Discover the Untold Stories: Personal History of Americans at War

War has always been a defining part of human history, shaping nations and the lives of individuals in profound ways. Americans, in particular, have had a long and complex history with warfare, from the Revolutionary War to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. In this article, we will delve into the personal stories and experiences of Americans at war, shedding light on the sacrifices, triumphs, and tragedies that have shaped the nation.

A Glimpse into the Revolutionary War

The Revolutionary War marked the birth of the United States of America as a nation and set the stage for the conflicts to come. Through primary sources and personal anecdotes, we will explore the tales of courageous soldiers such as George Washington, who led the Continental Army to victory against the mighty British Empire.

One such story highlights the indomitable spirit of the American people during this time. Meet James Wilson, a simple farmer turned soldier, who fought alongside Washington's troops against all odds. From his humble origins to his heroic deeds on the battlefield, Wilson's personal history captures the essence of the Revolutionary War.

Thirteen Soldiers: A Personal History of Americans at War

by John McCain (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22382 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	385 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE

The Civil War: Divide and Conquer

No event in American history has had a more profound impact on the nation than the Civil War. The conflict pitted brother against brother, with divided loyalties tearing families and communities apart. Explore the personal accounts of both Union and Confederate soldiers, as well as civilians caught in the crossfire.

Learn about the experiences of Mary Elizabeth Bowser, an enslaved African American who risked her life as a spy inside Confederate President Jefferson Davis's household. Her remarkable story reveals the hidden perspectives and contributions of marginalized individuals during this tumultuous time.

World War I: The Great War and the American Experience

World War I introduced Americans to a new kind of warfare, testing their mettle on a global scale. From the trenches of Europe to the battlefields of Africa, personal stories from soldiers and nurses offer a vivid picture of the horrors and heroism that defined the war.

Meet Sergeant Alvin York, an unlikely hero who singlehandedly captured 132 German soldiers during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. York's personal history showcases the resilience, bravery, and sacrifice of Americans who fought in the war to end all wars.

World War II: America's Finest Hour

World War II remains one of the most significant events in American history, solidifying the nation's role as a global superpower. Through intimate stories, we will explore the personal triumphs and struggles of soldiers, as well as the resilience and spirit of those back on the home front.

Discover the extraordinary journey of Doris Miller, a cook aboard the USS West Virginia, who became an unlikely hero during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Miller's personal history epitomizes the extraordinary contributions of African Americans and other minority groups during the war.

The Modern Era: Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Beyond

The latter half of the 20th century and the early 21st century have witnessed the United States engage in various conflicts worldwide. From the controversial Vietnam War to the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, personal accounts illustrate the multifaceted nature of war.

Follow the journey of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, who volunteered to accompany the body of a fallen Marine, Corporal Chance Phelps, back to his hometown. Strobl's personal history delves into the emotional toll of war and the unbreakable bonds forged between soldiers.

America's history at war is a tapestry woven with countless personal stories, each representing a unique perspective and experience. As we uncover these untold narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by generations of Americans, ensuring their legacies are honored and remembered. Explore their journeys, learn from their triumphs and tragedies, and become part of their personal history at war.

Thirteen Soldiers: A Personal History of Americans at War

by John McCain (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22382 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	385 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE

A personal history of war from bestselling authors John McCain and Mark Salter, told through the stories of thirteen remarkable American soldiers who fought in the nation’s major military conflicts, from the Revolution of 1776 through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As a veteran himself, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and a long-time student of history, John McCain brings a distinctive perspective to the experience of war. With Mark Salter, Thirteen Soldiers tells the stories of real soldiers who personify valor, obedience, enterprise, and love. You’ll meet Joseph Plumb Martin, who at the tender age of fifteen fought in the Revolutionary War; Charles Black, a freeborn African American sailor in the War of 1812; and Sam Chamberlain, of the Mexican American War, whose life inspired novelist Cormac McCarthy. Then there’s Oliver Wendell Holmes, an aristocratic idealist disillusioned by the Civil War, and Littleton “Tony” Waller, court-martialed for refusing to massacre Filipino civilians.

Each story illustrates a particular aspect of war, such as Mary Rhoads, an Army reservist forever changed by an Iraqi scud missile attack during the Persian Gulf War; Monica Lin Brown, a frontline medic in rural Afghanistan who saved several lives in a convoy ambush; and Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL, who smothered a grenade before it could detonate on his men in Iraq. From their acts of self-sacrifice to their astonishing valor in the face of unimaginable danger, these “inspirational accounts of thirteen Americans who fought in various wars…aptly reveal humanizing moments in such theaters of cruelty” (Publishers Weekly).