Synopses & Reviews
The war for Europe through the previously unpublished correspondence of Eisenhower and his Chief of Staff, offering new insight into a key partnership of the U.S. military Between December 1943 and November 1945, General George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff, United States Army, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Forces, communicated through top secret channels, their letters given the highest security rating— "Eyes Only." These documents have remained unpublished, until now. This correspondence which charts the war in Europe also reveals the true feelings of these men, their most candid opinions on the progress of the campaign, the organization of SHAEF headquarters, the planning for the invasion of the continent, and the day-to-day problems which arose during the arduous engagements across France and into Germany. They also cover the surrender negotiations with the Nazis and the Soviets, culminating in the huge problem of rebuilding Europe, and give a unique insight into their attitudes towards the statesmen, politicians, generals, and the press of the day. This is the story of the battle for Europe in the words of those who fought it, day by day, as it happened.
Review
“. . . those with a penchant for WWII trivia may consider it a useful addition to their bookshelves.” —Publishers Weekly
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“World War II buffs will find invaluable insights; scholars will consider it an essential addition to the literature.” —Library Journal
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"[Eyes Only] will be of immense value to those with a serious interest in the conduct of war at the highest levels." —The NYMAS Review
Synopsis
The full story of one of the bloodiest battles of the war in the Pacific Operation Detachment, the invasion of Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, was the first campaign on Japanese soil and resulted in some of the fiercest fighting of the Pacific campaign. U. S. Marines supported by the Navy and Air Force fought the Japanese both over and underground on the island of volcanic ash, in a battle which was immortalized by the raising of the Stars and Stripes above Mount Suribachi. It was a battle that the Japanese could not win but they were determined to die trying; of the 18,000-strong garrison, only 200 were taken prisoner. Americans lost more in the 35 day battle, but at the end had possession of three airfields in range of the Japanese mainland. This book gives a clear, concise account of those dramatic days in 1945, supported by a timeline of events and orders of battle.
Synopsis
The Viet Cong campaign that shook the United StatesBy January 31, 1968, the U.S. had been fighting the Vietnam War for more than 10 years, but the American people never thought they wouldn't win. The Tet Offensive changed all that. Over seven bloody months the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong launched hundreds of attacks across South Vietnam, hitting military and political targets, including the U.S. embassy. While the attacks in and around Saigon in the south were quashed quickly, there was a prolonged battle for the city of Hue in the north. The 77-day siege captured the imagination of the world as the Marines fought a desperate battle against overwhelming odds. As the offensive petered out and the U.S. military reestablished control, the generals in Saigon and the politicians in Washington, D.C. were forced to reassess their strategy for South Vietnam. Involving more than 1.5 million combatants, of whom more than 50,000 were killed, not to mention the thousands of civilian casualties, the Tet Offensive was a bitter political victory for the communist forces.
Synopsis
The story of one of the most decisive Allied victories of World War II Clear and concise, this account of the dramatic days at the end of 1944 is supported by a timeline of events and orders of battle. In December 1944 the German military made their final attempt to end World War II by throwing in all their reserves in a desperate effort to shatter the Allied lines. After breaking through the American-held sector in the Ardennes, two Panzer armies headed for the bridges over the River Meuse. However, a combination of poor planning, bad weather, torturous terrain, and above all, the determined defense of such key towns and villages as Bastogne and St. Vith, delayed the advance. The Allies were able to hold the northern and southern shoulders of the attack, hemming the Germans in. The Bulge had been created, and as the fortunes of battle were reversed, the Allies struck back.
Synopsis
How decisions during World War II were made at the highest level, and how these decision affected every facet of the warTo understand the end result of World War II is to understand the leaders organizing the action from behind the scenes; from the main figureheads to the silent chiefs of staff, this history shows how the Allies planned World War II, covering everything from the troop deployments and offensives to the locating of post-war boundaries and surrender terms. Between December 1941 and August 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill, and sometimes Joseph Stalin met several times to discuss strategy with their Chiefs of Staff. In particular, Churchill described U.S. Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall in 1945 as the "organizer of victory." For the first time these important war conferences are available edited under one cover, complete with background information and analysis, with meticulous annotation making them easily understood by the lay historian.
Synopsis
How the annual rallies in Nuremberg were organised and their importance in the rise of National Socialism in GermanyFull of then-and-now illustrations, this book is an up-to-date investigation into the notorious Nuremberg rallies and the part they played in the Nazi's quest to establish their vaunted 1,000 Year Third Reich. Between 1923 and 1938 the Nazis held 10 'Reich National Party Conventions in Nuremberg. Each rally was bigger than the last, with the number of visitors growing to more than half a million, and this growth reflected the spread of National Socialism across Germany. This book explores how the rallies were organized, what the daily schedules were, who spoke at them, and who attended. The development of the Rally Grounds under Albert Speer's direction is also explored. The importance of the rallies in Joseph Goebbels' propaganda campaign is explored as is the story of Leni Riefenstahl's filming of the rallies, in particular Triumph of the Will in 1934. The author trawled through the Hoffmann archives in Washington to select the most dramatic and informative images and visited Nuremberg to gain new insight.
Synopsis
An approachable and engaging account of 450 years of savagery, treachery, triumph, and disasterand#160; Starting with the Great Schism in 1053 and ending with the discovery of the New World in 1492, The Real Game of Thrones shows how kings relied on military campaigns and political intrigue while the Popes exploited their power struggles to their own ends. Islamic infidels and heretical religions are attacked by crusades that were not entirely andquot;Christianandquot; in their moral outlook. From the Holy Roman Emperor to the Knights Templar, powerful men and organizations all vied for dominion and plunder. Each country has its history and legends. Murder, campaigns, politics, intrigue, torture, marriage; you had to master them all to become a successful king. Poisoning, plague, illness, accidents; you had to avoid them all to remain a successful king. Here are the lives and deaths of the most important people in medieval Europe; the Heirs and their Disgraces.
About the Author
Andrew Rawson has written numerous military history books, including Battle Story: Battle of the Bulge 1944-45, Battleground Europe: Walcheren, Bridge at Remagan, and The Vietnam War Handbook.