The Golden Brigade by Robert J. Dvorchak

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review

The Golden Brigade: The Untold Story of the 82nd Airborne in Vietnam and Beyond by Robert J. Dvorchak is a compilation of stories by those who served during this unpopular war from their time in Vietnam in the late 1960s as well as many years later as the men became more able to talk about their experiences. It provides a true feeling for what these men went through in 445 pages and 57 short chapters including an epilogue that describes their golden anniversary in June 2018 with a week of special events. The index is 22 pages, so those who served or who had family members in the 82nd can look up people and topics. There are 69 pages of photos and maps courtesy of the 82nd Airborne Museum, combat photos by professional photographers and by members of the 82nd. The stories are told in the present tense with dialogue where appropriate. This is history brought to life by an experienced journalist.

The 82nd Airborne's time in Vietnam began as a classified mission that morphed into a 22-month operation in two major areas of the country. 227 of their members died in Vietnam and are referred to as their Forever Young. They are listed on the memorial at Fort Bragg, NC, which predates the Vietnam memorial wall in Washington, DC. The Golden Brigade was formed while they were in Vietnam and refers to their sense of brotherhood. While this book focuses on just one group, their experiences were similar to those of other units serving. It is a valuable resource to those who want to understand the war from the viewpoint of the participants.

Review by Nancy Kauffman (April 2023)

 

Author's Synopsis

An epic tale of brotherhood forged during war as masterfully told by a lifelong journalist, war correspondent and U.S. Army veteran. The story tracks the exploits of the 82nd Airborne Division from its deployment in February of 1968 in response to the Tet Offensive through 22 months of combat during two of the most tumultuous years of American history. Not only is the story told through historical documents and unclassified material, the book gives voice to the voiceless through scores of interviews of combat veterans who are speaking publicly for the first time in five decades. Also part of the tale are the experiences of soldiers when they returned home and the decades spent in finding the gravesites of comrades killed in the war, including Medal of Honor recipient Felix Conde. This book has the power to heal the invisible wounds of a divisive war.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 473

Word Count: 100,000

Better Men by Steve Quesinberry

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review

Better Men by Steve Quesinberry is a impactful book that delves into the lives of 23 men from Coweta County, Georgia, who lost their lives in the Vietnam War between 1966 and 1971. As a high school history teacher in Newnan, Georgia, Quesinberry brings a unique perspective to this deeply emotional topic, providing a detailed and heartfelt account of their stories.
The socio-economic background of these men, who had limited choices upon dropping out or graduating from high school, either waited to be drafted or voluntarily joined the military to fight in Vietnam. Quesinberry paints a vivid picture of Coweta County's strong sense of patriotism, passed down by World War II veterans raising families in the county.
Quesinberry does not shy away from the gruesome reality of war, describing lethal injuries caused by bullets, shrapnel, or fire. The grief felt by the friends, fellow soldiers, and families of these men is palpable, and the book portrays the devastating impact of losing a loved one in a war that many did not fully understand.
Stories of two Medal of Honor recipients from Coweta County are told, highlighting their incredible bravery and valor in the face of adversity.
The book also includes the town of Newnan's relationship with the Vietnam War, with stories about the adoption of a helicopter unit during the war, the arrival of the Vietnam Memorial's Traveling Wall after the War, and Quesinberry's personal experience of teaching a Vietnam History course at the local high school.
Better Men is well-researched and deeply emotional, capturing the true human cost of war and the profound impact it has on individuals, families, and communities. The book is a compelling and poignant read, prompting deep reflection on patriotism, sacrifice, and the lasting effects of war.
A tribute to the lives of these 23 men who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War, it is recommended for history enthusiasts, those interested in the Vietnam War, and anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling.

Review by Frank Taylor (April 2023)

Author's Synopsis

There is more to the history of Coweta County than just the beautiful antebellum homes and the avoidance of General Sherman’s conflagration. Better Men presents, for the first time, the story of this rural Georgia county and its relationship with the Vietnam War. From the twenty-three men who lost their lives to the more recent recognition and honoring of the men who served in Vietnam, Coweta County’s connection with that unpopular war has been profound and wide-ranging. This is the Vietnam War seen through the eyes of one rural county in Georgia. It is a uniquely American story.

Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 506

Word Count: 168,446

Pearl Harbor: Remembering How We Served and Survived by MS2 Shannon R. Cooper, USNR (Ret.)

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

Author's Synopsis

This book is a collection of personal Pearl Harbor stories from actual survivors of Pearl Harbor to stories from the families of those who were at Pearl Harbor during the attack. It contains an accurate account of events as they took place on the fateful day of December 7, 1941.

Included in the book is a minute by minute account of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. There is information gathered from individual interviews of survivors and their families. These interviews give the readers a personal connection with the survivors and their families.

In reading the book, the readers will gather a true account and connection with those who survived. It will also give a better understanding of what truly took place on December 7, 1941, in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 179

Word Count: 38322

Defenders of the Rock: Sacrifice, courage, and honor, in the defense of the Philippines during World War II by Tim Deal, Spencer Huyck, Ashley Deal

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review

Defenders of the Rock is sobering compilation of twenty-four individual stories of American heroes who defended the Philippines at the very beginning of World War Two. From these stories emerges a comprehensive narrative of the service and sacrifice of soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, one coastguardsman, military nurses, and civilians who withstood the Imperial Japanese attack on the Philippine archipelago. The stories include the aftermath of the horrendous Bataan Death March for most, escape and resistance for some, and the deprivation during internment for military women and American civilians.

Because the book is written in a precise biographical style, you can read one section at a time. Given the grim fates of most of the people depicted, being able to only read a few sections at a time is benefit to the reader. Despite the somber nature of the book’s subject, it is inspirational and uplifting to learn from and recall the stories of the defenders of the Philippines.

Review by Terry Lloyd (April 2023)

 

Author's Synopsis

Defenders of the Rock preserves the stories of twenty-four individuals who were in the Philippines on December 8, 1941, when war came to the island nation. Their island way of life was shattered in an instant, when the first Japanese bombs exploded. Each story provides a unique perspective on what was occurring to those who were defending the Philippines as they fought back the invaders. They prayed that help would come, but it never arrived. The surrender of the Philippines occurred at noon on Wednesday, May 6, 1942. Of the twenty-four, some would escape capture only to die later during the war, others would become prisoners of war and survive, and others would die in captivity. Some would be tortured and live, while one of them was executed. These twenty-four serve as ambassadors whose courage, honor, and sacrifice represent the thousands of other similar stories we could not include.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 385

Word Count: 66,855

The Original Jeeps in Pictures by Paul R. Bruno

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review

The Original Jeeps in Pictures is written by Paul R. Bruno and is a follow-up book to his earlier works, The First Jeep and The Original Jeeps. The book is a chronological review of the development of the first Jeeps during the period preceding the United States’ entry into World War II. Author Bruno uses photographs and original procurement documents to walk the reader through the complicated process of developing a military vehicle from inception to production. The use of historical photographs of events that were happening while the Jeep was being developed imparts a sense of the critical nature of this vehicle’s importance in preparing the USA for a war that was clearly on the horizon.

Author Bruno uses the photos and the original procurement documents to tell the story of how the Jeep evolved over the years leading to World War II. The author does not tell a story per se in this book; rather he uses comments and narratives about the photographs and documents to tie the story together and explain why the photograph or document on a particular page is significant to his story. Some of the procurement documents might be too bureaucratic in nature for readers who do not have experience with government procurement processes; however, the use of the documents offers the reader a view of the complexities involved in bringing any invention to life in the military-industrial complex that existed before World War II.

This book will be of interest to those who are interested in the history of World War II, especially the United States’ lead-up and preparation at a time when the primary political attitude in the country was isolationism. This book will also be of interest to modern day Jeep enthusiasts who want to know something about the early development of the modern-day Jeep 4x4 vehicle that so many outdoors people view as the ultimate macho vehicle. The Original Jeeps in Pictures is not so much a discussion of the development of the first Jeeps as it is a visual salute to those early vehicles.

Review by Larry Sharrar (February 2023)

 

Author's Synopsis

The spring and summer of 1940 witnessed the resounding defeat of the French Army and British Expeditionary Force at the hands of a modernized German Army, designed to take advantage of the latest advances in technology. This included mobile vehicles, tanks used in formation to puncture enemy lines, as well as close air support of ground forces. The evacuation of the British from Dunkirk, and the final defeat of their French ally in June 1940, left only a thin line of English fighter planes between that island nation and total defeat.

While events unfolded rapidly in Europe, leaders of the United States Army, decimated by demobilization after World War I and budget cuts during the Great Depression, knew they were completely unprepared for this new type of mobile warfare, called Blitzkrieg or “lightning war.” Experts in the Army had worked from the end of World War I to develop a combined light weapons carrier and command/reconnaissance vehicle—but with limited success. In June 1940 the military compiled a list of requirements for a revolutionary new truck to replace the cart and mule as the Army’s primary method of moving troops and small payloads.

This book tells the story in images of the American Bantam Car Company, Willys-Overland Motors, Inc., and the Ford Motor Company, who all dared to meet the challenge to build pilot models, and eventually production models, of this vehicle. Their journey throughout 1940 and into 1941 comprises a story from which legends come. Overcoming incredible challenges and long odds these firms built the original ¼-ton truck 4x4 “lights”, later known as the iconic Jeep.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 206

Word Count: 8,500

Red Markers: The Rest of the Story by Gary N. Willis

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review

This is the story of U.S. Air Force pilots and enlisted ground crews performing the Forward Air Control (FAC) mission for the Republic of Vietnam military during the Vietnam War. Artillery and airstrikes in the vicinity of friendly ground troops has always been a perilous operation, especially before our current era of precision guided munitions, GPS, and secure communications. While artillery spotting from aircraft started in World War I, faster aircraft introduced during the Korean War led to development of the FAC concept, which reached a peak during the Vietnam War. The Red Markers operated in isolation and in austere environments, with U.S. Army advisors and Special Forces among the Vietnamese airborne troops. This is the second of two books by the author on the Red Markers and builds on the first book with further information on operations with the Vietnamese airborne troops. Through this story, the reader obtains a unique perspective on the major battles and campaigns of the Vietnam War. Five appendices provide a glossary and rosters of the offices and enlisted who served with the Red Markers, as well as other interesting information. This book makes a great reference for this chapter in U.S. Air Force history that is little known but serves as an outstanding example of service and sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

Review by Terry Lloyd (March 2023)

 

Author's Synopsis

Red Markers: The Rest of the Story is a sequel to Red Markers, Close Air Support for the Vietnamese Airborne, 1962-1975, published in 2012. The Rest of the Story expands on the history of the Red Marker FAC detachment with more stories about the 175 airmen who served in the unit. It includes accounts from U.S. Army advisors in MACV Team 162 who fought alongside the Vietnamese Airborne for more than a decade. It also chronicles support provided by other forward air controllers and from Medevac, Cobra gunship, and field artillery units. Stories include the opening hours of the Cambodian Incursion in 1970, the daring rescue of a downed Medevac crew, and fierce battles by the Airborne during the Easter Offensive of 1972. A chapter on Dumb Things in the War Zone captures a lighter side of the unit history. The final story covers the shipboard escape of hundreds of South Vietnamese led by a Catholic seminary student.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 304

Word Count: 100,959

The Boys of St. Joe's '65 in The Vietnam War by Dennis G. Pregent

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review

Dennis Pregent’s The Boys of St. Joe’s 65 in the Vietnam War is a very personalized account of twelve people from a small school in a small town in Massachusetts. They all did what they did for different reasons, all bonded together by their school and the Vietnam War.

Eleven men and one woman are featured. The eleven men all served; seven in the Army, three in the Marines, and one in the Navy. One was an officer, the rest enlisted. Most saw combat. All were from blue collar families, and every one of their fathers was a World War II veteran.

One of the eleven was killed in action; two were seriously wounded, with one of those paralyzed from the waist down. Most of the rest carry significant scars seen and unseen, including PTSD and Agent Orange exposure. The lone young woman found herself on the opposite side, protesting the war, much to her veteran father’s chagrin. Though she hated the war, she loved her classmates who fought in it, and their wounds hurt her deeply.

The information was gathered after long sessions with each of the survivors, or in some cases their families. The author does a great job of tying the stories together; one section about one of the young men might mention two of the others featured in other parts of the book, tying them together and adding a poignant depth to the book. These were intertwined lives, not numbers on the evening news, and their stories are told in a well-written and very personal manner. I especially liked how the author made a point to highlight the similarities and differences between those featured, both as people and as members of the military. The book includes a glossary of military terms and many clear photos to help further the understanding of those whose stories are told.

Those who served in the Vietnam War, or who are interested in memoirs from that war, will find this book valuable and well worth the read.

Review by Rob Ballister (February 2023)

 

Author's Synopsis

Eleven high school friends in idyllic North Adams, Massachusetts, enlisted to serve in Vietnam, and one stayed behind to protest the war. All were from patriotic, working class families, all members of the class of 1965 at Saint Joseph's School. Dennis Pregent was one of them. He and his classmates joined up-most right out of school, some before graduating-and endured the war's most vicious years. Seven served in the Army, three in the Marine Corps, and in the Navy. After fighting in a faraway place, they saw the trajectories of their lives dramatically altered. One died in combat, another became paralyzed, and several still suffer from debilitating conditions five decades later. Inspired by his 50th high school reunion, Pregent located lhis classmates, rekindled friendships, and-together, over hours of interviews-they rememberd the war years.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 248

Word Count: 90,000+

Disaster on the Spanish Main by Craig S. Chapman

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review

Disaster on the Spanish Main: The Tragic British-American Expedition to the West Indies during the War of Jenkin’s Ear is written by Craig S. Chapman and is a historical recounting of Britain’s ill-conceived and poorly executed attack on the Spanish Main. The book is well-researched and contains enough footnotes and charts to please the most enthusiastic history reader. The book is comparable in many ways to similar books, both fiction and nonfiction, written by better known authors who write about the British Navy of the Georgian Period.

Author Chapman goes into great detail regarding the underlying conflict between Army General, Major General Thomas Wentworth, who was in charge of the British Land Forces, and Vice Admiral of the Blue, Edward Vernon, who was in charge of the Royal Navy Forces. Each needed the other to achieve their professional and personal objectives, and yet neither one could tolerate the other or work cooperatively to the desired goal, the subrogation of the Spanish Main. The only thing that the two officers appeared to have in common, was their total disdain for the American Colonials, which had been brought into the Royal Army at the direction of King George II. In addition to the primary conflict between Wentworth and Vernon, the author also discussed in some detail the secondary conflict on the Spanish side between Vice Admiral Blas de Lezo and Viceroy Eslava of Cartagena, which had its own negative impact on the defensive side of the war.

Chapman’s book is long, but reads quickly. Thanks to an enthusiastic writing style, the reader will move quickly through the material. The work is heavily footnoted, but is written in such a manner as to allow the reader to push on with the reading and come back to review the footnotes at their leisure. Sourcing and the extensive Bibliography are on par with what a reader would expect from a book of this nature.

Review by Larry Sharrar (February 2023)
 

Author's Synopsis

Disaster on the Spanish Main unveils and illuminates an overlooked yet remarkable episode of European and American military history and a land-sea venture to seize control of the Spanish West Indies that ended in ghastly failure. Thirty-four years before the Battles of Lexington and Concord, a significant force of American soldiers deployed overseas for the first time in history. Colonial volunteers, 4,000 strong, joined 9,000 British soldiers and 15,000 British sailors in a bold amphibious campaign against the key port of Cartagena de Indias. From its first chapter, Disaster on the Spanish Main reveals a virtually unknown adventure, engrosses with the escalating conflict, and leaves the reader with an appreciation for the struggles and sacrifices of the 13,000 soldiers, sailors, and marines who died trying to conquer part of Spain’s New World empire.

Disaster on the Spanish Main breaks new ground on the West Indies expedition in style, scope, and perspective and uncovers the largely untold American side of the story.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 410

Word Count: 123,000

Rare Bird: Hispanic Military Pilots of the USA by Rudolph C. Villarreal

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review

As an Air Force veteran, I found this book to be a profound "joy of discovery," and it should be read by all Americans. Of these over 100 Hispanic military pilots, there are no less than eleven flag officers (generals or admirals), three astronauts, and eight aces. Also included is Colonel Cesar Rodriguez, a retired F-15 pilot who is one of three pilots, post-Vietnam, who achieved three aerial victories, where there have been no aces since that war. Because the book is written in a precise biographical style, it is possible to appreciate the great accomplishments of many of these pilots and realize the unspoken tragedy and sacrifice of many others who gave their lives in the defense of the United States. This is a great reference for military and aviation history applications.

Review by Terry Lloyd (June 2022)

 

Author's Synopsis

They may have been Rare but they were There, serving in every Theater of Operations.  In a society that did not always welcome Hispanics, these men persevered.  Becoming a military pilot was not easy.  One had to be a cut above the average person.  College was a must although this requirement had been dropped during wartime.  And then, only those who were able to pass the stringent physical and mental tests were allowed to begin flight school and subsequently endure a year or more of a stressful training process that would eliminate some of the students.  Those who succeeded received their wings and joined a fraternity of aviators that served the country admirably in peacetime and war.

Tempe, Arizona based historian and author Rudy Villarreal has published his new book which features 101 stories of these pilots, from a list of over 300 who have served in the US military since the early days of aviation.  One of these featured is quite famous in the sports world: Ted Williams considered to be one of the greatest players in major league baseball history.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Pearl Harbor's Final Warning by Valarie J Anderson

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review

Pearl Harbor’s Final Warning by Valarie J. Anderson is a historical account of the message that arrived too late. The book details events leading up to, during, and after the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack on the beautiful tropical paradise of Oahu. Anderson weaves a horrific tale of loss and tragedy into the everyday lives of the people on the island who were most directly affected. It was, indeed, a day that lives in infamy.

Anderson provides an account from the archives of her grandfather, George Street, who was the District Manager of RCA-Honolulu. In addition, the author had access to many documents, decoded messages, and family memories from her uncle George Street, Jr. and her mother, Barbara Street. These documents demonstrate the many errors in communication that resulted in the awful consequences of the Japanese airstrike.

On that fateful day, Washington sent a message about a potential Japanese attack to its Pacific outposts—all except Pearl Harbor. All who received the message had time to prepare for an assault. Pearl Harbor’s Final Warning, subtitled A Man, A Message, and Paradise Lost, documents in detail the flaws of governmental bureaucracy that resulted in the carnage that day. The Street family was immediately embroiled in this historical boondoggle.

This book is an example of the importance of communications and good intelligence. The story illustrates weaknesses of politicians and leaders at every level of government, including the military. The flawed decisions they made affected not only the service members but all civilians living in the islands of Hawaii.

Pearl Harbor’s Final Warning is a well-researched book about America's military preparations and/or lack of preparation, communications, and coordination between the U.S. Armed Forces leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Review by Nancy Panko (May 2022)

Author's Synopsis

On 7 December 1941, Washington sent a message to its Pacific outposts about a potential Japanese attack. All but Pearl Harbor received it in time to prepare. 

New information from the archives of George Street, District Manager of RCA-Honolulu, exposes the fatal flaws that resulted in the surprise attack. Operational snafus, collusion, and spies weave a web of misdirection that entangles George Street and his children in one of history's biggest mistakes. Pearl Harbor's Final Warning amends the historical record by presenting unpublished material, including the original copy of Marshall's coded message.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 354

Maritime Unmanned by Ernest Snowden & Robert F. Wood Jr.

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review

For those of us outside the government and defense industry, Maritime Unmanned is a golden nugget of information. Authors Ernest Snowden and Robert F. Wood do a superb job of giving a historical perspective on 100 years of Naval aircraft deployment, and pointing to the next new challenge, all on the first page. It’s an intriguing outline for what is to come in this book.

Maritime Unmanned is a fascinating story for anyone interested in Naval aircraft or the US Naval service and is a historical account of the growth in UAV development, both from an amalgamation of program convergence, innovation, and development and the politics of people coming together to forge a new military program.

Due to the 100-year scope of the story, detail can get a bit overwhelming. But this work provides a comprehensive investigation of the details surrounding Naval aviation history, which is a compound undertaking. The intrigue of politics, inner-workings of the military/industrial complex, technology advances through the years, and continual paradigm shifts present a deep subject in a brief retail format. The authors succeeded in telling their story with adequate protagonist and antagonist depth of character while not losing sight of the storyline—definitely a good read for someone interested in Naval aviation and/or military drone development.

Review by Robert Lofthouse (May 2022)
 

Author's Synopsis

Maritime Unmanned recounts the promising beginning, demoralizing setbacks and ultimate success experienced by teams of Navy and Industry visionaries who committed themselves to bringing revolutionary UAS technology to a legacy Navy mission – the very first time in the history of naval aviation that an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle was adopted into frontline squadron inventories, in this instance as an enabling component of the maritime patrol and reconnaissance mission. What should have been a fairly uncomplicated cross-service transition of a DARPA and Air Force-developed UAS (Global Hawk) took twenty years to nurture and mature through introduction of the concept to realization of its initial operational capability. 

The authors take the reader deep inside the machinations of aerospace & defense industry leadership, strategy development and execution; alongside industry representatives and Navy counterparts socializing an unfamiliar and unconventional concept of operations in their effort to cultivate new adherents; and into the dialogues of senior government acquisition officials, who either advocated for the concept or purposely road-blocked its advancement, revealing the motivations for those actions.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 262

When the Beaches Trembled by Zach S. Morris

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review

When the Beaches Trembled is a riveting story about the men who served on small landing craft infantry (LCI) ships during World War II. The author, Zach S. Morris, demonstrated his strengths as both a tremendous historian and a gifted writer. This book is particularly interesting as Morris personalized the story from the eyes of his grandfather, Steven Ganzenberger, who served on LCIs in the grueling Pacific campaign in constant combat conditions for two years.

Morris tells the tale of not only the island-hopping campaign but also the toll life on the LCIs took on the individuals assigned to these flat-bottomed floating corks. LCI missions included amphibious assault landing craft, gunboats, and rocket ships to name a few. The author shares details including lack of fresh water or laundry facilities, appalling bathroom and hygiene conditions, minimal food rations, no liberty, and frequent seasickness caused by the ship's shallow draft and small size. Top this with kamikaze attacks, perpetual general quarters, and non-stop operations, and this did not make for an easy life. Despite all this, the Greatest Generation pulled through to victory, and many remembered those days of camaraderie and brotherhood as “the best days of their lives.”

This story is meticulously documented, and it shows in both the author's heartfelt introduction and in his final research notes. The many citations portrayed in the men's own words gathered from personal interviews and extensive research made this story read more like a movie. The reader got to know and empathize with those courageous men and wonder how they kept going day after day, battle after battle. This book is highly recommended for anyone who has an interest in learning about World War II in the Pacific and a group of its sailors who received little notoriety.

The author sums it up perfectly in his final words:

“For when the beaches trembled, it meant that the mere mortal men of the LCIs like my grandfather were taking their stand against tyranny and oppression that will forever echo through the corridors of immortality.”

Review by Valerie Ormond (June 2022)

 

Author's Synopsis

When Stephen Ganzberger enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the outset of World War II, he never imagined what would await him and his shipmates in the Pacific Islands, as they journeyed aboard a newly-designed ship called a Landing Craft Infantry (LCI). American sailors like Ganzberger—who answered their nation’s call and fought on the tiny LCIs—had the perilous job of delivering troops directly onto enemy-held beaches, in some of the fiercest combat of the war. As part of General Douglas MacArthur’s South Pacific campaign, Ganzberger faced death from Japanese bombers, torpedoes, and kamikaze attacks. All during the largest naval conflict in history.

In this long-awaited, richly-illustrated new book, Zach S. Morris weaves a vivid narrative of the World War II Pacific Theater, drawn from declassified military documents, maps, photos, and over a decade of interviews and research. Through his grandfather Stephen’s journey and the deeply personal accounts of other veterans, When the Beaches Trembled brings to life the incredible true story of the LCIs in the Second World War: a story rarely told, until now.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 368

War During Peace: A Strategy for Defeat by William Hamilton, Ph.D.

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review
War During Peace tackles a controversial and heavily documented period in recent history but manages to provide new perspectives and insights. The author takes the time to carefully research and organize a framework for his approach before laying out his conclusions. Decisions made by both political and military leaders are presented against the structure of established definitions of sound strategy, both global and military.

Dr. Hamilton offers the fresh perspective of a scholar who was also intimately involved in the conflict at the senior command level. Although the historic facts that he presents are well known, he uses the first-person accounts of an impressive number of participants in tracking the unsteady march to US failure in Vietnam.

Although Dr. Hamilton is a career Army officer, he does not avoid examining the cultural factors that made the US military vulnerable to the political processes that drove the US to defeat. He highlights critical points where stronger positions by military leaders (especially Army senior leaders) might have persuaded civilian authorities to adopt more successful policies and tactics.

No disaster is the result of a single blunder or mistake. A thoughtful reader of War During Peace should discover a clearer picture of what actually went wrong—and what did not—in Vietnam during the decades between 1955 and 1975. Despite a few formatting problems, the reader will find many explanations for the decisions that led to American forces fighting a war in Vietnam while the rest of the nation remained at peace.

Review by Peter Young (March 2020)
 

Author's Synopsis

War During Peace: A Strategy for Defeat offers a probing examination of civil-military relationship gone wrong is a major contribution to military science and to the field of civil-military relations. Detailing the flaws in the Johnson Administration's Strategy of Attrition and the folly of thinking the gradual application of airpower could "modify" the behavior of the North Vietnamese leadership. War During Peace: A Strategy for Defeat exposes the thinking of those who made the Vietnam War impossible for our military to win and how our political leadership continues to make many of the same mistakes in Afghanistan and Iraq. Researched and written by award-winning author, Dr. William Hamilton, this book reveals insights into the conflict through personal interviews with many of the then retired generals and admirals who served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the McNamara Era.

Praise for War During Peace: A Strategy for Defeat: “This is the best book yet on the origins of the Vietnam War and how politicians continue to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory”—Lt. General Thomas G. McInerney, USAF (Ret.), a former fighter pilot who served four combat tours in Vietnam. “Why was the American public so poorly informed about the War in Vietnam? For some of the answers read: War During Peace: A Strategy for Defeat, in particular, read Chapter VI ‘Troops, Time, TET, and Truth.’”—Joseph L. Galloway co-author of We Were Soldiers Once…and Young: Ia Drang—The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam (1991), and co-author of We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam (2009). “Right on target! War During Peace exposes the thinking of those who made the Vietnam War impossible to win and how our political leadership keeps making many of the same mistakes in Afghanistan and Iraq.”—Rear Admiral H. Denny Wisely, USN (Ret.), former commander of the Navy’s Blue Angels, former commander of the USS John F. Kennedy, and recently the author of Green Ink;

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 416

101 Trailblazing Women of Air and Space: Aviators and Astronauts by Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D.

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review
Dr. Penny Rafferty’s book, 101 Trailblazing Women of Air and Space, is a colorful and well researched work regarding some of the most amazing women in the history of aviation.

In addition to the well-known Amelia Earhart, there are 100 other brief tales of overcoming discrimination, prejudice, and financial difficulties, all in pursuit of becoming airborne. The author makes a specific effort to capture women from all eras of aviation history, from the very beginning of flight to some of the most recent female astronauts. She also covers women from all nationalities and cultures, including African American women and Asian women.
Most of the book is devoted to small biographies of each heroine, sorted alphabetically. However, the second section contains very interesting information regarding several woman-focused aviation and industrial associations and organizations.

Overall, the book is both educational and entertaining. This reviewer was very interested in the all-female Russian bomber squadron of World War II, nicknamed the Night Witches, as well as learning about the women who were selected to undergo astronaut training with the initial Mercury astronauts.

Fans of aviation history are sure to enjoy this book!

Review by Rob Ballister (February 2022)

 

Author's Synopsis

Packed with authentic stories and photographs of trailblazing women of air and space who have made world history. True stories of many female pilots and astronauts serving in the military worldwide. Quotes from aviation and aerospace industry leaders about this important history are: Ben Sclair, Publisher, General Aviation News, "True stories of aviation and aerospace women with 'the right stuff' are always inspiring and important to read." Patty Wagstaff, three-time U.S. National Aerobatics Champion. "What a great look at the International women who blazed trails in sky and space." Amy Spowart, President National Aviation Hall of Fame. "Throughout aviation's history women have excelled and made essential contributions to the success and advancement of aviation. The trailblazers shared in Hamilton's book(s) serve as perpetual inspiration for those who come after." Jacqueline Boyd, Ph.D. Chair, Amelia Earhart Memorial Fund, The Ninety-Nines, Inc. "It is always a joy to read about inspiring female pilots and astronauts. Penny Hamilton never fails to deliver." John King, co-founder of King Schools. "This book is a great contribution to the aviation and aerospace community." An extensive "Explore More/Bibliography" demonstrates the academic research used to support this important contribution to aviation, aerospace, and women's history. This book is an inspiring career and education project partially sponsored by Epic Flight Academy in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Available in hardback, trade paperback, and Kindle eBook formats.

ISBN/ASIN: 978-0578322377

Book Format(s): Hard cover

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 316

Zone of Action: A JAG's Journey Inside Operations Cobra II and Iraqi Freedom by Colonel Kirk G. Warner, USAR (Ret.)

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review
Zone of Action is a first-hand account of a different side of the 2003 invasion of Iraq and its aftermath. While the coalition’s bombs fell and ground forces rolled over the wire, Lt. Col. Kirk G. Warner and his JAG team refined and enforced the rules of engagement and advised senior leadership on legal matters. When Baghdad fell, they moved in to rebuild and reform a shattered legal system built on the vestiges of decades of brutal repression. The author’s compilation of journal entries, essays and emails follow the action from the command centers of Kuwait to the streets and courtrooms of Baghdad, and beyond.

Entertaining and informative, the book is a front-row seat to historically significant events with key actors, some of which the reader may find familiar. The vivid accounts read like a series of boisterous adventures as Warner zips around Iraq on C-130s, helicopters, and Humvee gun-trucks. The reader rides along as Warner works to reconstruct a fair and effective court system, dismantle the mechanisms of the fallen dictator’s reign of terror, and addresses high-profile criminal activity.

Warner’s colorful prose, descriptive narrative, and wit provide an immersive reading experience. Touching side-stories and anecdotes about living in an active war zone add depth and humanity. While there is repetition, a few editing opportunities, and a heavy dose of military jargon, the book’s readability improves after the first few sections, and the author provides a glossary. Certain gallows humor and a clear pro-war stance give the book an authentic flavor and energy that might turn off certain readers, but this doesn’t detract from its central premise.

Zone of Action is a stimulating read and a testament to a talented team of legal professionals who successfully accomplished a monumental task in the face of overwhelming odds. It should appeal to a wide audience, in particular, fans of military and political history, and legal fiction and non-fiction.

MWSA Review by Ingo Kaufman (March 2022)

 

Author's Synopsis

Zone of Action is a front-row seat to major combat operations, leadership, tragedy, and nation-building. These are the war-theater observations of a senior Army JAG constantly in the thick of the war, the occupation, and the Iraqi community. He tells the inside-the-war-room story of Operations Cobra II and Iraqi Freedom during the march to Baghdad and the nation-building beyond. It details his official and inner journeys and those of soldiers and Iraqis encountered along the way. It reveals the sacrifice of many unsung heroes and the challenges of liberating and occupying a broken country. It shows the character of our soldiers and leaders . . . and the occasional lack of it. But above all things, it is an honest, often humorous romp through war by someone deep in the arena.

ISBN/ASIN: ISBN 978-1-64663-139-1, ISBN 978-1-64663-137-7, ISBN 978-1-64663-138-4, Library of Congress Control Number: 2020911734

Book Format(s): Hard cover, Soft cover, ePub/iBook

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 302

Key to Command by Michael Godbout

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review
The title, Key to Command: The WWII Journey of the 50th Signal Battalion from Iceland to Germany with Exercise Tiger, D-Day, The Bulge, and Nordhousen Along the Way, accurately suggests the breadth of information covered in author Michael Godbout’s book.

The author includes the broader context of campaigns and battles, and the details of participation and contributions made by the 50th Signal Battalion. Particularly admirable, the author uses extensive interviews with veterans and research to provide firsthand accounts. Experiences like a death in the unit, celebrations, and moments of heroism are provided by quotes from veterans.

The book delivers a deep and respectful education in the work, lives, sacrifices, bravery, and honor due to the men of the 50th Signal Battalion in WWII. The writing respects the efforts of the “little guy,” those doing jobs which civilians might mistake as safe or simple.

I came away from this book with a deep respect for the work of the 50th Signal Battalion and the men who served. I recommend this book to anyone hoping to understand the experiences of soldiers, the work of signal battalions, and the complexities of battle logistics.

Review by Barb Evenson (March 2022)

 

Author's Synopsis

There are hundreds of history books that recount the US Army’s participation in World War II, but there are very few that tell the story as it was seen through the eyes of the Signal Soldier. Michael Godbout brings months and years to life through this vivid narrative of the 50th Signal Battalion’s service during the period of its activation from 1940 to 1945. Through extensive research and interviews with veterans, the author is able to recount the unit’s history through an amazing series of photographs and firsthand accounts.

More than anything, Key to Command is a history about soldiers, about men who sacrificed and risked their lives to defend their country against an enemy determined to destroy it.

The 50th Signal Battalion was activated July 1, 1940, at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, not long before the United States was drawn into World War II. In September of 1941, a portion of the Battalion was sent to Iceland, followed by the rest in January of 1942 in order to build a communications infrastructure for Iceland Base Command on the island. Upon completion of that assignment, the Battalion was sent to England to prepare for the invasion of continental Europe. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the Battalion landed on Utah Beach in support of VII Corp and its assigned units, which continued until the end of the war in Europe.

Much of the information and many of the photographs contained in this book came from meeting or conversing over the phone with World War II veterans of the 50th Signal Battalion or the surviving members of their families.

ISBN/ASIN: ISBN 9781643073309, ASIN B09618FBLW

Book Format(s): Hard cover, Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 400

Military Wives in Arizona Territory by Jan Cleere

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review
Unlike many formal histories which put theory and context front and center, Military Wives in Arizona Territory by Jan Cleere honors the first-hand experiences of women who followed their military spouses to the remote outposts in the American West. The book gives an authentic, immediate account of their travel to and from the outposts, life on the frontier and their homes.

The author has assembled letters, diaries, interviews, published books, and unpublished manuscripts to allow the women to tell their stories directly, and in their own words. The author does provide some context, but does not overshadow the women's own descriptions of their experience.

Each section focuses on a particular woman or group of women. It usually begins with a recounting of their journey across the country. Sometimes beginning with a long train ride or sea voyage through the Panama Canal, the women then moved with wagon trains or by oxen carts through dangerous territories. They speak of their fears: the attacks by Indian tribes, loss of their husbands through battle or accident, and the illnesses which took many along the way.

The book also contrasts the privileged life left behind in the East with the deprivation and rough conditions in the remote outposts. Although most of the women were officers' wives and therefore afforded more than soldiers' families, those privileges might be the use of boxes covered with linen to make up tables and chairs. They recount the creativity necessary to entertain visiting dignitaries or even to feed their families when food supplies were uncertain.

Military Wives powerfully shows the devotion, duty, creativity and grit of women who chose to share life on the frontier with their husbands. It provides a valuable and vivid window into life during a critical period in our history. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy authentic, first-person history, and those with particular interest in women's history and frontier military history.

Review by Barb Evenson (June 2021)
 

Author's Synopsis
When the US Army ordered troops into Arizona Territory in the nineteenth century to protect and defend newly established settlements, military men often brought their wives and families, particularly officers who might be stationed in the west for years. Most of the women were from refined, eastern-bred families with little knowledge of the territory. Their letters, diaries, and journals from their years on army posts reveal untold hardships and challenges. They learned to cope with the sparseness, the heat, sickness, and danger, including wildlife they never imagined. These women were bold, brave, and compassionate. They became an integral part of military posts that peppered the West and played an important role in civilizing the untamed frontier. Combining their words with original research and tracing their movements from post to post, this collection of historical narratives explores the tragedies and triumphs that early military wives experienced.

ISBN/ASIN: 9781493052943

Book Format(s): Hard cover, Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 199

The Other Veterans of World War II by Rona Simmons

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review
Many hundreds of soldiers, airmen, and sailors behind battle lines support the few carrying the rifle forward into combat. These unrecognized and inconspicuous warriors fade into the background but are there with everything from bullets to beer. They move combatants to or from the battlefields and bandage bodies or bury the dead. Author Rona Simmons looks behind the frontlines—revealing some even more daring accounts of those who did not engage in combat officially, never marching in the parade of accolades—to capture nineteen personal stories, seventy-five years following World War II.

Daughter of a WW II fighter pilot, Rona Simmons, writing The Other Veterans of World War II, brings to life memories of “heroes” who were not in the trenches. This book honors unsung veterans with details garnered through the author’s interviews, supported with families’ records and photos. This excellently crafted book, including an appendix, notes, selected bibliography, and index, is divided into parts. Each part begins with a history-setting preamble explaining the conditions behind the personal accounts in the following short series. Simmons completes each personal story with a brief epilogue detailing their life following their war experience. The nineteen stories reveal that unsung supporting troops contributed as much to victory as the soldier aiming a gun. This book is an essential example of stories that needed to be told. Further, this book offers, by example, an ideal form, from meticulous research and captivating writing, for others to tell their stories.

Review by Tom Beard (July 2021)

 

Author's Synopsis
For decades, the dramatic stories of World War II soldiers have been the stuff of memoirs, interviews, novels, documentaries, and feature films. Yet the men and women who served in less visible roles, never engaging in physical combat, have received scant attention.

Convinced that their depiction as pencil pushers, grease monkeys, or cowards was far from the truth, Rona Simmons embarked on a quest to discover the real story from the noncombat veterans themselves. She sat across from 19 veterans or their children, read their letters and journals, looked at photos, and touched their mementos: pieces of shrapnel, a Japanese sword, a porcelain tea set, a pair of wooden shoes, a marquisette wedding gown.

Compiling these veterans’ stories, Simmons follows them as they report for service, complete their training, and often ship out to stations thousands of miles from home. She shares their dreams to see combat and disappointment at receiving noncombat positions, as well as their selflessness and yearning for home. Ultimately, Simmons finds the noncombat veterans had far more in common with the front line soldiers than differences.

Simmons’s extensive research gives us a more complete picture of the war effort, bringing long-overdue appreciation for the men and women whose everyday tasks, unexpected acts of sacrifice, and faith and humor contributed mightily to the ultimate outcome of World War II.

ISBN/ASIN: 978-1606353981, 1606353985, B085J29NBL

Book Format(s): Hard cover, Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 240

Not For God and Country by William Murphy

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review
In his book, Not for God or Country, author William Murphy gives us a good look back at the war in Vietnam. Murphy does a good job in mixing his own personal experiences as a marine in the conflict (1968) along with a history lesson. Summarizing the brief history of the country of Viet Nam after WWII, the author provides insight into the French attempts to maintain control of the country and America’s subsequent attempt to keep South Vietnam an independent, democratic nation.

Murphy writes from a marine's perspective, reflecting how combat affected him and other soldiers. He describes what life was like: the hardships, the fears, the changes one had to make to adapt and survive. He tells what it was like coming home to an environment where it was best not to advertise that you served, and the painfully slow process the country went through before honoring those who returned. The book discusses the peace accords, the return of the POWs, and the never-ending search for those still missing. This is a good book that anyone interested in the war in Vietnam or military history in general should enjoy.

Review by Bob Doerr (May 2021)

 

Author's Synopsis
A true and definitive full story of the Vietnam War, written by an ex-Marine Grunt from a grunt's perspective. But unlike most books about Vietnam it tells the full story - from decisions made in 1945 and for the next twenty years, which led to the war that nobody wanted. It tells the history of the war, and the gritty reality of jungle combat fighting in impossible conditions against formidable foes. The story continues through the postwar period and the circumstances faced by returning vets in a nation that just wanted to forget and move on, and cared little.

ISBN/ASIN: 978-1-64663-273-2

Book Format(s): Soft cover, Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 272

They Were Soldiers by Marvin Wolf

Click on cover image to purchase a copy

MWSA Review
Marvin Wolf and Joseph Galloway have provided poignant, stirring accounts of the lives of nearly fifty Vietnam veterans in They Were Soldiers. Going beyond a simple retelling of their Vietnam experiences, Wolf and Galloway depict how these events shaped the lives of these people once they made it back home. Whether in Vietnam or back in the United States, these persons have made a broad impact on their families, friends, states, and nation, and their contributions are shared publicly in this book.

Wide-ranging is an accurate description of these narratives. Well-known names such as Chuck Hagel and Oliver Stone can be found alongside unfamiliar names such as Ted Gostas and Hal Kushner. The authors’ goal is to present a cross-section of individuals that accurately represent those that served in Vietnam. Men and women of each race and ethnicity, including Vietnamese refugees, are included in this broad category.
They all share one characteristic: they came back from the war changed by their experiences. Their stories are told in simple, plain terms, often incorporating their own words. The danger, sorrow, and despair of the war hang heavily in the book’s pages but clash deeply with the hope and resilience expressed by these individuals since the end of the war. The result is definitively inspiring.

This book should be considered a must-read by anyone interested in personal accounts from the Vietnam War. In addition, the uplifting, honest stories will more than likely make a positive impact for veterans in their post-war lives.

Review by Braden Hall (May 2021)

 

Author's Synopsis
They Were Soldiers showcases the inspiring true stories of 47 Vietnam veterans who returned home from the "lost war" to enrich America's present and future.

In this groundbreaking new book, the authors reveal the private lives of those who returned from Vietnam to make astonishing contributions in science, medicine, business, and other arenas, and change America for the better.

For decades, the soldiers who served in Vietnam were shunned by the American public and ignored by their government. Many were vilified or had their struggles to reintegrate into society magnified by distorted depictions of veterans as dangerous or demented. Even today, Vietnam veterans have not received their due. Until now. These profiles are touching and courageous, and often startling.

ISBN/ASIN: 978-1400208807

Book Format(s): Hard cover, Kindle, Audiobook

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 416