Synopses & Reviews
After Pearl Harbor, the United States was struggling to bring itself up to fighting strength for World War II when a specially-trained force-based upon the famed British commando squads-was formed. It would become known as the Rangers.
Before their training was complete, the Rangers were thrust into battle, taking part in an assault on the German-held French port of Dieppe. Plagued by politics and inter-service rivalry, the raid would become one of the greatest debacles of the war. Allied losses included several Rangers killed or wounded-the first American blood spilled on European soil in the war.
Here, drawn from historical records and personal recollections by those who were there, and illustrated with photographs, is the story of the baptism of fire of what would become the U.S. Army Rangers.
Review
"A remarkable saga of heroism under fire...this is military history at its best."
-Colonel Cole C. Kingseed, co-author of Beyond Band Of Brothers
"An up-to-date, clearly written, comprehensively researched account of the formation and training of the American Rangers."
-Booklist
"Carefully researched and vividly told."
-Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
From Jim DeFelice, co-author of American Sniper, the gripping account of the birth of the U.S. Army Rangers and their baptism by fire in World War II. After Pearl Harbor, the United States was struggling to bring itself up to fighting strength for World War II when a specially-trained force--based upon the famed British commando squads--was formed. It would become known as the Rangers.
Before their training was complete, the Rangers were thrust into battle, taking part in an assault on the German-held French port of Dieppe. Plagued by politics and inter-service rivalry, the raid would become one of the greatest debacles of the war. Allied losses included several Rangers killed or wounded--the first American blood spilled on European soil in the war.
Here, drawn from historical records and personal recollections by those who were there, and illustrated with photographs, is the story of the first combat experience of what would become the U.S. Army Rangers.
Synopsis
" A] carefully researched and brilliantly executed narrative of the modern Rangers' baptism in blood."--America in WWII From the coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestselling American Sniper comes a remarkable true story of heroism and sacrifice in World War II. In the darkest days of 1942, an Allied force set out to capture the Nazi-occupied French port of Dieppe. More than two years had passed since the British had been humiliated at Dunkirk, and nearly nine months since the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The Germans held the continent in a death grip. Now, some six thousand British and Canadian troops were attempting to gain a foothold on Hitler's domain. Joining the crusaders were fifty hand-selected, specially-trained soldiers from a new commando unit. These were to be the first Americans to fight in Europe, and they would become known as the U.S. Army Rangers.
The mission was doomed, but the bravery the Rangers displayed proved that Americans were every bit as tough as their allies and enemies. Drawn from firsthand accounts and historical documents, this is an unforgettable story of the forging of an American legacy that still endures today.
About the Author
Jim DeFelice is the author or co-author of several military-themed New York Times bestsellers, including Dreamland and Deep Black. His latest novel is Leopards Kill.