Books

Kristin Walden

Professional I

What is the best book on WWII?

September 17, 2011 5:34 AM PDT · Flag · 6 answers

Destinee Rice

Specialist II

World War II: The Definitive Visual History

World War II is divided into nine chronological chapters, each introduced by a general overview of the military and political situation. This is followed by a comprehensive timeline, covering events in all theaters of the war. The opening chapter ... read more...

An incredible read, cover to cover. I read almost this whole thing in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. It's a great overview of the war and it has stunning pictures to accompany. Really a fantastic way to learn your ww2 history and gain an appreciation for these men and women of the us armed forces.

✔ Highest voted answer

Reply · Send thanks · posted 246 days ago · 4 people agree

Howard Eitzen

Professional III

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War ...

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy's Finest Hour

“This will be a fight against overwhelming odds from which survival cannot be expected. We will do what damage we can.”With these words, Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Copeland addressed the crew of the destroyer escort USS Samuel B. Roberts on t... read more...

This is an absolutely incredible story that follows American naval soldiers through two major battles in the Pacific theater in which they were severely outmatched but managed to use their strength and courage to muster up enough gusto to defeat their Japanese counterparts. Also takes the time to profile the Japanese commanders and their side of it.
The aftermath is particularly memorable and heartbreaking as they fight to stay alive in rafts on the open sea as their fellow soldiers struggle to survive and die off around them.
An amazing example of the hell our soldiers go through to keep this country free.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 246 days ago · 4 people agree

Lance Reynolds

Specialist III

We Die Alone: A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance

A World War II chronicles of Jan Baalsrud's escape from Nazi-occupied arctic Norway. We Die Alone is an astonishing true story of heroism and endurance. Like Slavomir Rawicz's The Long Walk, it is also an unforgettable portrait of the determinati... read more...

A ridiculous tale of betrayal, surviving arctic temperatures, running from Nazi pursuers and eventually escaping, this books leaves you asking, 'how could this be true?" But everything in here has been backed up as a fact and the whole amazing story is true!
You have to read this book, it's so ridiculously entertaining and motivational. An incredible, true story you will never forget!

Reply · Send thanks · posted 246 days ago · 2 people agree

Taylor McKay

Practitioner I

Always Faithful: A Memoir of the Marine Dogs of WWII

As a twenty-three-year-old veterinarian, William W. Putney joined the Marine Corps at the height of World War II. He commanded the Third Dog Platoon during the battle for Guam and later served as chief veterinarian and commanding officer of the Wa... read more...

This is a very interesting story about the challenges to train dogs but how critical they were to the war. Some of the scenes are very touching and even brought me close to tears. The journey our men made as well as the dogs are so amazing I still don't feel like I know enough. A great read.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 244 days ago · 1 person agrees

Alex Summers

Specialist I

Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Mo...

Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World Wa...

On May 13, 1945, twenty-four American servicemen and WACs boarded a transport plane for a sightseeing trip over “Shangri-La,” a beautiful and mysterious valley deep within the jungle-covered mountains of Dutch New Guinea. Unlike the peaceful Tibe... read more...

A true story of survival, written so beautifully it reads like a novel.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 244 days ago · 1 person agrees

Angela State

Specialist III

The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of W...

The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of WWII's Most Decorated Platoon

On the morning of December 16, 1944, eighteen men of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance platoon attached to the 99th Infantry Division found themselves directly in the path of the main thrust of Hitler's massive Ardennes offensive. Despite being ... read more...

This is an amazing true story that follows the 18 men in the recon. unit of the 394th infantry regiment, 99th infantry division.
Some of the most important men of world war two, these brave souls were a crucial part of turning the tide against the germans. This book is absolutely riveting throughout. A must read... there is so much good information in this book and it is a remarkable story!

Reply · Send thanks · posted 246 days ago · 1 person agrees

Voting Summary

1.	World War II: The Definitive Visual History	26% agree
2.	The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extr...	26% agree
3.	We Die Alone: A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance	15% agree
4.	Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, A...	10% agree
5.	Always Faithful: A Memoir of the Marine Dogs of...	10% agree