited rescue in the Philippine Sea for four days.
See full summary