Summaries of books about Military History:
Surprise, Kill, Vanish
The Secret History of CIA Paramilitary Armies, Operators, and Assassins
Annie Jacobsen
The book delves into the clandestine operations of the CIA, revealing the agency's use of paramilitary forces and covert actions throughout its history. It provides detailed accounts of the tactics and missions of operatives, as well as the political and ethical implications of their secret warfare.
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About Face
The Odyssey of an American Warrior
David H. Hackworth
The book is a candid memoir of Colonel David Hackworth, detailing his extensive military career from a young enlisted soldier in post-World War II Europe to a highly decorated officer in Vietnam. It offers a critical perspective on the U.S. military establishment and leadership during the Vietnam War, as well as Hackworth's own transformation from a staunch warrior to a vocal critic of the conflict.
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Incredible Victory
The Battle of Midway
Walter Lord
The book provides a detailed account of the pivotal World War II naval battle where American forces, despite being underdogs, managed to defeat the Japanese fleet near Midway Atoll. It combines thorough research with eyewitness accounts to bring to life the strategies, heroism, and turning points of this historic clash.
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WAR
Sebastian Junger
The book provides an intimate look at the lives of soldiers deployed in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan, one of the most dangerous postings in the U.S. military. It delves into the brotherhood, fear, and the psychological impacts of war on those who fight on the front lines.
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Women at War
Jan Casey
The book explores the diverse roles and experiences of women during wartime, highlighting their contributions and challenges across various conflicts. It delves into personal stories, military engagements, and the social and political impact of women's involvement in war.
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The Republic Of Pirates
Being the True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man Who Brought Them Down
Colin Woodard
The book delves into the golden age of piracy in the early 18th century, focusing on the lives of legendary pirates like Blackbeard, Charles Vane, and "Black Sam" Bellamy. It also chronicles the efforts of Woodes Rogers, a former privateer, who was instrumental in suppressing piracy and restoring order to the Bahamas under British rule.
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The Winter Fortress
The Epic Mission to Sabotage Hitler's Atomic Bomb
Neal Bascomb
The book chronicles the daring efforts of Norwegian resistance fighters during World War II as they undertake a perilous mission to destroy a heavy water production facility in Norway, which is crucial to Nazi Germany's atomic bomb development. It details the planning, execution, and aftermath of the operation, highlighting the bravery and ingenuity of the saboteurs in the face of extreme danger.
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SAS Ghost Patrol
The Ultra-Secret Unit That Posed as Nazi Stormtroopers
Damien Lewis
The book recounts the true story of a covert British Special Air Service (SAS) unit during World War II that undertook a daring mission, Operation Bulbasket, behind enemy lines in German-occupied France. Disguised as German soldiers, these elite troops conducted espionage, sabotage, and guerrilla warfare to disrupt the Nazis and pave the way for the Allied liberation of Europe.
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Boyd
The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War
Robert Coram
The book chronicles the life of John Boyd, a maverick fighter pilot and military strategist who revolutionized air combat with his Energy-Maneuverability theory and influenced modern warfare with his OODA Loop concept. It delves into his impact on military tactics, his confrontations with the Pentagon establishment, and his legacy in both the Air Force and beyond.
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Ashley's War
The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
The book chronicles the story of a pioneering all-female military unit, known as Cultural Support Teams, that was deployed to Afghanistan to support Special Operations forces by engaging directly with local women to gather intelligence. It focuses on the valor and camaraderie of these women, particularly First Lieutenant Ashley White, as they navigate the challenges of combat and break new ground in a male-dominated arena.
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