J
John McCain
American politician and military officer
Thirteen soldiers
- Pages
- 364
- Published
- 2014
- Language
- English
Synopsis
A history of Americans at war, told through the personal accounts of thirteen remarkable soldiers who fought in major military conflicts, from the Revolutionary War of 1776 to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 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 account 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, and Monica Lin Brown, a frontline medic in rural Afghanistan who saved several lives in an ambushed convoy. From their acts of self-sacrifice to their astonishing bravery, these thirteen soldiers embody the best America has to offer.--
Genres
Frequently asked questions
What makes this book different from other military histories?
Thirteen Soldiers distinguishes itself by focusing on individual narratives across a broad spectrum of American conflicts, offering a personal lens into the human experience of war rather than a purely strategic or political overview. The authors' unique perspective, particularly John McCain's background, informs the selection and presentation of these diverse stories.
Is this book suitable for readers unfamiliar with military history?
The book is structured to be accessible to a general audience, as each chapter introduces a different soldier and conflict without requiring extensive prior knowledge. It serves as an engaging entry point into understanding American military history through compelling personal accounts.
How does this book connect to John McCain's other works?
Thirteen Soldiers reflects John McCain's enduring interest in military service and American history, themes that are central to much of his non-fiction writing. It offers a broader historical context to the personal reflections found in his memoirs and political commentaries.