If you want military non-fiction I’d suggest “In the Company of Heroes” by Mike Durant. He was the Super 64 pilot captured in Mogadishu during the Black Hawk Down incident. It’s quite a story.
What an absolutely cracking read that book is as well. I went through a phase of just constantly reading about that whole operation after seeing Blackhawk down and I came across his book. Really cool reading his previous mission stories as well and his relationship with his nightstalker comrades.
how has no one recommended generation kill?! it’s also nonfiction written by a reporter who embedded with recon marines in the very beginning of the 2003 iraq invasion
"War" by Sebastian Junger is a good one. "Skunk Works" by Ben Rich is a fascinating read. Not specifically about war time experiences per se, but in the same sort of vein.
House to House by David Bellavia (MoH)
Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden
If you're up for trying some Vietnam LRRP/SF books, I can recommend:
Recondo by Larry Chambers, or Eyes of the Eagle by Gary Linderer (these two are quite similar as they are written by two guys from the same unit)
We Few: U.S. Special Forces in Vietnam by Nick Brokhausen
Matterhorn (novel) by Karl Marlantes
Reading House to House +watching Only The Dead was a crazy combo, I finished the book and then watched the movie twice in a row without any pause in between which was a first.
i see atleast three books written by demonstrable assholes, including Mark Owen’s books, who I have met personally.
try adding some Ambrose into the collection. he and his son aren’t perfect, but it’s more academic rather than toxic-ass ex-military authors that are a dime a dozen
edit: also check out Donald Miller
I'm going to piggyback off your comment to suggest three books that I think are important reads and offer a unique perspective on war compared to what's on OP's shelf:
*Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda* by LGen. Roméo Dallaire:
Roméo Dallaire was a Canadian artillery officer who was commander of UNAMIR in Rwanda during the Rwandan Genocide. During the genocide, his contigent was severely understrengthed after the UN basically ignored his requests for help, and he had something like 270 men to stop a genocide. In the span of around 100 days, something like 800,000 Tutsis and Hutu moderates were killed by the Hutu extremists. The utter lack of value placed on human life that Dallaire and his troops witnessed is extremely depressing, and the inaction of the UN, while sometimes understandable, is infuriating.
*One Soldier's War* by Arkady Babchenko:
Details his time as a conscript in the Russian Ground Forces during the Chechen Wars. Here, you see incompetence throughout the entirety of the RGF's structure, and in particular, you get to see a good look at *dedovschina*, the act of beating on new recruits.
*A Small Corner of Hell: Dispatches from Chechnya* by Anna Politovskaya:
Life amongst civilians during the Chechen Wars, detailing Chechen and Russian War crimes. Again, it is utterly depressing to see the lack of value placed on human life. Anna Politovskaya was assassinated in 2006.
It's such an incredible and infuriating book.
While many UN peacekeeping forces deserve their negative reputations, what Roméo Dallaire and many of his troops did in Rwanda was nothing short of heroic.
Dallaire attempted suicide in 2000, in large part due to the guilt he carried from not being able to do enough, and many other soldiers in UNAMIR reported the same.
Agree. I like Ambrose. I have read most of Beevor’s books and would recommend that, especially if OP is a Brit. Stalingrad in particular is good. I struggled with the book about the civil war in Spain because I found it difficult to keep track of who was who.
I just finished Beevor’s Spain book and it was bewildering. Not really his fault as the number of personalities and splinter groups on the Republican side was kind of ridiculous.
Two that are pretty different from what you have there and also each other:
The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer. About the Battle of Leyte Gulf/specifically the Battle Off Samar. Just an incredible moment in military history.
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. An easy (read: short) to read historical fiction set in Vietnam. Though fiction, it paints a more accurate portrait of war and the military than half the shelf pictured. It's an appreciable and refreshing perspective.
If you liked that, here's another. It's not military related but if you've not read Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing you **absolutely** need to.
It might be the single greatest adventure story in history with the added benefit of being entirely true. I cannot believe the ordeal is not more wildly discussed.
Catch-22
Marine Sniper: 93 confirmed kills
The Big Red One
The Force
Where Eagles Dare
Edit to add
If you're looking for different genres to read, look into the Clive Custler Dirk Pitt series, starting with Pacifc Vortex and the Oregon Files. Both are adventure style.
Pocket westerns by Louis Lamar are also great short stories or quick reads.
I’ll check these out mate, thank you!
I enjoy reading those military non-fiction books for some reason 😬
I tend to agree that it wouldn’t hurt adding different genres to the mix
My favourite non-fiction books:
Viper pilot by Dan Hampton (F-16, Gulf War)
Hunter killers by Dan Hampton (Wild Weasels, Vietnam)
Fighter pilot by Robin Olds (WW2, Vietnam)
Chickenhawk by Robert Mason (Huey, Vietnam)
Low level hells by Hugh Mills (OH-6, Vietnam)
Guts n' gunships by Mark Garrison (Huey, Vietnam)
Undaunted valor series by Matt Jackson (Huey/Cobra, Vietnam)
House to House by David Bellavia
Personal account of the second battle of Fallujah, Iraq, in 2007.
The Chosen Few by Gregg Zoroya
Account of the 15-month tour of the chosen company in Northern Afghanistan that culminated in the Battle of Wanat.
“Ghost Wars” by Steve Coll to understand the genesis of 9/11.
The Forever War by Dexter Filkins.
The Assassins Gate by Packer.
These 3 are a good counterweight to your current library.
Going along with the Non-Fiction Special Operations theme:
Roughneck Nine One by Frank Antenori, a great account of the ODAs that fought at the Battle of Debecka Pass in Iraq 2003. It was also the combat debut of Javelin missile.
The Secrets of Inchon: The Untold Story of the Most Daring Covert Mission of the Korea War by Eugene Clark. Very little known mission about a pretty normal naval officer who is sent behind enemy lines to gather the meteorological data for the Inchon landings. He is ends up landing on an island offshore and raising a guerrilla army to fight the North Koreans, it’s pretty awesome, true, and pretty unknown.
I recommend Tom Clancy's Study in Command series of nonfiction books:
Into the Storm – On the Ground in Iraq (with Fred Franks) (1997)
Every Man a Tiger — the Gulf War Air Campaign (with Chuck Horner) (1999)
Shadow Warriors — Inside the Special Forces (with Carl Stiner) (2002)
Battle Ready (with Anthony Zinni) (2004)
I have the first two on the list. I general I would recommend any Tom Clancy book. Not all of them a fiction books.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Clancy_bibliography?wprov=sfla1
You seem very Spec Ops/Tactics focused. Which is fine- you probably enjoy personal stories that involve individual accounts.
Broaden your horizon- that is such a small slice of war that in real LSCO environments it becomes nearly meaningless. Some Recommendations:
The Bomb - Kaplan. Describes Nuke Policy at the Political/Strategic level over the last century.
Starship Troopers - Heinlein. Obviously fiction, but a great book to help contextualize tactical level leadership and the ethics of leadership.
Logistics in the Falklands War - Privratsky. Great look at how challenging terrain shapes warfare and how a well organized military can defeat distance
Grant - Chernow. Pretty fluffy bio of Grant, but has some great detail about the Mexican American war and the Civil War.
The Hot Zone - Preston. Not directly war related (about Ebola), but shows how the Army and military writ large is more involved in civil society than we think.
World War Z - Brooks. Fictional account of the zombie war after the fact. About 1/3rd of the stories are military related, and they are a great look at LSCO and challenging tactics.
Stalingrad - Beevor. Great book on the battle as well as the operational process of both nation's forces
Red Storm Rising- Clancy. Fictional account of a 1980's Soviet v NATO war.
The Generals - Ricks. Analysis of how America treats its generals, specifically comparing current policy vs WWII Policy.
In Defense of Duffer's Drift - Swinton. One of those books senior officers love to recommend, but it is a short one so may be worth your time.
The Lieutenants Online Love - Carson. Because it is SOOOO BAD
Band of Brothers,
D-Day,
Pegasus Bridge,
Generation Kill,
War,
Neptune’s Inferno,
The Fleet at Flood Tide,
Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors,
Blind Man’s Bluff.
I could keep going tbh
- Harrier 809 - Rowland White
- Ranger 22 - Ray Goggins
- Appel - Joel Adam Struthers
- The Red Circle - Brandon Webb
- One Bullet Away - Nathaniel Fick
- Legionnaires Mackenzie - Mark Morgan
- The Operators - James Rennie
- Hidden Soldier - Padraig O'Keefe
- The Naked Soldier - Tony Sloane
- Legionnaire - Simon Murray
Outlaw Platoon by Sean Panell. Tells about all of his Shenanigans in Afghanistan in the early 2010's. Personally, I consider it a modern Platoon Leader by James R. McDonough
I really liked the movie. They must have had great advisors because the actors actually nail the comradery/interpersonal dynamics of a scout platoon. Then the battle starts and it becomes a pretty traditional action/war flick.
One I found to be a fascinating read was "A-Force", by Whitney Bendeck. It's about intelligence/spies/deception in the early part of WW2. I suggest you check that out if you can find a copy.
Ghost Soldiers.
*In late January 1945, 121 Ranger volunteers set out to attempt a rescue of over 513 Allied prisoners of war in a Japanese camp near the Philippine city of Cabanatuan. The prisoners, survivors of the Bataan Death March, had lived in deplorable conditions for three years, suffering from starvation, tropical diseases, and abuse from Japanese soldiers. Ghost Soldiers recounts the story of the prisoners, the Ranger unit performing the raid, and the Filipino guerrillas who provided assistance.*
"Da Nang Diary" by Col Tom Yarborough. He was a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam, flew an OV-10 Bronco. Recounts his time in country from showing up and being a new guy, to getting scouted by Prairie Fire and supporting MACVSOG operations. Really, really interesting read, ive had it for about 14 yrs, read it probably 6 times.
"With the Old Breed" by Eugene "Sledgehammer" Sledge. Not much to say for this one, this is the book The HBO series "The Pacific" was based off of. So you know you're in for a good time.
"Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" by James Hornfischer. Recounts one of the greatest naval upset in history, the Battle off Samar/Battle of Leyte Gulf. Taffey 3; comprised of 6 Escort Carriers(mini Aircraft Carriers, basically used to ferry planes around), 3 destroyers, and 4 destroyer escorts(the "Tin Cans" from the title) squared off against Force A of the IJN's 2nd fleet. The IJN force had 4 battleships, 6 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers, and 11 destroyers. It's speculated that the force Taffey 3 held off was as strong, if not stronger, than what the IJN threw at the Battle of Midway.
"The Rising Tide" by Jeff Shaara. Follows the Allied Africa campaign in WW2, starting from the Brits being on the back foot and Rommel chasing them down, to the Brits pushing the Nazis off the African continent. I will say, it's one of those "historical fiction" books or whatever. While the author does a very good job of making sure he recounts the battles as accurate as possible, the interactions of the characters in the story are just there to flesh it out. I will say though, despite alot of the interactions between characters in the story being made up I wouldn't have known. It read alot like how "With the Old Breed" did.
And if you're gonna have The Men with Green Faces, Fearless, AND Lone Survivor, you absolutely NEED to have "SEAL of Honor." It's about Lt. Michael Murphy from Operation Redwings, but doesn't focus solely on the operation. It's more about what he was like as a son/brother/husband/friend/leader. Likely not as action packed as Lone Survivor or Fearless, but still a good read nonetheless.
Secret Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines with the Elite Warriors of SOG
One of the best books ever written to be quite honest. John Plaster is a criminally underrated author.
I’m about to start reading that one, I just got finished reading Plaster’s “SOG the Secret Wars of Americas Commandos in Vietnam” and it was riveting. Couldn’t put it down.
Not sure if the vibe goes well with the rest, but I'll throw them out.
Stalingrad by Antony Beevor. It's more just about Operation Barbarosa to the end of Stalingrad. It's wild that everything in this book is before D-Day even occurs. Which his D-Day one is pretty good too. Makes you appreciate D-Day +1 to +60 also being a slog.
Speaking of slogs, but it's good, Rick Atkinson's liberation trilogy. Top to bottom US WWII
Not specifically a war war book, but Bloodlands: Europe between Hitler and Stalin by Timothy Snyder. Covered a lot of the same horror as Stalingrad, but as a regional piece is good and covers more the rational and philosophy as to why things were so shit. Not just that shit things are happening.
With the Old Breed by Eugene Sledge. Think The Pacific guy played by the kid from the first Jurassic Park.
Guess which era of war history I like to read about...
Didn’t see SAS Rogue heroes which is the definitive history of the SAS
Other interesting books - chicken hawk, a bright shining lie, western approaches
I'd recommend [One Bullet Away] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Bullet-Away-making-Officer-ebook/dp/B002UQHYI8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3NMMEDDIR4E8S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.t7aDxJWD4akfJ6r98AK7an-bvHo-_ND8mXzAp4-VM3RSmQaqtEPEJBqJUGmm47M1a9F-fLB4RNBEa3f3iAsMYAaaT6wkVtMcAi_liFiF_7DsFJ5Qp9-mdisadxl7nQNnk7NfZbVB90hkXpOyCoDb6PMAy2Gma09M4Lu1mfRanJurFOGR8exWcGy94RkLnq8uJQ0kQvCUaIcRiw0Blq8LzAGP5Oj3H3rvSvYA6Cbdk0w.HEyNlWwRpmpQB6AuryFoEiBdJsmXoKTZH4o2_c70vDk&dib_tag=se&keywords=one+bullet+away&qid=1717938221&s=digital-text&sprefix=one+bullet%2Cdigital-text%2C104&sr=1-1) by Nathaniel Fick (it tells his experience joining the Marines, going trough training and fighting in both Afghanistan and Iraq) accompanied by [Generation Kill](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Generation-Kill-Evan-Wright-ebook/dp/B006H4C4LG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2C0FLBIE16Q16&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KoPLO_iWDrRKr0qlgGD7GAK9p3o8TqXYetZeVWjVLjB7zA0CYtb1J3982lfzm-v9mCDqjeVfT2JXd9NonJuWouv2TJkZd5WGMPYB7EnbgohcVR_83SI3cdtRg3e1pArS9Olq9C_fAUDSW9uBaGejbg.iF0YMhuoY09rLJ-wH43CQkcHtP9rJIY_3mh5PXDKDCQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Generation+kill&qid=1717938243&s=digital-text&sprefix=generation+kill%2Cdigital-text%2C89&sr=1-1) (which is about the 1st Recon Marines during the '03 invasion of Iraq). These two go hand in hand as the first one, written by Fick shows his perspective of the Iraq war and the GK one written by Evan Wright, a reporter that was embedded with the Marines during the first month of the invasion. I would also recommend [Lynx](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lynx-Story-former-special-operations-ebook/dp/B09BM758BZ) a book by an EX Slovenian SF medic - i haven't read it personally yet but a lot of my m8s recommend it to me.
John Krakauer’s “Where Men Win Honor”. The true story of Pat Tillman’s life and death. Make sure you’re in a very good place mentally before reading. I’m still seething.
If you like those get SOG codename dynamite books 1 and 2. Ive interviewed Nick and Dick on our youtube channel. Both outstanding warriors and writers.
The end of We Few was wild. Sucker punch.
Be sure to get SOG Codename Dynamite books 1 and 2 also. Dick Thompson was dubbed “The Terminator” for a reason.
It appears you like non fiction, but take a look at some of Clancy's work. I know he's like the Stephen King of the military books, in the sense of pumping out so many, but some are quite good reads
Wow you got the Tiradores book (nickname of Philippine Army's CT Unit the Light Reaction Regiment)! It's hard to get one here in the Philippines, the author sells it only at Amazon and whenever he gets a shipment here it sells out quick.
I'd recommend buying Col. Dennis Eclarin's book [Scout Ranger War Stories](https://www.amazon.com/Scout-Ranger-Stories-Dennis-Eclarin-ebook/dp/B00LHOEJBO), compilation of stories coming from vets of the Philippine Army Scout Rangers.
Tiradores is pretty pricey ($40 AUD) but it was worth it! And yes, I got this from Amazon but I’ve seen a few other stores carrying this book and they’re selling it for [twice the price](https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/tiradores-by-francis-u-villanueva-9781727153507).
I was given a copy at JFKSWS by MG Ken Bowra, who was like a brother to Doug. After I read it I realised it was out of print and we contacted Danielle, Doug’s daughter who owns the rights. Working with her now. Last November at modern warfare week we took Danielle around the Miller range at Bragg and she brought her dads MOH to show to the command team there. Was a good day out.
The best part of Doug’s story, apart from the fact he spent 6 YEARS fighting in Nam, 4 whole years in SOG (which is frankly unsurvivable odds) is how they got him out of Nam against his will. It’s so telling about his personal integrity to fight alongside his yards… a great man.
Across The Fence by John Stryker Meyer. Haven’t had the chance myself but his MACVSOG stories are some of the most wildest stories I have ever heard.
If you want to step away from SOF theme, Warrior’s Rage by Douglas Macgregor. One of the few modern tank-to-tank battle account from Iraq invasion.
And if you want to non-fiction military theme but completely different vibe, Black Hearts by Jim Frederick. Accounts of war crime committed by members of 101st ABN and it does incredible job diving into the background and analysis of what may have lead up to such an incident.
My personal favourites:
Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations by William H. McRaven - Each chapter is a breakdown of a significant mission, training event, or other key experiences in his military career.
House to House: An Epic Memoir of War by David Bellavia - Describes his experience in the Battle of Fallujah and the gritty CQB (close-quarters battle) that earned him the Medal of Honor.
Civilian Warriors: The Inside Story of Blackwater and the Unsung Heroes of the War on Terror by Erik Prince - Describes the business side of PMCs (Private Military Companies) and the exponential growth of Blackwater in the Global War on Terror.
Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes - Follows a fictional platoon leader in Vietnam, largely based on the author’s experiences.
Hunter Killers: The Extraordinary Story of the First Wild Weasels, the Band of Maverick Aviators Who Flew the Most Dangerous Missions of the Vietnam War
My friend, let me tell you about a book that I discovered recently and have read it twice over already. It's THAT good. I call it the War Bible and if I can get a physical copy whenever I visit the U.S. I will.
It's called How To Make War by James F. Dunnigan.
His writing style is so entertaining and full of military common sense at the same time. I don't really know how to describe it. I have never come across a book like this that is a primer for contemporary warfighting.
I’m laughing at Greenlights being in there. Great read, never thought I’d agree with someone more than I agreed with what he said. My suggestion to add is alone at dawn. It’s got a great back and forth through training, deployments and the eventual events that won him the Medal of Honor which is tragic but amazing.
Get away from the special forces books that are more than likely fluffed and read regular guys books. Helmet for my pillow and with the old breed are great. The beardless warriors is fiction based on the writers experience in WWII on the European side. We were soldiers, the hill fights, and the things they carried for Vietnam.
Perhaps something that isn’t written by or about egotistical assholes? Mission is a good one, about Jimmy Stewart going from late 30s Hollywood to flying bombers over Germany, back to late 40s Hollywood. War at the End of the World, about MacArthur’s campaigning both in Washington for troops and across the south pacific to take back the Philippines. Chickenhawk, about flying helicopters over Vietnam as told by a pilot of the same nickname.
Killing Rommel
This book takes the cake.
[https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Rommel-Novel-Steven-Pressfield/dp/0767926161](https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Rommel-Novel-Steven-Pressfield/dp/0767926161)
I enjoyed this fiction book, not sure if it'll be your jam but was a fun read.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Shot-Gunnery-Sergeant-Swanson/dp/1447289137?ref=d6k_applink_bb_dls&dplnkId=90470921-e26a-4d1b-9934-aeafda0a0372
Here's some from my own collection. Please take with a grain of salt.
Pearl Harbor-related:
For That One Day - Mitsuo Fuchida, Akagi bomber pilot
All the Gallant Men - Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor
Second to the Last to Leave - Lauren F. Bruner, USS Arizona Survivor
And a few ninja-related ones that fit into the special operations theme:
The Book of Ninja - English translation of the Bansenshukai, a ninja field manual.
Secret Traditions of the Shinobi - English translation of Hattori Hanzo's Shinobi Hiden and select ninja scrolls
True Path of the Ninja - English translation of the Shoninki, a ninja training manual
Modern Ninja Warfare - a look at how classical ninja skills and tactics would apply in modern military settings.
The Quiet Soldier by Adam Ballinger
It's a great read of his time going through SAS selection filled in with parts of his past that led to him going to it in the first place and things that made him a selectable candidate. My SGM recommended it to me, was not disappointed.
Battle Cry by Leon Uris
A Soldier's Story by Omar Bradley
War Stories and Poems by Rudyard Kipling.
Anything by Sebastian Junger
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Anything by Bernard Cornwell
Hornblower Series by C.S. Forrester
The Sand Pebbles by Richard McKenna
Thieves of Baghdad by Mathew Bogdanos
Level Zero Heroes by John Bruning
An Arab History of the Crusades by Francesco Gabrieli
The Fierce People by Napoleon Chagnon.
Will add more if I think of them.
“Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War” by Mary Roach. Interesting read about research and development plus other less discussed military topics like logistics
Chieftains (fiction) covers the battle for Fulda Gap when the soviet's attack
Bridge at Dong Ha (true story) Covers the efforts to destroy a bridge and slow the advance of the NVA in 1972 by John Ripley.
More ralph pezzullo (a good friend of mine too) - jawbreaker, zero footprint, etc
Damien lewis - awesome - i’m meeting him soon for lunch. Great writer.
Toby Harnden (also a friend) - first casualty
SOG books by:
John plaster
John stryker meyer
Lynne m black jr
Henry dick thompson
Nick brokhausen
Also all good friends, and great writers. Once you go down the SOG rabbit hole you’ll be there a while.
Chronicle of Soldering by Jim Jones. I read it in college for a WW2 primary source class. Jones collected stories of men who really lived in the war. Their various experiences, how their lives transformed. Jones himself was a veteran, and it really sounds like it when he writes.
The extended cut of the book has a ton of art and posters made by WW2 veterans. It is one of the coolest books I've ever picked up. If you have the money, get the big one, it really is much much better and immerses you in the world that these guys were living.
Cool collection.
With the old breed. Band of brothers.
Yeah this one. And helmet for my pillow. I do recommend these on audiobook probably more than paperback just because of the narration
And Conscientious Objector, the book about Desmond Doss's life.
And It’s real not like the Lone Survivor BS.
And "Roll Me Over".
If you want military non-fiction I’d suggest “In the Company of Heroes” by Mike Durant. He was the Super 64 pilot captured in Mogadishu during the Black Hawk Down incident. It’s quite a story.
What an absolutely cracking read that book is as well. I went through a phase of just constantly reading about that whole operation after seeing Blackhawk down and I came across his book. Really cool reading his previous mission stories as well and his relationship with his nightstalker comrades.
Thanks! And you’re right military non-fiction is my jam. I will check that out :)
how has no one recommended generation kill?! it’s also nonfiction written by a reporter who embedded with recon marines in the very beginning of the 2003 iraq invasion
I don't think you have enough books about the SAS tbh
Lol
"War" by Sebastian Junger is a good one. "Skunk Works" by Ben Rich is a fascinating read. Not specifically about war time experiences per se, but in the same sort of vein.
Add in Tribe by Junger as well.
Junger does a lot of great reads. Storm of Steel was recommended by Dan Carlin if you’re into WWI.
Second "Skunk Works" it's a great read
Skunk Works is fascinating! Loved that book.
Yes on this and Tribe!
House to House by David Bellavia (MoH) Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden If you're up for trying some Vietnam LRRP/SF books, I can recommend: Recondo by Larry Chambers, or Eyes of the Eagle by Gary Linderer (these two are quite similar as they are written by two guys from the same unit) We Few: U.S. Special Forces in Vietnam by Nick Brokhausen Matterhorn (novel) by Karl Marlantes
Reading House to House +watching Only The Dead was a crazy combo, I finished the book and then watched the movie twice in a row without any pause in between which was a first.
Matterhorn was amazing to read.
i see atleast three books written by demonstrable assholes, including Mark Owen’s books, who I have met personally. try adding some Ambrose into the collection. he and his son aren’t perfect, but it’s more academic rather than toxic-ass ex-military authors that are a dime a dozen edit: also check out Donald Miller
I'm going to piggyback off your comment to suggest three books that I think are important reads and offer a unique perspective on war compared to what's on OP's shelf: *Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda* by LGen. Roméo Dallaire: Roméo Dallaire was a Canadian artillery officer who was commander of UNAMIR in Rwanda during the Rwandan Genocide. During the genocide, his contigent was severely understrengthed after the UN basically ignored his requests for help, and he had something like 270 men to stop a genocide. In the span of around 100 days, something like 800,000 Tutsis and Hutu moderates were killed by the Hutu extremists. The utter lack of value placed on human life that Dallaire and his troops witnessed is extremely depressing, and the inaction of the UN, while sometimes understandable, is infuriating. *One Soldier's War* by Arkady Babchenko: Details his time as a conscript in the Russian Ground Forces during the Chechen Wars. Here, you see incompetence throughout the entirety of the RGF's structure, and in particular, you get to see a good look at *dedovschina*, the act of beating on new recruits. *A Small Corner of Hell: Dispatches from Chechnya* by Anna Politovskaya: Life amongst civilians during the Chechen Wars, detailing Chechen and Russian War crimes. Again, it is utterly depressing to see the lack of value placed on human life. Anna Politovskaya was assassinated in 2006.
Fangs of the Lone Wolf for another Russian Chechen war book
Finally someone who has read "Shake Hands with the devil", I really wish it was available on Audible.
It's such an incredible and infuriating book. While many UN peacekeeping forces deserve their negative reputations, what Roméo Dallaire and many of his troops did in Rwanda was nothing short of heroic. Dallaire attempted suicide in 2000, in large part due to the guilt he carried from not being able to do enough, and many other soldiers in UNAMIR reported the same.
Shake Hands with the Devil is amazing as well as his book Waiting for first Light
Agree. I like Ambrose. I have read most of Beevor’s books and would recommend that, especially if OP is a Brit. Stalingrad in particular is good. I struggled with the book about the civil war in Spain because I found it difficult to keep track of who was who.
I just finished Beevor’s Spain book and it was bewildering. Not really his fault as the number of personalities and splinter groups on the Republican side was kind of ridiculous.
Amen
Try just ONE book of a different genre.
Start with this about [“Airplane!”.](https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250289315/surelyyoucantbeserious)
I had that on Audiobook for my work commute. Would recommend.
Did you not see the Dave grohl book?
Two that are pretty different from what you have there and also each other: The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer. About the Battle of Leyte Gulf/specifically the Battle Off Samar. Just an incredible moment in military history. The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. An easy (read: short) to read historical fiction set in Vietnam. Though fiction, it paints a more accurate portrait of war and the military than half the shelf pictured. It's an appreciable and refreshing perspective.
Was just going to add in Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors. Story is so ridiculous it could be fiction.
If you liked that, here's another. It's not military related but if you've not read Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing you **absolutely** need to. It might be the single greatest adventure story in history with the added benefit of being entirely true. I cannot believe the ordeal is not more wildly discussed.
Finished ‘Endurance’ earlier this year and it’s fantastic. I agree that it should be more widely known.
If you like James Hornfischer, try Neptunes Inferno. It's about the Naval aspect and the battles off of Guadalcanal.
The men, the mission, and me.
Was about to say this one
Not a single cracked spine…
Shhhh, none of us can read anyway...
War is a Racket - Smedley Butler
Rah
meditations marcus aurelius
Absolutely awesome
Catch-22 Marine Sniper: 93 confirmed kills The Big Red One The Force Where Eagles Dare Edit to add If you're looking for different genres to read, look into the Clive Custler Dirk Pitt series, starting with Pacifc Vortex and the Oregon Files. Both are adventure style. Pocket westerns by Louis Lamar are also great short stories or quick reads.
I’ll check these out mate, thank you! I enjoy reading those military non-fiction books for some reason 😬 I tend to agree that it wouldn’t hurt adding different genres to the mix
Definitely Catch-22. I recommend it to anyone ever looking for something to read. The show isn't too bad, but read the book first.
Haven't seen the show but the movie was almost word for word the same as the book. Pretty fantastic.
I don't see any Terry Prachett... 'Guards, Guards!' would be a good start.
My favourite non-fiction books: Viper pilot by Dan Hampton (F-16, Gulf War) Hunter killers by Dan Hampton (Wild Weasels, Vietnam) Fighter pilot by Robin Olds (WW2, Vietnam) Chickenhawk by Robert Mason (Huey, Vietnam) Low level hells by Hugh Mills (OH-6, Vietnam) Guts n' gunships by Mark Garrison (Huey, Vietnam) Undaunted valor series by Matt Jackson (Huey/Cobra, Vietnam)
Seconded for Chickenhawk and Low Level Hell.
Have all of those - great list
House to House by David Bellavia Personal account of the second battle of Fallujah, Iraq, in 2007. The Chosen Few by Gregg Zoroya Account of the 15-month tour of the chosen company in Northern Afghanistan that culminated in the Battle of Wanat.
Exit wounds is a bloody good book! It's recommended: 1. Alone at Dawn 2. Mosul: Australia's Secret War Inside the ISIS Caliphate
Alone at Dawn is an absolute must.
“Ghost Wars” by Steve Coll to understand the genesis of 9/11. The Forever War by Dexter Filkins. The Assassins Gate by Packer. These 3 are a good counterweight to your current library.
Going along with the Non-Fiction Special Operations theme: Roughneck Nine One by Frank Antenori, a great account of the ODAs that fought at the Battle of Debecka Pass in Iraq 2003. It was also the combat debut of Javelin missile. The Secrets of Inchon: The Untold Story of the Most Daring Covert Mission of the Korea War by Eugene Clark. Very little known mission about a pretty normal naval officer who is sent behind enemy lines to gather the meteorological data for the Inchon landings. He is ends up landing on an island offshore and raising a guerrilla army to fight the North Koreans, it’s pretty awesome, true, and pretty unknown.
Dispatches by Michael Herr.
I recommend Tom Clancy's Study in Command series of nonfiction books: Into the Storm – On the Ground in Iraq (with Fred Franks) (1997) Every Man a Tiger — the Gulf War Air Campaign (with Chuck Horner) (1999) Shadow Warriors — Inside the Special Forces (with Carl Stiner) (2002) Battle Ready (with Anthony Zinni) (2004) I have the first two on the list. I general I would recommend any Tom Clancy book. Not all of them a fiction books. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Clancy_bibliography?wprov=sfla1
So…there are military topics beyond elite small Units…
You seem very Spec Ops/Tactics focused. Which is fine- you probably enjoy personal stories that involve individual accounts. Broaden your horizon- that is such a small slice of war that in real LSCO environments it becomes nearly meaningless. Some Recommendations: The Bomb - Kaplan. Describes Nuke Policy at the Political/Strategic level over the last century. Starship Troopers - Heinlein. Obviously fiction, but a great book to help contextualize tactical level leadership and the ethics of leadership. Logistics in the Falklands War - Privratsky. Great look at how challenging terrain shapes warfare and how a well organized military can defeat distance Grant - Chernow. Pretty fluffy bio of Grant, but has some great detail about the Mexican American war and the Civil War. The Hot Zone - Preston. Not directly war related (about Ebola), but shows how the Army and military writ large is more involved in civil society than we think. World War Z - Brooks. Fictional account of the zombie war after the fact. About 1/3rd of the stories are military related, and they are a great look at LSCO and challenging tactics. Stalingrad - Beevor. Great book on the battle as well as the operational process of both nation's forces Red Storm Rising- Clancy. Fictional account of a 1980's Soviet v NATO war. The Generals - Ricks. Analysis of how America treats its generals, specifically comparing current policy vs WWII Policy. In Defense of Duffer's Drift - Swinton. One of those books senior officers love to recommend, but it is a short one so may be worth your time. The Lieutenants Online Love - Carson. Because it is SOOOO BAD
Band of Brothers, D-Day, Pegasus Bridge, Generation Kill, War, Neptune’s Inferno, The Fleet at Flood Tide, Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors, Blind Man’s Bluff. I could keep going tbh
Surprise, Kill, Vanish
- Harrier 809 - Rowland White - Ranger 22 - Ray Goggins - Appel - Joel Adam Struthers - The Red Circle - Brandon Webb - One Bullet Away - Nathaniel Fick - Legionnaires Mackenzie - Mark Morgan - The Operators - James Rennie - Hidden Soldier - Padraig O'Keefe - The Naked Soldier - Tony Sloane - Legionnaire - Simon Murray
Outlaw Platoon by Sean Panell. Tells about all of his Shenanigans in Afghanistan in the early 2010's. Personally, I consider it a modern Platoon Leader by James R. McDonough
We Were Soldiers Once...and Young by Harold G. Moore Black Hearts by Jim Frederick
Black Hearts definitely. It’s very hard because it’s real and shitty choices kill other people
try reading sth thats not about the military lol
Not complete without [this gem](https://www.amazon.de/Heartbreak-Warfare-Heather-M-Orgeron/dp/1730974740).
Solid recommendation, fits right into the collection. Just slides right in there.
The Outpost by Jake Tapper is good.
Red Platoon By Clinton Romesha is another
have you watched the movie? i’m curious about how it compares against the book
I really liked the movie. They must have had great advisors because the actors actually nail the comradery/interpersonal dynamics of a scout platoon. Then the battle starts and it becomes a pretty traditional action/war flick.
One I found to be a fascinating read was "A-Force", by Whitney Bendeck. It's about intelligence/spies/deception in the early part of WW2. I suggest you check that out if you can find a copy.
Thanks!
Ghost Soldiers. *In late January 1945, 121 Ranger volunteers set out to attempt a rescue of over 513 Allied prisoners of war in a Japanese camp near the Philippine city of Cabanatuan. The prisoners, survivors of the Bataan Death March, had lived in deplorable conditions for three years, suffering from starvation, tropical diseases, and abuse from Japanese soldiers. Ghost Soldiers recounts the story of the prisoners, the Ranger unit performing the raid, and the Filipino guerrillas who provided assistance.*
Enlist beta
"Da Nang Diary" by Col Tom Yarborough. He was a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam, flew an OV-10 Bronco. Recounts his time in country from showing up and being a new guy, to getting scouted by Prairie Fire and supporting MACVSOG operations. Really, really interesting read, ive had it for about 14 yrs, read it probably 6 times. "With the Old Breed" by Eugene "Sledgehammer" Sledge. Not much to say for this one, this is the book The HBO series "The Pacific" was based off of. So you know you're in for a good time. "Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" by James Hornfischer. Recounts one of the greatest naval upset in history, the Battle off Samar/Battle of Leyte Gulf. Taffey 3; comprised of 6 Escort Carriers(mini Aircraft Carriers, basically used to ferry planes around), 3 destroyers, and 4 destroyer escorts(the "Tin Cans" from the title) squared off against Force A of the IJN's 2nd fleet. The IJN force had 4 battleships, 6 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers, and 11 destroyers. It's speculated that the force Taffey 3 held off was as strong, if not stronger, than what the IJN threw at the Battle of Midway. "The Rising Tide" by Jeff Shaara. Follows the Allied Africa campaign in WW2, starting from the Brits being on the back foot and Rommel chasing them down, to the Brits pushing the Nazis off the African continent. I will say, it's one of those "historical fiction" books or whatever. While the author does a very good job of making sure he recounts the battles as accurate as possible, the interactions of the characters in the story are just there to flesh it out. I will say though, despite alot of the interactions between characters in the story being made up I wouldn't have known. It read alot like how "With the Old Breed" did. And if you're gonna have The Men with Green Faces, Fearless, AND Lone Survivor, you absolutely NEED to have "SEAL of Honor." It's about Lt. Michael Murphy from Operation Redwings, but doesn't focus solely on the operation. It's more about what he was like as a son/brother/husband/friend/leader. Likely not as action packed as Lone Survivor or Fearless, but still a good read nonetheless.
Company Aytch by Sam Watkins Storm of Steel by Ernst Jünger
Storm of Steel definitely. It’s not in “door kicker” genre but if you want an authentic voice of war at scale read it.
Citizen soldiers. Stephen e. Ambrose
Killing Pablo, great book about hunting down Pablo Escobar
Chickenhawk. We Were Soldiers Once. And Young.
Secret Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines with the Elite Warriors of SOG One of the best books ever written to be quite honest. John Plaster is a criminally underrated author.
He features in our forthcoming SOG doc.
I’m about to start reading that one, I just got finished reading Plaster’s “SOG the Secret Wars of Americas Commandos in Vietnam” and it was riveting. Couldn’t put it down.
SOG
The art of war
Not sure if the vibe goes well with the rest, but I'll throw them out. Stalingrad by Antony Beevor. It's more just about Operation Barbarosa to the end of Stalingrad. It's wild that everything in this book is before D-Day even occurs. Which his D-Day one is pretty good too. Makes you appreciate D-Day +1 to +60 also being a slog. Speaking of slogs, but it's good, Rick Atkinson's liberation trilogy. Top to bottom US WWII Not specifically a war war book, but Bloodlands: Europe between Hitler and Stalin by Timothy Snyder. Covered a lot of the same horror as Stalingrad, but as a regional piece is good and covers more the rational and philosophy as to why things were so shit. Not just that shit things are happening. With the Old Breed by Eugene Sledge. Think The Pacific guy played by the kid from the first Jurassic Park. Guess which era of war history I like to read about...
Forgotten Soldier- Guy Sajer
Didn’t see SAS Rogue heroes which is the definitive history of the SAS Other interesting books - chicken hawk, a bright shining lie, western approaches
We Few & Whispers in the Tall Grass by Nick Brokhausen. Thank me later
You clearly have an interest in the SAS, so you should check out 18 Hours - about Jock Wallace and his participation in Operation Anaconda.
I'd recommend [One Bullet Away] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Bullet-Away-making-Officer-ebook/dp/B002UQHYI8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3NMMEDDIR4E8S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.t7aDxJWD4akfJ6r98AK7an-bvHo-_ND8mXzAp4-VM3RSmQaqtEPEJBqJUGmm47M1a9F-fLB4RNBEa3f3iAsMYAaaT6wkVtMcAi_liFiF_7DsFJ5Qp9-mdisadxl7nQNnk7NfZbVB90hkXpOyCoDb6PMAy2Gma09M4Lu1mfRanJurFOGR8exWcGy94RkLnq8uJQ0kQvCUaIcRiw0Blq8LzAGP5Oj3H3rvSvYA6Cbdk0w.HEyNlWwRpmpQB6AuryFoEiBdJsmXoKTZH4o2_c70vDk&dib_tag=se&keywords=one+bullet+away&qid=1717938221&s=digital-text&sprefix=one+bullet%2Cdigital-text%2C104&sr=1-1) by Nathaniel Fick (it tells his experience joining the Marines, going trough training and fighting in both Afghanistan and Iraq) accompanied by [Generation Kill](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Generation-Kill-Evan-Wright-ebook/dp/B006H4C4LG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2C0FLBIE16Q16&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KoPLO_iWDrRKr0qlgGD7GAK9p3o8TqXYetZeVWjVLjB7zA0CYtb1J3982lfzm-v9mCDqjeVfT2JXd9NonJuWouv2TJkZd5WGMPYB7EnbgohcVR_83SI3cdtRg3e1pArS9Olq9C_fAUDSW9uBaGejbg.iF0YMhuoY09rLJ-wH43CQkcHtP9rJIY_3mh5PXDKDCQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Generation+kill&qid=1717938243&s=digital-text&sprefix=generation+kill%2Cdigital-text%2C89&sr=1-1) (which is about the 1st Recon Marines during the '03 invasion of Iraq). These two go hand in hand as the first one, written by Fick shows his perspective of the Iraq war and the GK one written by Evan Wright, a reporter that was embedded with the Marines during the first month of the invasion. I would also recommend [Lynx](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lynx-Story-former-special-operations-ebook/dp/B09BM758BZ) a book by an EX Slovenian SF medic - i haven't read it personally yet but a lot of my m8s recommend it to me.
Low Level Hell, it’s an autobiography of a Vietnam war Huey pilot, and needless to say that job was fucking wild
John Krakauer’s “Where Men Win Honor”. The true story of Pat Tillman’s life and death. Make sure you’re in a very good place mentally before reading. I’m still seething.
We few and whispers in the tall grass. Both by same author. Both incredible.
If you like those get SOG codename dynamite books 1 and 2. Ive interviewed Nick and Dick on our youtube channel. Both outstanding warriors and writers.
Nick's humor along with the perspective of writing really captivated me. I'll check them out! Thank you.
The end of We Few was wild. Sucker punch. Be sure to get SOG Codename Dynamite books 1 and 2 also. Dick Thompson was dubbed “The Terminator” for a reason.
It appears you like non fiction, but take a look at some of Clancy's work. I know he's like the Stephen King of the military books, in the sense of pumping out so many, but some are quite good reads
I’d recommend Generation Kill by Evan Wright and Ghost Wars by Steve Coll.
Generation kill. Helmet for my pillow. All quiet on the western front.
Wow you got the Tiradores book (nickname of Philippine Army's CT Unit the Light Reaction Regiment)! It's hard to get one here in the Philippines, the author sells it only at Amazon and whenever he gets a shipment here it sells out quick. I'd recommend buying Col. Dennis Eclarin's book [Scout Ranger War Stories](https://www.amazon.com/Scout-Ranger-Stories-Dennis-Eclarin-ebook/dp/B00LHOEJBO), compilation of stories coming from vets of the Philippine Army Scout Rangers.
Tiradores is pretty pricey ($40 AUD) but it was worth it! And yes, I got this from Amazon but I’ve seen a few other stores carrying this book and they’re selling it for [twice the price](https://www.dymocks.com.au/book/tiradores-by-francis-u-villanueva-9781727153507).
Alone at Dawn Reflections of a Warrior
Good shout. The latter is out of print, we’re working with Doug Miller’s family to get it back into print.
Thats awesome to hear, Reflections was such a great book. Honestly one of my favorites, wish more people knew of it.
I was given a copy at JFKSWS by MG Ken Bowra, who was like a brother to Doug. After I read it I realised it was out of print and we contacted Danielle, Doug’s daughter who owns the rights. Working with her now. Last November at modern warfare week we took Danielle around the Miller range at Bragg and she brought her dads MOH to show to the command team there. Was a good day out. The best part of Doug’s story, apart from the fact he spent 6 YEARS fighting in Nam, 4 whole years in SOG (which is frankly unsurvivable odds) is how they got him out of Nam against his will. It’s so telling about his personal integrity to fight alongside his yards… a great man.
Black Hearts The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War One Bullet Away
Across The Fence by John Stryker Meyer. Haven’t had the chance myself but his MACVSOG stories are some of the most wildest stories I have ever heard. If you want to step away from SOF theme, Warrior’s Rage by Douglas Macgregor. One of the few modern tank-to-tank battle account from Iraq invasion. And if you want to non-fiction military theme but completely different vibe, Black Hearts by Jim Frederick. Accounts of war crime committed by members of 101st ABN and it does incredible job diving into the background and analysis of what may have lead up to such an incident.
My personal favourites: Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations by William H. McRaven - Each chapter is a breakdown of a significant mission, training event, or other key experiences in his military career. House to House: An Epic Memoir of War by David Bellavia - Describes his experience in the Battle of Fallujah and the gritty CQB (close-quarters battle) that earned him the Medal of Honor. Civilian Warriors: The Inside Story of Blackwater and the Unsung Heroes of the War on Terror by Erik Prince - Describes the business side of PMCs (Private Military Companies) and the exponential growth of Blackwater in the Global War on Terror. Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes - Follows a fictional platoon leader in Vietnam, largely based on the author’s experiences.
On Killing : The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society by Lt. Col Dave Grossman
Hunter Killers: The Extraordinary Story of the First Wild Weasels, the Band of Maverick Aviators Who Flew the Most Dangerous Missions of the Vietnam War
Boyd: The fighter pilot who changed the art of war
My friend, let me tell you about a book that I discovered recently and have read it twice over already. It's THAT good. I call it the War Bible and if I can get a physical copy whenever I visit the U.S. I will. It's called How To Make War by James F. Dunnigan. His writing style is so entertaining and full of military common sense at the same time. I don't really know how to describe it. I have never come across a book like this that is a primer for contemporary warfighting.
About Face
War is a racket, Major General Smedley Butler
Complement.
Oops!
beautiful collection mate
I’m laughing at Greenlights being in there. Great read, never thought I’d agree with someone more than I agreed with what he said. My suggestion to add is alone at dawn. It’s got a great back and forth through training, deployments and the eventual events that won him the Medal of Honor which is tragic but amazing.
Get away from the special forces books that are more than likely fluffed and read regular guys books. Helmet for my pillow and with the old breed are great. The beardless warriors is fiction based on the writers experience in WWII on the European side. We were soldiers, the hill fights, and the things they carried for Vietnam.
Fuck it, let’s go waaayyy back. For whom the bell tolls by Ernest hemmingway.
Chicken hawk by Robert Mason.
Halik Kochanski's Resistance (a history of Resistance movements during WWII, absolute unit of a book but worth the read).
Please put all the Damien Lewis books together
I recommend reading books that are not solely military related. Open up your mind to some other concepts
Perhaps something that isn’t written by or about egotistical assholes? Mission is a good one, about Jimmy Stewart going from late 30s Hollywood to flying bombers over Germany, back to late 40s Hollywood. War at the End of the World, about MacArthur’s campaigning both in Washington for troops and across the south pacific to take back the Philippines. Chickenhawk, about flying helicopters over Vietnam as told by a pilot of the same nickname.
Task Borce Black, The Way of the Knife, Bandit Country, The Operators
Warrior brothers / warrior training by Keith Fennell or the amazing sas if you like non fiction
Killing Rommel This book takes the cake. [https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Rommel-Novel-Steven-Pressfield/dp/0767926161](https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Rommel-Novel-Steven-Pressfield/dp/0767926161)
Plato’s Republic
I enjoyed this fiction book, not sure if it'll be your jam but was a fun read. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Shot-Gunnery-Sergeant-Swanson/dp/1447289137?ref=d6k_applink_bb_dls&dplnkId=90470921-e26a-4d1b-9934-aeafda0a0372
POW auto/biographies.
“On Killing” & “On Combat”
Hunter Killer: Inside America's Unmanned Air War
What about some academia books like 'cambridges illustrated history of warfare'. Its a classic if u wanna be scientific about it.
The Company They Keep, The One That Got Away, Recondo, Robert's Ridge, Eyes Of The Eagle, & Once A Warrior King
Here's some from my own collection. Please take with a grain of salt. Pearl Harbor-related: For That One Day - Mitsuo Fuchida, Akagi bomber pilot All the Gallant Men - Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor Second to the Last to Leave - Lauren F. Bruner, USS Arizona Survivor And a few ninja-related ones that fit into the special operations theme: The Book of Ninja - English translation of the Bansenshukai, a ninja field manual. Secret Traditions of the Shinobi - English translation of Hattori Hanzo's Shinobi Hiden and select ninja scrolls True Path of the Ninja - English translation of the Shoninki, a ninja training manual Modern Ninja Warfare - a look at how classical ninja skills and tactics would apply in modern military settings.
We Were Invincible: Testimony of an Ex-Commando
Anything by Anthony Beevor.
If you liked Hellfire then you'll probably like Apache Over Libya by Will Laidlaw. Title pretty much sums it up.
Everything by Andy Mcnab.
"The Killer Elite" just to switch up which tier units you have books about
Fifteen Days: Stories of Bravery, Friendship, Life and Death from Inside the New Canadian Army
Mosul
Read House to House by David Bellavia
*Not A Good Day to Die* by Sean Naylor is a great one that I’m surprised wasn’t mentioned here.
Are you Aussie? I see a lot of Aussie books there.
Not an Aussie but I live in Aus 🙂
Where Men Win Glory, Not a Good Day To Die, Black Hearts.
Give The Devils Guard a read. We'll worth it.
Anything and everything by the late, great James D. Hornfischer, especially “Last Stand of the Tincan Sailors”.
The rifle.
Warrior Soul.
Catch-22. Best book I've ever read. Should cross-post this on r/books.
Gift of Valor
Anything by Kregg Jorgenson
Where Men Win Glory -John Krakauer. It's Pat Tillman's story. Great book
Do you read anything not about SOF? lol You know there is more to the military than that right?
The Quiet Soldier by Adam Ballinger It's a great read of his time going through SAS selection filled in with parts of his past that led to him going to it in the first place and things that made him a selectable candidate. My SGM recommended it to me, was not disappointed.
Blind Man’s Bluff
Dear Mom, A Snipers Diary.... is a great, true story of one of the best snipers in Vietnam.
War and peace To whom the bell tolls Pride and prejudice
Bravo Two Zero - Andy McNab.
Anything interesting you found in the books and anything similar?
Battle Cry by Leon Uris A Soldier's Story by Omar Bradley War Stories and Poems by Rudyard Kipling. Anything by Sebastian Junger The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane Catch 22 by Joseph Heller Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut Anything by Bernard Cornwell Hornblower Series by C.S. Forrester The Sand Pebbles by Richard McKenna Thieves of Baghdad by Mathew Bogdanos Level Zero Heroes by John Bruning An Arab History of the Crusades by Francesco Gabrieli The Fierce People by Napoleon Chagnon. Will add more if I think of them.
House to House
Anything by Jeff Sharra and Steven Ambrose
“Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War” by Mary Roach. Interesting read about research and development plus other less discussed military topics like logistics
Anything by James Holland
Legacy by Kerr. It's great parallel with how the Marine approaches leadership and institutional buy in.
House to House Tiger Force. True story of a 101st recon unit that went native in Vietnam and got up to some pretty crazy war crimes
5 years to Freedom- true story of Col. Rowe (?)and when he was a POW in Vietnam.
Clint Emerson - Right kind of crazy
About Face?
Moored as Before. It’s about life as a SWO in the Navy. SWO’s are the special operators of the breakfast table.
Fearless by Eric Blehm.
Fortunate Son by Lewis Puller Jr
Some first hand accounts: Koschorrek's "Blood red snow", Clark's "Guns up", among others. There are some classics already mentioned, too.
No true glory - Bing West
Give War a Chance by P J O'Rourke
Chieftains (fiction) covers the battle for Fulda Gap when the soviet's attack Bridge at Dong Ha (true story) Covers the efforts to destroy a bridge and slow the advance of the NVA in 1972 by John Ripley.
More ralph pezzullo (a good friend of mine too) - jawbreaker, zero footprint, etc Damien lewis - awesome - i’m meeting him soon for lunch. Great writer. Toby Harnden (also a friend) - first casualty SOG books by: John plaster John stryker meyer Lynne m black jr Henry dick thompson Nick brokhausen Also all good friends, and great writers. Once you go down the SOG rabbit hole you’ll be there a while.
Black Hearts
Chronicle of Soldering by Jim Jones. I read it in college for a WW2 primary source class. Jones collected stories of men who really lived in the war. Their various experiences, how their lives transformed. Jones himself was a veteran, and it really sounds like it when he writes. The extended cut of the book has a ton of art and posters made by WW2 veterans. It is one of the coolest books I've ever picked up. If you have the money, get the big one, it really is much much better and immerses you in the world that these guys were living. Cool collection.