The Untold Stories of American Soldiers in Combat: From Bunker Hill to Gettysburg, and Iwo Jima

Throughout history, the brave men and women of the American military have faced unimaginable challenges on the battlefield. From the Revolutionary War to World War II, three iconic battles stand out as defining moments that shaped the course of American history: Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, and Iwo Jima.

Bunker Hill: The Birth of American Courage

On June 17, 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill took place in Charlestown, Massachusetts. American colonists, outnumbered and outgunned, fervently defended their position against the powerful British Army. This battle marked a crucial turning point in the Revolutionary War and showcased the unwavering determination of the American soldier.

Men of War: The American Soldier in Combat at Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, and Iwo Jima

by Alexander Rose (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9987 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	637 pages

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The American soldiers at Bunker Hill, many of whom were inexperienced militiamen, fought valiantly despite lacking proper training and resources. Facing overwhelming odds, they fearlessly held their ground, delivering devastating casualties to the British forces. Thousands of British soldiers fell, shocked by the unwavering resistance they encountered.

Although the British ultimately claimed victory due to the colonists' ammunition depletion, the Battle of Bunker Hill inspired and fueled the American spirit for years to come. This steadfastness and dedication to freedom laid the foundation for the future of the American military.

Gettysburg: America's Greatest Test

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, during the American Civil War, was one of the bloodiest and most significant battles in American history. The clash between the Union Army and the Confederate Army at Gettysburg represented the epitome of sacrifice and perseverance.

Over the course of three days, more than 165,000 soldiers faced each other on the battlefield, resulting in approximately 51,000 casualties. American soldiers on both sides, driven by a profound belief in their cause, engaged in relentless combat, displaying unparalleled courage amidst the chaos of war.

The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War and a decisive victory for the Union. The sacrifices made and heroism displayed by American soldiers at Gettysburg solidified the nation's commitment to abolish slavery and preserve the Union.

Iwo Jima: The Unbreakable Spirit

The Battle of Iwo Jima, fought from February 19 to March 26, 1945, was a pivotal conflict in the Pacific Theater of World War II. American forces faced a fierce and determined Japanese defense on the volcanic island of Iwo Jima.

The American soldiers who stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima faced unimaginable odds and an enemy entrenched in an unforgiving terrain. Despite the treacherous conditions and heavy casualties, the indomitable spirit of the American soldier prevailed.

During the battle, Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal captured the iconic photograph of six American soldiers raising the American flag atop Mount Suribachi. This image became a symbol of American resilience, sacrifice, and victory.

The Battle of Iwo Jima proved to be a significant strategic victory for the United States. It demonstrated the unwavering determination, unwavering grit, and indomitable spirit of the American soldier, highlighting their ability to overcome insurmountable challenges and achieve victory.

Honoring the Legacy

The stories of American soldiers in combat at Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, and Iwo Jima deserve to be honored and remembered. These battles showcased the bravery, resilience, and sacrifice of those who fought for the ideals upon which America was built.

The American soldier's spirit and dedication have been tested countless times throughout history. From the earliest days of the Revolutionary War to the global conflicts of the 20th century, their unwavering commitment to protecting freedom has remained steadfast.

As we reflect on the valor and sacrifices made by American soldiers in combat, let us always remember their unwavering spirit and pay tribute to their immeasurable contributions to the nation's history.

Men of War: The American Soldier in Combat at Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, and Iwo Jima

by Alexander Rose (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9987 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	637 pages

FREE

In the grand tradition of John Keegan’s enduring classic The Face of Battle comes a searing, unforgettable chronicle of war through the eyes of the American soldiers who fought in three of our most iconic battles: Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, and Iwo Jima.

This is not a book about how great generals won their battles, nor is it a study in grand strategy. Men of War is instead a riveting, visceral, and astonishingly original look at ordinary soldiers under fire.

Drawing on an immense range of firsthand sources from the battlefield, Alexander Rose begins by re-creating the lost and alien world of eighteenth-century warfare at Bunker Hill, the bloodiest clash of the War of Independence—and reveals why the American militiamen were so lethally effective against the oncoming waves of British troops. Then, focusing on Gettysburg, Rose describes a typical Civil War infantry action, vividly explaining what Union and Confederate soldiers experienced before, during, and after combat. Finally, he shows how in 1945 the Marine Corps hurled itself with the greatest possible violence at the island of Iwo Jima, where nearly a third of all Marines killed in World War II would die. As Rose demonstrates, the most important factor in any battle is the human one: At Bunker Hill, Gettysburg, and Iwo Jima, the American soldier, as much as any general, proved decisive.

To an unprecedented degree, Men of War brings home the reality of combat and, just as important, its aftermath in the form of the psychological and medical effects on veterans. As such, the book makes a critical contribution to military history by narrowing the colossal gulf between the popular understanding of wars and the experiences of the soldiers who fight them.

Praise for Men of War

“A tour de force . . . strikingly vivid, well-observed, and compulsively readable.”—The Daily Beast

“Military history at its best . . . This is indeed war up-close, as those who fought it lived it—and survived it if they could. Men of War is deeply researched, beautifully written.”—The Wall Street Journal

“A brilliant, riveting, unique book . . . Men of War will be a classic.”—General David H. Petraeus, U.S. Army (Retired)

“The fact is that Men of War moves and educates, with the reader finding something interesting and intriguing on virtually every page.”—National Review

“This is a book that has broad value to a wide audience. Whether the reader aims to learn what actually happens in battle, draw on the military lessons within, or wrestle with what actually defines combat, Men of War is a valuable addition to our understanding of this all-too-human experience.”—The New Criterion

“A highly recommended addition to the literature of military history . . . [Rose] writes vividly and memorably, with a good eye for the telling detail or anecdote.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Using the firsthand accounts of brave soldiers who fought for freedom, Rose sheds new light on viewpoints we haven’t heard as widely before. It’s a welcome perspective in an era where most people have no military experience to speak of.”—The Washington Times

“Rose poignantly captures the terror and confusion of hand-to-hand combat during the battle.”—The Dallas Morning News

“If you want to know the meaning of war at the sharp end, this is the book to read.”—James McPherson, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The War That Forged a Nation