Thomas McClung

As the son of two World War II veterans (both were pilots and his mother was a member of the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots), Stuart McClung has had a longtime interest in history in general and military history, particularly the American Civil War.

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Mr. McClung has lived in many different parts of the United States and spent three years in Morocco. He obtained his BA in history from Ohio University and his MA from American Military University, based in Charlestown, West Virginia, with a 4.0 GPA and nomination to the University President's Honors List.

Mr. McClung was recently awarded the American Public University System's (APUS) Community Service Award for his volunteer efforts over the course of more than 20 years, in historical interpretation, presentations, and public speaking at organizational meetings, community events, and other public venues at the national, state, and local levels. Mr. McClung has been recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia for more than 10 years of volunteer service in interpretive programs at Sky Meadows State Park, Paris, Virginia.

Mr. McClung is currently nominated for APUS' Distinguished Graduate Award. He resides in Hagerstown, Maryland, where he is employed by Merkle Response Management Group.

Book Reviews by Thomas McClung

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It should be said that this is a paperback release of a book first published in 2015.

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“Alexander Rose, a journalist by trade, has written a very interesting and informative story that follows the machinations, maneuverings, and politics that influenced what went on behind th

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“This is a well-written monograph on one of those largely unknown incidents of our history. The story of these Americans deserves to be told.”

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The best history to learn about is that of unknown or otherwise obscure events, especially in this instance where a 19th century American frontier “serial killing” family is concerned.

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The Navy SEALS are the elite of the elite in the military of the United States. They train for missions according to their acronym: SEa, Air and Land.

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Among the literally thousands of publications whose primary subject is Abraham Lincoln, there have been some previously that have dealt with his presidential relationship relative to the Constituti

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Author Andres Resendez has undertaken to tell the story of a little-known voyage across the Pacific Ocean by a small Spanish fleet, one ship of which, the smallest, was led, surprisingly, by a mula

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For at least a while during the 2020 presidential election campaign, one of the issues raised was that of easing the burden of millions in this country who had financed their post-secondary educati

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“a contextual backdrop for an overall lesson in the tragedy of France’s imperial incursion into Equatorial Africa.

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Even the most obscure events in history have their own story to tell for posterity’s edification.

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Human history is replete with secret societies and organizations like the Knights Templar and Freemasons.

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Within an overall historical event are the individual stories.

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“Greed and avarice aside, this is certainly a cautionary tale, reminding us all that one must still do one's due diligence and not necessarily depend on someone’s word and ostensible good w

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By this time, everyone should have at least some passing familiarity with the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime of Adolf Hitler as well as the postwar legal proceedings in Nuremberg which wer

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“it would be well for all to read One Mighty and Irresistible Tide in order to gain a better understanding of what it means to be an immigrant pursuing the American Dream.”

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As more and more documents and files on intelligence and counter-intelligence operations are declassified as time marches on, the public begins to learn many of the things that go on behind the sce

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Everyone likes a good mystery, particularly when it involves an actual event. In this case, it’s one of the unsolved mysteries of U.S. aviation history.

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“These women were heroes in every sense of the word and for more reasons than one.”

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“Justice, even decades later, should send a message that these are crimes for which atonement must be paid in full.”      

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“Bernice Lerner has provided us the opportunity to see what results when one woman’s will to survive and one man’s humanity are combined.”    

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“a well-researched, interesting and enjoyable biography of someone who really should be in the pantheon of feminist heroes . . .”

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“As with many other topics related to the world’s greatest and deadliest human conflict, there is much here for all of us to learn, know and try to understand about ourselves in chaotic and

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“With the current campaign ramping up more and more each day, something surely needs to be done to ensure all citizens’ votes are counted and that fairness and legitimacy are the hallmarks

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Although this is an English language reprint of a memoir originally published in 1946, it shouldn’t be terribly surprising that it still has considerable relevance as a first-pers

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Xenophobia has had a long and sordid history in this country, as admirably pointed out by author Erika Lee in the text.

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By now, everyone should be familiar with the almost universally ugly, sordid history of white/European relations with the Native peoples of North America; how they were dispossessed of their land,

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Given the length of time over which the United States government has conducted nuclear tests, most people should be familiar with the Nevada Test Site, especially given all of the publicity in rece

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“With clear prose and an excellent writing style, Stephen Harding, editor of Military History magazine, is to be commended for bringing another interesting story of World War II to

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“For those with an interest in American social and cultural history, this is a well-written, insightful, and incisive work that provides much to consider on a longtime controversial issue.”

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“another instance of the dedication and sacrifice made by our Greatest Generation.

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“one of those incredible true crime stories that grab one’s attention and does not let go until the last page.”

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Even if this publication were fiction, it would be an eye-opener. The fact that it isn’t should really raise eyebrows for those who read it.

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“Hitler’s Last Plot is certainly among the first to bring together a more detailed look at how the Nazis tried to use these people as a means of mitigating or avoi

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The historiography of prisoner of war (POW) publications generally takes the Western or Allied perspective.

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“David Powell is quickly becoming a noted historian on the war, with multiple volumes on the Chickamauga and Atlanta Campaigns.”

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“This is a quick and easy read yet holds one’s interest over and above the actual Top Gun program development.

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Women have always struggled to obtain their due in and from this country, from the Revolution right through to today.

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“For an interesting look at a largely obscure part of United States history, this volume is highly recommended.”

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As with many other subjects, one can find a surfeit of publications on the so-called Longest Day—D-Day—and its attendant Normandy campaign.

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Should one be inclined to search, there is a plethora of titles published on this subject since the end of World War II.

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Some of the names of the 56 signers—our Founding Fathers—of the Declaration of Independence are well known.

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It has been asked before, regarding topics which have previously received considerable attention from the publishing world: Is it really necessary for another book on this subject?

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For the most part, what attention has been paid in the last 70 years to the events of the Holocaust in Italy has largely been a matter of the “good Italians” who protected, opposed, and/or actively

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“In spite of the tragedy and difficulty of reading about man’s inhumanity to man, this should be required reading for all . . .”

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It is always a pleasure to read and review a publication that deserves one’s endorsement. This volume has a lot going for it that will be referenced below.

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In spite of previous written and documentary video accounts of John Wesley Powell’s trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, relatively little is known about the man and the rest of h

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If there is a single military operation of retribution better known in the history of World War II than the so-called Doolittle Raid, one would be hard pressed to come up with an example.

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A social history and even personal memoirs may not be everyone’s cup of tea and, at first glance, that might appear to be the case here.

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“Clichéd as it may be, we should never forget that freedom isn’t free and never will be.”

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It bears repeating that personal accounts and oral histories are important for a variety of reasons.

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For weal or woe, many names stand out in the history of our revolution against Great Britain: Nathan Hale, George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and Ethan Allen, for example.

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The tragic and sordid story of the relations between European whites and Native Americans should be well known to all, even without knowledge of specific details in which individual tribes are conc

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The service of African-Americans in the armed forces of the United States should be well realized by everyone by now.

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Some of the history of the United States is known to many, yet the story behind the events and circumstances that make up that history not always necessarily so much.

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It is unfortunate and even tragic in today's society that our history is so largely unknown, mostly untaught and unlearned.

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The Vietnam War was one of the most tragic and divisive events in the history of this country.

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“an insightful book, providing a closeup look at a conflict that has bedeviled the Middle East and only added fuel to the ongoing fires in that region.”  

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“a well-researched and written analysis to be added to the historiographical shelf on Appalachia, its people, and their dispossession of the land and family home place.”

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“This is a straightforward, well-told, and uplifting personal story of what essentially represents the American dream.”

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In times of conflict, not everything is about what goes on in the front lines.

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“an opportunity for all to learn about Bering and his contributions to the geographic and scientific knowledge gained as a result of his efforts.”

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“many more lives were spared an unthinkable end . . . thanks to the humanity of just one individual.

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More often than not, when one thinks of the actions taken against the various categories of Europe’s “undesirables” in World War II, it is usually in terms of the Axis: Germany and, to a lesser ext

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As a rule, reviewers generally don’t and shouldn’t personally insert themselves into a review.

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“should be the definitive volume on the Riviera’s World War II experience and is highly recommended.”

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One of the worst possible experiences in wartime is being captured and becoming a prisoner of war (POW).

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“an eminently readable story that further emphasizes and demonstrates the mettle of the Greatest Generation.”  

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War is never pretty, and in the case of Vietnam less so for a variety of reasons. Those who served there deserved better than we gave them when and since they came home.

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“demonstrate[s] the war’s sheer and utter waste of life and resources even as the old mainland Europe monarchical order brought about its own demise.”

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The world should be well aware of the sacrifices made and losses suffered by the Soviet Union in World War II.

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The history of the United States is still full of topics yet to be researched, explored, and revealed in book or other form.

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There have been many instances where one wishes one could have been a fly on the wall in order to know what was said at the time or what really happened, particularly, say, in the commission of a c

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Attributed to President Harry Truman, and perhaps paraphrased here, is the expression that “the only thing new is the history you don’t know.” In this case, there is considerable truth here.

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One facet of Nazi Germany about which many people do not know or of which they are unaware is the extent of chemical dependency in its society and regime.

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“another fine tribute to those who put their lives on the line for those of us who have come after them.”

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". . .  Wukovits certainly joins Morrison and James D. Hornfischer as one of the pre-eminent writers on the history of U.S. Navy operations in the Pacific theater."

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It is entirely possible that the vast majority of Americans have never thought of or even considered the possibility that their country and its white supremacist legislation of the 1930s would ever

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It is always gratifying to learn history you don’t know.

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Newspaper editor John O’Sullivan is generally credited with the development of, if not necessarily coining, the expression Manifest Destiny, the notion or idea that the United States of America sho

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Long before his rendezvous with the Ides of March, 44 BCE, Julius Caesar was one of the ancient world’s most accomplished military leaders.

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“a fascinating and informative account of the personal lives of the Tudors.”

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Although World War II began in Europe in September, 1939, it was followed by the approximately six month period of what was called the Phony War: Universal national mobilization, decisions on strat

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Although the story of the contributions of African Americans during the Civil War has been garnering much more attention over the past 25 years, mainly through the film Glory and its depic

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Virtually everyone should be aware of the accomplishments of the United States Marine Corps in World War II.

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One of the titans of 20th century American literature, Ernest Hemingway was larger than life and an adventurer of the first rank. He was also imperfect, flawed and, therefore, human.

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This publication is a compendium of skirmishes, engagements, battles, and campaigns fought by “Americans” from practically day one on this continent to the present.

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The advent of the 75th anniversary of Japan’s attack at Pearl Harbor has had at least something to do with the publication of this book.

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With perhaps the exception of the Holocaust in Europe, no other phase of World War II was more horrific than captivity under the Imperial Japanese Empire, the same being said of combat against thes

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The story of the United States’ eight year fight for independence from Great Britain is one known around the world.

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“a tragic tale that has been a long time coming and 75 years in the telling.”  

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A photographic publication of any historical event is to be welcomed, and the Second World War was one of the most widely covered and photographed conflicts in history.

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For those who enjoy reading a well-told tale of historical nonfiction, this could be that story. But be forewarned that it comes with at least two caveats to be explained below.

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Modern warfare in general and asymmetrical warfare specifically and in particular in the War on Terror have been especially characterized in recent years by the overarching reach and influence of t

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Those with an interest in military history, in particular World War II, should be familiar with the efforts of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), a formation of Japanese-American citizens who

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Among historians certainly, it has been axiomatic that control of the authority and power of the Federal government was maintained by the so-called Southern plantation aristocracy for the first 75

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The Manhattan Project, the so-called American mission to develop an atomic weapon in World War II, was rightly accorded the highest secrecy of any operation of the Federal government, notwithstandi

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One need not be an equestrian or horse lover in order to appreciate this story.

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As a war winds down, with victory in sight, no one wants to be the last one killed. As a rule, participants tend to become somewhat cautious or reluctant to put their lives on the line.

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The presence of many prominent and not-so-familiar foreign individuals in the ranks of both armies in the Civil War is well known, especially Irish and German.

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Among the Headhunters is another account in a series of little known incidents that occurred in World War II.

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In a conflict as massive as was World War II, it is inevitable that there would be a plethora of personal and personally heroic stories to be told.

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The American special operations forces known as the Navy SEALs have been garnering considerable attention and headlines in the media and even onscreen in recent years, particularly as a result of o

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It has been said before and bears repeating, but it is always gratifying when the stories of more obscure incidents and events of a historical period are published for the information and edificati

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The tale and toll of man’s inhumanity to man is a long, complex, and tragic one, especially when it comes to bondage, slavery, involuntary servitude—call it what you like.

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“cannot be recommended too highly . . .  another smoking gun . . .”

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It should be noted, in the interest of full disclosure, that the mother of this reviewer was a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).

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In the 19th century there were many individuals who could be considered larger than life, particularly in the United States.

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In the interest of full disclosure, an uncle of this reviewer was present at Iwo Jima during the course of the main invasion and fighting there.

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This particular publication is not what it might seem at first glance.

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“an extremely readable overall look at what has been heretofore a mostly unfamiliar, neglected and forgotten phase of World War II.”

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“an engaging volume.”

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Following the publication of Lone Survivor and the release of its video counterpart of the same name, author Patrick Robinson discovered that there were questions regarding the account by

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The early history of submarines is replete with examples of disasters, not terribly surprising given the limitations and newness of the technology.

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Modern day society is familiar with the existence, accomplishments, and exploits of America’s Special Operations forces, in particular the warriors known as U.S. Navy SEALs.

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“For a personal, ground level view of a highly decorated German soldier’s World War II experience, Sturm’s account comes highly recommended.” 

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This publication is a combination of two desirable factors.

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In the category of military history, the most interesting accounts can be those of a personal memoir or an obscure nature.

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“a primer for anyone looking for information on extreme weather survival.”

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“a well-written story of a truly epic World War II fight . . .”

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“a brutally honest and personal look at World War II urban combat . . .”

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“a well-written and engrossing account of a World War II episode which has not necessarily seen the light of day . . .”

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“For those interested in this critical campaign, this volume is recommended.”

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“Thom Hatch has assumed a cheerleading mantle on behalf of someone who has been castigated many times for his actions . . .”

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“Gerald Kleinfeld and Lewis Tambs have chosen to highlight the relatively obscure service rendered by Spain to the German war effort on the Eastern Front.”