Special and elite forces Books

Book SynopsisThe SAS is the most famous regiment in the world and the subject of countless books, documentaries and TV dramas, including the BBC mini-series Rogue Heroes. Much of the action of the second season of Rogue Heroes is located in Italy, where both 1SAS and 2SAS took part in many daring operations in 1943. The third volume of Gavin Mortimer's impeccably researched and handsomely illustrated SAS Operations covers their missions in Sicily and Italy. After the derring-do of Desert Warfare, when the SAS raided enemy airfields in heavily-armed jeeps, the operations in Sicily and Italy were more challenging and diverse in nature. Sometimes the SAS inserted by parachute and sabotaged trains or attacked vehicle convoys; at other times they stormed beaches from landing craft and neutralised enemy coastal batteries. Whatever the mission the SAS displayed their characteristic courage, initiative and determination in the vanguard of the Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy. In this book Mortimer

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Book SynopsisSir Hardy Amies was one of Britain's foremost fashion designers who led a fascinating double life as a couturier and an intelligence officer during the Second World War. Sir Hardy's work for the Belgian resistance effort as part of the Special Operations Executive, was so significant that he was awarded l'Ordre de la Couronne, or Order of the Crown, by the Belgian Government in 1948. Not only did Sir Hardy conduct these operations, but he also simultaneously developed his burgeoning fashion business through the British Board of Trade's drive to promote UK manufacturing throughout the conflict.He was a man who at once epitomised and challenged the reality of being homosexual in an era when society was deeply unaccepting. He was thrust into what was an overtly macho and potentially hostile environment and, against that backdrop, made a valuable and courageous contribution to the war effort.Born into what we would consider a lower middle-class family, he was handsome, cultured and gregari

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Book SynopsisThe author has trawled archives and interviewed veterans in order to piece together the history and record of this elusive special forces unit who fought with great distinction and achieved results disproportionate to their size.

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Book SynopsisUPDATED EDITION of the ground-breaking 2017 publication that offered the first comprehensive account of the work of Section D of the Secret Intelligence Service.When Neville Chamberlain made his famous Peace in Our Time' statement in 1938, he may not have been aware that a new section of the Secret Intelligence Service, Section D, was already making plans to mount a political and sabotage war against Nazi Germany.This new form of warfare encompassed bribery, black propaganda and sabotage by agents described as having no morals or scruples. It disregarded the conventions of neutrality and was prepared to hit the Nazi state wherever it could do most damage.A scientific section was established to develop new types of weapons, and membership was extended beyond the traditional public-school old boy network' of British intelligence to work with German and Austrian resistance groups socialists, trade unionists, Catholics and Jews.Section D's plans ranged from leaflet campaigns in Germany, t

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Book SynopsisA previously unpublished official history of SOE's Czech section.

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Book SynopsisReveals how special forces personnel, particularly from the Australian SAS, have been operating in roles and places that they should not have been.

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Book SynopsisThe inside story of the most daring SAS rescue mission everIn September 2000 eleven British soldiers were captured by a notorious militia gang in Sierra Leone. The so-called ''West Side Boys'' had subjected their part of the country to a long reign of terror, murdering, kidnapping and mutilating anyone who stood in their way.Now British soldiers were at their mercy. Surrounded and hopelessly outnumbered, any resistance would have seen them all killed; yet their hopes of a quick exchange soon faded. They were assaulted and subjected to mock executions. Negotiations with the ''Revolutionary United Front'' leaders and the ''West Side Boys'' proved futile.Prime Minister Tony Blair ordered the armed forces to get the men back. The SAS and elements of the Parachute Regiment were rushed to West Africa and a naval squadron assembled offshore. The stage was set for the biggest British military operation on the continent for a generation - and their most daring Trade ReviewIn Operation Barras William Fowler describes the historic setting for British involvement in Sierra Leone that led up to the rescue mission. The build up to the airborne assault by the SAS and Paras on September 10 is covered in great detail and you are pitched into the action. It is an insider's book that will appeal to soldiers and anyone with an interest in the development of post colonial Africa * EYE SPY *Far more than an account of a very fine rescue operation. The essential background to the situation is painted in some detail and gives the reader a real feel for that unfortunate country -- Major-General Julian Thompson, CB, OBE

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Book SynopsisTHE GRIPPING FIRST-PERSON ACCOUNT OF BIN LADEN''S EXECUTION For the first time, read the first-hand account of the planning and execution of the extraordinary mission to kill the terrorist mastermind. No Easy Day puts readers inside the elite, handpicked twenty-four-man team known as SEAL Team Six as they train for the most important mission of their lives. From the crash of the Black Hawk helicopter that threatened the mission with disaster, to the radio call confirming their target was dead, the SEAL team raid on bin Laden''s secret HQ is recounted in nail-biting second-by-second detail. Team leader Mark Owen takes readers behind enemy lines with one of the world''s most astonishing fighting forces, in the only insider''s account of their most spectacular mission. ''No Easy Day amounts to a cinematic account of the raid to kill Bin Laden: you feel as if you''re sitting in the Black Hawk as it swoops in'' NTrade ReviewNo Easy Day amounts to a cinematic account of the raid to kill Bin Laden: you feel as if you're sitting in the Black Hawk as it swoops in. * New York Times *A blistering first-hand account * The Sun *

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Book SynopsisFor three decades one of the most secretive units in the British military has been a mystery force known as X Platoon.Officially there was no X Platoon. The forty men in its elite number were specially selected from across the Armed Forces, at which point they simply ceased to exist. X Platoon had no budget, no weaponry, no vehicles and no kit - apart from what its men could beg, borrow or steal from other military units.For the first time a highly decorated veteran of this specialised force - otherwise known as the Pathfinders - reveals its unique story. Steve Heaney became one of the youngest ever to pass Selection, the gruelling trial of elite forces, and was at the cutting edge of X Platoon operations - serving on anti-narcotics operations in the Central American jungles, on missions hunting war criminals in the Balkans, and being sent to spy on and wage war against the Russians.The first non-officer in the unit''s history to be award the Military Cross, Trade ReviewThis fast-paced book is difficult to put down. * Military History Monthly *

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Book SynopsisThese guys are intense. And they bring that same fire to their narration in the audiobook. Listen to these insanely competent SEAL officers tell you exactly how to make a team successful through their firsthand experiences in business and combat. - The HustleAn updated edition of the blockbuster bestselling leadership audiobook that took America and the world by storm, two U.S. Navy SEAL officers who led the most highly decorated special operations unit of the Iraq War demonstrate how to apply powerful leadership principles from the battlefield to business and life.Combat, the most intense and dynamic environment imaginable, teaches the toughest leadership lessons, with absolutely everything at stake. Jocko Willink and Leif Babin learned this reality first-hand on the most violent and dangerous battlefield in Iraq. As leaders of SEAL Team Three's Task Unit Bruiser, their mission was one many thought impossible: help U.S. forces secure Ramadi, a violent,

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Book SynopsisTheodore Knell went through hell in the SAS - but his biggest battle began when he left. A Hell for Heroes is a searingly honest autobiography about what life in the military service is really like. This is my life story and the story of my time in the SAS. I hope that any soldier who reads it will find some sort of connection with their own. I have tried to share my experiences honestly, and as such all of the incidents portrayed within this book are true, some so dark and painful that I often questioned whether I wanted to remain part of the human race.I hope it will provide you an insight into the life and mind of a soldier - what makes us the way we are, what drives us on when other men would fold, what binds us together like no other brotherhood on earth, what makes us laugh and what scares us shitless.Watching men die violently for the first time is not something I would wish on any young man. Yes, many who have not served will say ''It will make a man out of you son''. buTrade Review...an honest account of army life and, very importantly, life after the army. It's a fascinating read, warts and all - covering service in Ireland and Africa - which will leave you with deep respect for the military. * Big Issue in Scotland *

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Book SynopsisTough, highly adaptable and efficient, the Parachute Regiment has established itself as one of the finest fighting forces in the world. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of its founding, renowned historian Max Arthur has compiled this enthralling oral history of the modern Parachute Regiment.This unique chronicle is told through the voices of more than a hundred of the soldiers themselves, and of those involved closely with them. Whether in the Falklands, Kosovo, Iraq, Sierra Leone or Afghanistan, the Paras have maintained their reputation for being where the fighting is fiercest and where the odds of survival are often stacked heavily against them.The gripping, visceral first-person narrative makes The Paras stand apart from conventional regimental histories as one of the most remarkable accounts of conflict ever published.

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Book SynopsisLife and leadership lessons from the Special Forces, from the stars of Channel 4 series SAS: Who Dares Wins - including Sunday Times bestselling author of FIRST MAN: LEADING FROM THE FRONT, Ant MiddletonAre you up to the challenge of SAS leadership? Only the best will succeed... Britain''s SAS (Special Air Service) has an unparalleled reputation for soldiering excellence. Their skills and techniques have been perfected in the most demanding environments imaginable, but many of these can also be used in our everyday lives. This book takes situations all of us will experience during our lives and presents tactical lessons drawn from SAS training and battlefield experience. Its four authors - stars of the hit Channel 4 show SAS: Who Dares Wins - how their finely honed understanding of how to handle extreme challenges can be applied in any environment. Their advice on negotiation, people management, self-motivationTrade ReviewInsightful, gritty and.... at times shocking... a must for fans of the brilliant show - Heat MagazineThe best of this year's TV spin-offs - Guardian

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Book Synopsis''From now on, all men operating against German troops in so-called Commando raids are to be annihilated.'' Adolf HitlerThis infamous edict was Hitler''s response to the actions of the Commandos, a daring new guerrilla force led by eccentrics and idealists. The Commandos were Britain''s first ever special forces, a group of volunteers from across the Army, Navy and Air Force that would confront the Germans on some of the most dangerous missions of the Second World War.After the war, the Commando units of the Royal Marines carried on those traditions, engaging in virtually every military scenario involving British troops. They became the elite of the British ''ready-to-go'' forces, capable of deploying at a moment''s notice to any trouble spot in the world. Their training is uniquely challenging and those who pass through it are awarded the coveted Green Beret, the distinctive hallmark of the Commando ethos.In John Parker''s now signature style, Com

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Book SynopsisBlack Ops is a skirmish wargame of tactical espionage combat for two or more players. It recreates on the tabletop the tension and excitement of modern action-thrillers such as the Bond and Bourne films, The Unit or Burn Notice TV shows, and the Splinter Cell and Modern Warfare series of video games.The fast-play rules use regular 6-sided dice and a card-driven activation system to keep all players in the thick of the action, while the mission generator provides a wide range of options for scenarios, from stealthy extraction or surveillance missions to more overt raids or assassinations. Stealth, combat and technical expertise all have a role to play, and players may select from a number of different character types - spies, mercenaries, criminals, hackers, special forces and many more - to recruit the best possible team for the job. Players may also choose to join a faction - powerful organizations, intelligence agencies, criminal syndicates, militaries or rebel groups, eacTable of ContentsIntroduction/ The Rules/ Characters/ Factions/ Scenarios/ Quick Reference Sheet

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Book SynopsisRoman unit standards played a important role, both ceremonially and on the battlefield. With the armies of the late Roman Republic and early Empire continually engaged on the frontiers, the soldiers selected for the dangerous honor of carrying them were figures of particular renown and splendor. Standard-bearers wore special armor, with the heads and pelts of animals such as bears, wolves, or even lions draped over their helmets and shoulders. The standards themselves varied greatly, from the legion''s Eagle and imperial portrait image to various cohort signa, flags (vexilla), and even dragon windsocks (dracones) copied from barbarian enemies and allies. This first volume of a two-part series by Roman army expert, Raffaele D''Amato uses detailed color plates and the latest research to examine these vital cogs in the Roman army machine that drove its soldiers to conquer the known world.Table of ContentsIntroduction – historical evolution of standards, from Marius to Commodus /Late Consular period: standard-bearers – standards /Early Imperial period: standard-bearers – organization & career /Early Imperial legionary standards: the eagle, vexillum & imago /Standards of the cohors, centuria & manipulum /Auxiliary standards: cavalry – vexillum – draco /Praetorian Guard standards – standards of Urban cohorts and Vigiles /Signa Militaria & Signa Imperia /Uniforms and weapons of standard-bearers /The chapel of the standards /Standards in battle – some famous standard-bearers /Glossary /Select Bibliography /Plate Commentaries

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Book SynopsisThe United States Marine Corps came into its own in the Pacific Islands campaign against Japan in World War II. From Guadalcanal to Okinawa, US Marines formed the tip of the spear as Allied forces sought to push the Japanese back to their Home Islands.This fascinating study tracks the deployments of the various Marine divisions throughout the war and explains their composition, but also goes deeper, to detail the individual regiments the focus of the marines'' identity and pride. It explains the organization of the Marine infantry regiment and its equipment, and how they evolved during the war. The marine infantryman''s evolving uniforms, field equipment and weapons are illustrated throughout using specially commissioned artwork and detailed descriptions to produce a fitting portrait of the US military's elite fighting force in the Pacific.Table of ContentsIntroduction: formation – campaigns/The Marine Divisions: organization – tracking the divisions/Evolution of the Marine Infantry Regiment in organization, weapons, and vehicles: 1941 – 1942 – 1943 – 1944 – 1945/The Raider and Parchute Regiments/The regiments in combat: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th Marines; 1st Raider Regiment, 1st Parachute Regiment/Field equipment: individual equipment – specialist equipment/Further reading

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Book SynopsisDrawing on difficult-to-access wartime documents and other contemporary sources, this is the first compact, illustrated study of the tactics and techniques of the US fast carriers of Task Forces 50, 58 and 38 during the naval war against Japan in 194345. This title concentrates on exactly how these highly successful forces actually operated: their composition in ships, aircraft and men; the essential technology at their disposal; the evolving doctrine for their employment; the opposition and dangers they faced; and how they overcame them at the tactical level. It explains in straightforward terms the intricate details of topics such as how ships manoeuvred, how aircraft were deployed and recovered, the formations and approaches used by fighters, dive-bombers and torpedo-bombers against naval and land targets, and how Task Forces defended themselves. The text is supported by a wide range of wartime photos and full-colour illustrations, showing, for example, the formations employeTable of ContentsIntroduction Composition Organization Air Group Equipment & Organization Operations & Tactics Surface Combat Air Combat Conclusion Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis title explores the history of the airborne troops, the elite striking arm of the Soviet Union during the Cold War, from their inception in 1930 until the fall of the USSR. Established in 1932, the Vozdushno-desantnye voyska (air-landing forces, or VDV) of the Red Army led the way in airborne doctrine and practice. Though they were initially handicapped by a lack of infrastructure, due in part to a turbulent political climate in the 1930s, they still conducted major drops during World War II, including at the Dnepr River in September 1943. After the war ended, the VDV became independent of the Air Force and were elevated to the role of strategic asset. The newly rebuilt divisions were now organized and trained to conduct deep insertions behind enemy lines, attacking command-and-control facilities, lines of communication, and key infrastructure targets such as nuclear power plants. This training came into play in numerous Cold War confrontations, inTable of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Early Years of the VDV The VDV Goes to War The VDV in the Cold War The VDV in Afghanistan Conclusion Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisFrom the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937 until the Japanese surrender in August 1945, a multitude of military and civil-defence forces strove to support the Japanese war effort and latterly prepared to defend the Home Islands against invasion. During World War II, Japan was the world's most militarized society and by 1945 nearly every Japanese male over the age of 10 wore some kind of military attire, as did the majority of women and girls. In this volume, Philip Jowett reveals the many military and civil-defence organizations active in wartime Japan, while specially commissioned artwork and carefully chosen archive photographs depict the appearance of the men, women and children involved in the Japanese war effort in the Home Islands throughout World War II.Table of ContentsIntroduction Medical Services The Police The Fire Service The Keibodan Civil-defense Organizations Patriotic Volunteer Groups Air Defenses The Transportation System Industries in Wartime Daily Life in Wartime Japan Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis fully illustrated study describes the vital combat roles of the US Special Warfare units, latterly including the renowned SEALs, during two of the deadliest conflicts of the Cold War.During the Korean War and the Vietnam War, US Navy Special Warfare units played a variety of vital combat roles amid two of the deadliest conflicts of the Cold War. In Korea, underwater demolition teams (UDTs) surveyed beaches for amphibious operations, cleared sea mines from harbors, conducted seaborne raids against inshore targets, and served as scouts for the infiltration of Korean guerrillas and British Royal Marine Commando raids along the North Korean coast. In South Vietnam, UDTs surveyed beaches and demolished Viet Cong bunkers, supply caches, and river obstacles in the Mekong Delta. The SEALs (Sea Air Land teams) deployed entire platoons into the Mekong Delta and the Rung Sat Special Zone to conduct guerrilla warfare against the Viet Cong that included ambushes, reconnaissanTrade ReviewPlenty of interesting stories about the work of these largely covert teams while the background also accompanies the helpful artwork illustrations which I think will attract many modellers who will get plenty of inspiration from them. -- Robin Buckland * Military Model Scene *Table of ContentsIntroduction US Navy UDTs in the Korean War: Organization and Equipment UDT Operations in Korea US Navy UDTs in the Vietnam War: Organization and Equipment UDT Operations in Vietnam US Navy SEALs in the Vietnam War: Organization and Equipment SEAL Operations in Vietnam Aftermath Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisA hard-hitting history of the U.S. airborne unit who made a name for themselves in the unforgiving jungles of South Vietnam.It was easier killing than living. Third Battalion 506th Airborne veteranDrawing on interviews with veterans, many of whom have never gone on the record before, Ian Gardner follows up his epic trilogy about the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment in World War II with the story of the unit''s reactivation at the height of the Vietnam War. This is the dramatic history of a band of brothers who served together in Vietnam and who against the odds lived up to the reputation of their World War II forefathers.Brigadier General Salve Matheson''s idea was to create an 800-strong battalion of airborne volunteers in the same legendary Currahee spirit that had defined the volunteers of 1942. The man he chose to lead them was John Geraci, who would mold this young brotherhood into a highly cohesive and motivated force. In December 1967, the battalion was sent intoTrade ReviewWe need books like this because they remind us that the same dedication, teamwork, optimism and courage that defined the World War II generation also defined the generation that fought the war in Vietnam. * Martin K.A. Morgan, Historian and Author *This fabulous book reveals our fears, hardships, humor, trust in each other and creation of a bond that still endures to this day. A must-read for teachers and students of combat leadership. * Joe Alexander, Platoon Leader, A Company *A riveting story of heroism, hardship, and tough combat in Vietnam that vividly brings to life the experiences of an extraordinary unit. * General David Petraeus *Ian Gardner has produced a narrative that is remarkable in keeping the reader engaged in the events through a roller coaster ride of emotions… While the prose is gritty and at times shocking, it is honest in describing the realities of combat often at close quarters in a hostile climate and landscape against a highly experienced and determined enemy. * David Rattee, Honorary Member of US Army 506th Inf. Regt. *Thoroughly researched, with a fascinating array of previously unseen photographs, this is a must-read for those interested in one unit’s Vietnam War. * Classic Military Vehicle *A useful addition to the vast library of books on the US intervention in Vietnam, it provides the reader with a down to earth perspective of one unit’s fight in a conflict. * Aspects of History *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments List of Illustrations List of Maps Acronyms Introduction Chronology of Significant Events 1. “Salute the New Dawn”: Reactivation – Fort Campbell, Kentucky 2. “To the Limit and Beyond”: Training for Vietnam 3. “The Things We Cannot Change”: Shipping Out 4. “Only the Strong Survive”: Orientation and Deployment – October 28–November 30, 1967 5. “The Dragon’s Graveyard”: Operation Rose – November 1967 6. “Battle Troopers”: Operation Klamath Falls – December 1967 7. “Badge of Courage”: The Battle of the Knoll – January 2, 1968 8. “The Aftermath”: January 3–8, 1968 9. “Beer, Bang, and Boom Boom”: Phan Rang – January 9–16, 1968 10. “Living in the Dirt”: Landing Zone Betty and Phan Thiet 11. “We Stand Together”: January 22–February 1, 1968 12. “Blood Trail 556”: The Battle of the Van Ta House – February 2, 1968 13. “Into the Sunrise”: February 3–5, 1968 14. “Death Patrol to Disneyland”: The Battle of Phu Bon and Beyond – February 6, 1968 15. “Take it to the Bridge”: The Second Battle of Phan Thiet – February 18–23, 1968 16. “Red Sand”: The Battle of the Ca Ty River – February 19, 1968 17. “After the Storm”: The Bowl – February/March 1968 18. “Watch and Shoot”: April 1968 19. “Let the Light Shine”: Operation MR-6, April 26–May 16, 1968 20. “Return to the Graveyard”: Operation Rockne Gold, May 19–27, 1968 21. “The Bitterest Pill”: Operation Banjo Royce and Beyond – June/July 1968 22. “The Protected Will Never Know”: August–October 1968 Epilogue Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisWritten by one of the world''s leading experts on D-Day, Smashing Hitler''s Guns is a ground-breaking new history of the legendary Rangers'' attack on Pointe-du-Hoc.The Ranger attack on the German gun batteries at Pointe-du-Hoc in the early morning hours of D-Day is the stuff of legend. The gun batteries were strategically positioned between the two American D-Day landing beaches, and were considered the main threat to the Operation Neptune landings. In spite of the confusion and chaos of the June 6, 1944 mission, the Rangers succeeded in scaling the 100-foot cliffs, but the guns were nowhere to be found.Spreading out in all directions, a Ranger team managed to find and spike the guns at their hidden location south of Pointe-du-Hoc. For two days, this small force fought off repeated German attacks, until an American relief force finally arrived on 8 June, by which time more than half the Rangers were casualties. The heroic Ranger missioTrade ReviewWell written and researched and essential reading for those interested in US Special Forces. * Army Rumour Service *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Introduction Author’s Note Acknowledgements Chapter 1: The Guns of Pointe-du-Hoc Chapter 2: The Coastal Gun Threat Chapter 3: “Hard Men for Dirty Work” Chapter 4: Refining the Ranger Plan Chapter 5: Spying on Pointe-du-Hoc: The Intelligence Battle Chapter 6: Softening Pointe-du-Hoc Chapter 7: Obliteration Chapter 8: Assault Group O-4 Chapter 9: Carnage on Charlie Beach Chapter 10: The Stormy Voyage to Pointe-du-Hoc Chapter 11: Force A Strikes Pointe-du-Hoc Chapter 12: Spiking the Guns Chapter 13: The Germans Strike Back Chapter 14: Night Attack Chapter 15: Ranger Force C on Dog Green Beach Chapter 16: The Crazy March on D+1 Chapter 17: Relief from the Sea Chapter 18: Final Mission: The Maisy Gun Batteries Chapter 19: Battle Analysis Afterword: The Rangers in Cinema Appendix A: Ranger Organization, Equipment, and Combat Awards Appendix B: The Pointe-du-Hoc Guns: Doctrine and Technology Appendix C: Naval Fire Support for the Rangers Appendix D: The Guns of Maisy Endnotes Further Reading Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisThe Das Reich Division was one of the most effective and ruthless fighting formations of WW2.

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Book SynopsisInspiration for the major motion picture 6 Days, starring Jamie Bell as Rusty FirminGo! Go! Go! tells the action-packed story of the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege. It is a comprehensive and gripping account of an unforgettable six-day drama that shook Britain - and the wider world - to the core. Drawing on original and unseen source material from ex-SAS soldier Rusty Firmin, the police and the British Government, Go! Go! Go! takes us to the heart of the whole operation.The assault planning and training, strategy and tactics are described in detail, and the personal stories of the gunmen revealed - who they were, where they came from, why they did it and Saddam Hussein''s direct involvement. Compelling accounts of each day of the siege from the hostages'' points of view show how they dealt with captivity individually and collectively. And new material explains the negotiators'' tactics and their cool exterior versus their internal turmoil as nTrade ReviewA pacy, tabloid-style blow-by-blow narrative. It should delight fans of derring-do ... admirably told - SUNDAY TIMESThose who enjoy reading about the technical details of military activity will not be disappointed but there is also plenty of human interest - DAILY EXPRESS

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Book SynopsisDiscover the USA Today bestselling self-help memoir from a former Army Ranger, a hero of the 2012 Benghazi siege, and the subject of the book and movie 13 Hours, as he shares life-changing lessons of discipline, motivation, success, and peace.Thousands of people have heard Kris Tanto Paronto speak about his experiences in Benghazi on September 11, 2012. But before he was a security contractor, Tanto was a US Army Ranger from 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. In The Ranger Way, Tanto shares stories from his training experiences that played a role in his team''s heroic response in Benghazi on September 11, 2012. Being a Ranger is, by design, not for everyone, but anyone can use the expectations and techniques of Ranger culture to achieve personal victory. Tanto shows you how to define your mission, set goals that are in alignment with your values, and develop a battle plan that will maximize your chances of success. You will learn why you should never quit

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Powerful. Gritty. Real. MURPHY’S LAW is an absolutely captivating account of bravery and adventure. Had Hemmingway gone to war post-9/11, this is the book he would have written. An absolute must-read!" -- —Brad Thor, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

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Book SynopsisThe sniper is a battlefield threat second to none. Mastering the art of marksmanship is critical but is only part of what makes a Navy SEAL sniper. Snipers must be able to apply the craft in an urban environment or alone on a hostile mountain top with equal effectiveness. Today’s sniper must not just leverage technological advances but also have the foreknowledge to select the best rifle and gear for the mission. Increasingly, he must have the mental toughness to adapt to a constantly changing environment, gather intelligence, and truly act as a force multiplier.In this comprehensive look through the eyes of former Navy SEAL sniper instructor Brandon Webb and fellow Navy SEAL snipers Chris Kyle and Glen Doherty, the authors reveal not just the fundamentals of marksmanship but also the science of shooting, stalking, and camouflage and how technological advances have changed the training and increased the effectiveness of the modern sniper. Including maritime, helicopter, and urban sniper operations, this updated edition also goes into detail on the latest research, development, testing, and evaluation of weapons and optics. From the basics like compensating for wind and bullet drop, to camouflage and placing yourself or your team in the best position to take a photo or pull a trigger, Webb and Doherty cover the critical elements that comprise the twenty-first century sniper.

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestselling authorDon Man and Lance Burton tell the history of the most respected and feared fighting force every created—The US Navy SEALs.“For those brave souls—past, present, and future—and those who wish to honor them—their story is in the pages that follow.”From their birth in World War II as combat swimmers clearing the beaches of Normandy to their evolution into fighting men who could operate anywhere in the world by sea, air, or land, the intrepid story of the US Navy SEALs is one of courage, sacrifice, and world-renowned toughness that echoes of other great military units of history—the Spartans, the Roman legions, or the samurai. Take a look inside to find out what makes the SEALs America’s deadliest warriors.This is a narrative history; stories based on either direct experiences or exhaustive research. Mann and Burton take the reader through the inception of the Naval Combat Demolition Teams (NCDU) and Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) during World War II, their testing and development in Korea and into the Vietnam War, where the SEALs truly laid the groundwork for their legendary status, and on into the present day. The authors highlight the major steps and operations along the way, discuss the training and what it takes, and explore some of the most important moments in SEAL history.Trade Review“An engaging overview of these highly trained warriors....SEAL teams have been in nearly continuous combat for over 15 years, and the book provides some of the best tales of these missions, not only in Iraq and Afghanistan, but other regions of the world.”—New York Journal of Books “Exceptionally informative and an inherently fascinating read from cover to cover, Navy SEALs: The Combat History of the Deadliest Warriors on the Planet will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to both community and academic library American Military History collections in general, and SEALs supplemental studies lists in particular.”—Midwest Book Review “If you only read one book about the Navy SEALs—read this one. At once entertaining and informative, Navy SEALs is the definitive history of this legendary group of warriors. Its combat vignettes, spanning WWII to present day, grab your attention and hold it from start to finish. The book is superbly crafted with a compelling narrative that not only chronicles the fighting history of the Navy SEALs but also includes commentary on the geopolitical context within in which the SEALs were sent to fight. It also is highly informative on the training that a recruit must undergo to become a SEAL and what makes the difference between those who are successful in this mighty quest and those who are not. Easy to read and enjoyable, I highly recommend this book.”—Duane Evans, former CIA officer and author of Foxtrot in Kandahar: A Memoir of a CIA Officer in Afghanistan at the Inception of America's Longest War “If you love military history, you will love this book. If you love special operations military history, you won't want to put this book down. After reading Navy SEALs, I learned more about the history of the Navy Frogman/SEAL legacy than I thought I knew. Born from the ancient warrior code and forged by events from World War II to the present, the U.S Navy SEAL mission has evolved as the times and threats have changed. This evolution is easier to understand when you know the history of the men who volunteered for these highly secretive missions. Though the job has changed significantly, the men who perform these missions have not. Take a journey through military history and get to know the men who became Navy SEALs and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. You will not be disappointed with this history book."—Stew Smith, author, fitness coach, and former Navy SEAL officer "Excellent read! This is one of the most in depth books I’ve ever read regarding the Navy SEALS. Don Mann and Lance Burton do an incredible job of taking the reader through the early UDT Frogmen in WWII to the warrior SEALs of today. Don Mann, retired Navy SEAL, gives the reader personal accounts from the indoctrination period, BUD/S, SQT, and ultimately having the Trident proudly pinned on their uniform, as well as some of his service to our county. Don and Lance share the stories of those SEAL heroes who went above and beyond the call of duty earning them the Congressional Medal of Honor. I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about or wanting to become a Navy SEAL or someone who just likes to read about the SEALs."—Jimmie Lobley, Former SRT/Deputy WCSO Sheriff's Office "Hollywood 'SEALs' don’t come close to the authentic Navy SEALs. The real life depictions of SEALs and their operations around the world, as described by Don Mann in his most recent book, Navy SEALs: the Combat History of the Deadliest Warriors on the Planet, are at the same time frightening and inspiring. We should all be thankful for their dedicated service."—DJ Mallmann, CIA (ret.), author of Shibboleth. PRAISE FOR DON MANN “Don Mann is an outstanding example of the military men this nation produces, and a top-notch tactical operator and instructor.” —Edward J. Pollard, Assistant Director (Ret.), Protective Operations, United States Secret Service “Don Mann is a true warrior. He speaks from a place of knowledge and experience, and has truly ‘been there, done that.’”—Niki Anderson, Counterintelligence Advisor, Center for Counterintelligence and Security Studies “Mann does a fine job giving readers the feel of what it’s like to be a member of the SEALs, from danger to camaraderie.” —Booklist “Filled with the kind of knowing, immersive detail that can only come from someone with real-life experience in the field.”—Howard E. Wasdin, New York Times best-selling author of SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper "A riveting and accurate description of how special operations units actually conduct counterterrorist operations in the field.”—James Blount, former supervisor at the Central Intelligence Agency

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Book SynopsisFrom the US Department of Defense, the skills, tactics, and traits of the most highly skilled soldiers in the word--Army Rangers. This handbook offers the techniques and tactics that make U.S. Army Rangers the best soldiers in the world. These highly trained, easily deployable, and widely skilled infantrymen specialize in airborne assault, raids,

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Book SynopsisWhen the US Marine Commandant, Major General Thomas Holcomb, announced the formation of what became the US Marine Corps Women s Reserve, legend has it that the portrait of the fifth Commandant, Archibald Henderson, fell off the wall and crashed to the floor in disbelief . This branch of the US Marines was authorized by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on 30 July 1942. This law allowed for the acceptance of women into the reserve as commissioned officers and at the enlisted level, effective for the duration of the war plus six months. The purpose of the law was to release officers and men for combat and to replace them with women in shore stations. The result was that between 1943 and 1945 the women of America enlisted in their thousands to Free A Man to Fight . This book, the first of its kind, explores in detail the role of Women Marines, or WRs as they were known at the time. It also presents a detailed study of the uniforms of the WRs supported by numerous colour photographs. This book has been written with the full support of the US Marine Corps Histories Division, the Women Marine Association and surviving WR veterans.

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Book Synopsis_There are no better biographies of Goering, Goebbels and Himmler in existence_. **New York Review of Books** Heinrich Himmler was the commander of the SS, and as founder and officer-in-charge of the Nazi concentration camps and the Einsatzgruppen death squads, he was responsible for implementing the extermination of millions of people. By the time he died he was the second-most powerful man in Germany and regarded himself as Hitler's natural successor, going so far as to attempt to negotiate independent peace with the Allies. Based on US documents handed over to the German Federal Archives and the testimonies of Himmler's family and staff, this book examines how a seemingly ordinary boy grew into an obsessive and superstitious man who ventured into herbalism and astrology before finally turning to the science of racial purity and the belief in the superiority of the Aryan race. Filled with insights into Himmler s private life, activities and beliefs, this is an important study of one of the most sinister figures of World War II.

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Book SynopsisThe most comprehensive and enlightening version of these seminal events yet. **Sir Ranulph Fiennes** Britain s elite Special Air Service Regiment, the SAS, is one of the most revered and feared special-ops units in the world. Its high-profile operations include the spectacular storming of the Iranian Embassy in London on 5 May 1980 and the hunt for Osama bin Laden in southern Afghanistan following 9/11\. The regiment has become a byword for the highest possible standards in both conventional and unorthodox methods of warfare. But where did it all begin? In this compelling book, Tim Jones tackles this fascinating question from a fresh perspective. It is commonly held that the regiment was the brainchild of just one man, David Stirling. While not dismissing Stirling s considerable contribution to the regiment s genesis, Jones s insightful investigation identifies all of the major factors that played a part in shaping the SAS, including the role of such notables as Dudley Clarke, Archibald Wavell and Claude Auchinleck, among others. Drawing extensively on primary sources, as well as reassessing the more recent regimental histories and memoirs, _SAS Zero Hour_ is an illuminating and provocative account of how this renowned regiment came into being.

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Book SynopsisDrawing on a superb collection of rare and unpublished photographs the 6th SS Mountain Division Nord 1941 - 1945 is the 6th book in the Waffen-SS Images of War Series compiled by Ian Baxter. The book tells the story of the 6th SS Mountain Division Nord, which was formed in February 1941 as SS Kampfgruppe Nord (SS Battle Group North). The Division was the only Waffen-SS unit to fight in the Arctic Circle when it was stationed in Finland and northern Russia between June and November 1941\. It fought in Karelia until the Moscow Armistice in September 1944, at which point it left Finland. It suffered heavy losses in the Operation Nordwind in January 1945 and in early April 1945, the division was destroyed by the US forces near Budingen, Germany.

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Book SynopsisPat Evans parachuted into German-occupied Northern Greece in September 1943. His mission as a SOE operative was to support the Greek resistance movement, carry out sabotage and commando operations and gather military intelligence. By this time Greece was not only a country ravaged by a brutal occupation but being torn apart by fending political factions on the edge of civil war. Evans had to walk a tight-rope between the Germans, the Communist -directed ELAS, Macedonia irredentists and his own SOE masters in Cairo and Allied High Command. After the Nazis withdrew in late 1944, he was sent to Northern Greece to try and restore some form of normality amid the chaos of civil war. His success can be measured by the warmth in which the locals still remember him, over 70 years on. This book draws on a wide range of sources, including SOE and War Cabinet papers but it is Pat Evans' unpublished letters and reports that give the reader an insight into the challenge that he faced, both operationally and politically. The result is a thrilling and informative book.

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As elite troops, the German Fallschirmjager (paratroopers) were regularly engaged in front line combat during the Second World War. Their famed actions such as the fighting in Scandinavia, the taking of the Belgian fortress Eden-Emal in May 1940, and the Battle for Crete just a year later, have given them the reputation of being determined, courageous and loyal soldiers. This book covers the early years of the Fallschirmstruppen (paratroop units) before the beginning of the war, until the height of their successes in 1941, after which the Fallschirmjager were more often deployed in a more 'traditional' way, even though high-risk actions (such as at Monte Cassino, the Gran Sasso Raid) allowed them to reconnect once more with their glorious past.

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