Courage Under Fire: True Stories of Bravery from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines

by Adam Miller, Steven Otfinoski, Jessica S. Gunderson

For members of the U.S. military, the call to arms is a great honor and a solemn duty. Defending their country takes strength, determination, and an uncommon amount of courage. Throughout American history, members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines have faced life and death on countless battlefields. Experience for yourself the sights and sounds of war as brave men and women become extraordinary heroes when they display courage under fire.

U.S. Army true stories. This we'll defend. The Civil War. Sergeant William Carney ; Sergeant Richard Kirkland ; World War I. Sergeant Alvin York ; Corporal Donald Call ; Private Henry Johnson ; World War II. Captain Joseph Dawson ; The Korean War. Private Herbert Pililaau ; The Vietnam War. Sergeant Billy Walkabout ; Operation Enduring Freedom. Army Specialist Monica Lin Brown ; Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha ; Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain Chris Carter

U.S. Navy true stories. Not self but country. The Civil War. Lieutenant John Worden ; Lieutenant Robert Minor ; World War I. Lieutenant Joel Boone ; World War II. Mess Attendant Second Class Doris Miller ; Lieutenant Albert David ; The Vietnam War. Petty Officer Michael Thornton ; Operation Enduring Freedom. Lieutenant Michael Murphy ; Chief Petty Officer Stephen Bass ; Senior Chief Petty Officer Britt Slabinski ; Operation Iraqi Freedom. Seal Team 3 Chief Chris Kyle ; Commander Lenora Langlais

U.S. Air Force true stories. Dawn of the Air Force. World War I. Second Lieutenant Frank Luke, Jr. ; World War II. Sergeant John Foley ; Technical Sergeant Arizona Harris ; The Korean War. Captain Manuel Fernandez ; The Vietnam War. Airman First Class John Levitow ; Captain Lance Sijan ; Operation Enduring Freedom. Senior Airman Mark Forester ; Technical Sergeant Angela Blue ; Staff Sergeant Ben Seekell ; Staff Sergeant Robert Gutierrez, Jr. ; Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain Kim Campbell

U.S. Marines true stories. Always faithful. World War I. Captain George Hamilton ; World War II. Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone ; Colonel Peter Ortiz ; The Korean War. First Lieutenant Baldomero Lopez ; The Vietnam War. Private First Class Robert Rimpson ; Lance Corporal Ned Seath ; Operation Desert Storm. Corporal Michael Kilpatrick ; Operation Enduring Freedom. First Lieutenant Rebecca Turpin ; Corporal Dakota Meyer ; Sergeaant Ryan Sotelo ; Operation Iraqi Freedom. First Sergeant Bradley Kasal

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Middle Grade, American History, History

112 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2014

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating is based on how well I think the book was written, not how much I enjoyed it. Enjoyability was more at a 2. That is all me. I do not really like this type of book because I find war wildly depressing. It was even more depressing because most of the soldiers they talked about were given awards "posthumously." In this context, I really hate that word. In short, this book bummed me out.

It was a very beautifully put together book. The organization and layout is superb. Honestly, one of the best I've ever seen in a junior non-fiction book. The books is separated into sections by branches of the army. Whatever conflict the solider was part of is identified with a box labeling, dates, combatants, victors and casualties. Very brief, informative, to the point. The name of the soldier is in a box, nice and big, then his/her story is explained in anywhere from 3-6 paragraphs. There are brilliant pictures on every page to bring context to the story. I was really impressed.

Recommended to people who like reading about war more than I do.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review written by my twelve year old son. Complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Courage Under Fire is a collection of stories of bravery during wartime from every branch of the American military. The wars range from the Civil War all the way to Operation Enduring Freedom, and covers everything in between. The stories include not just the acts of bravery committed, but also what medals or awards they received. The stories are short and have a lot of action, without being overly violent.

The book is well written and very interesting. It includes pictures that were either drawn or taken during the time period they occurred. The photos are vibrant and help to tell the story. It is cool to see a photo of the subject of the story and it makes it even more realistic. This is a great book for young military enthusiasts or historians. I am a fan of non-fiction books depicting real life heroism and bravery in war and this collection of brave men and women who served in our armed forces fit perfectly.

[Ted · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for children. My interest, as a 69-year old, was the short story on Medal of Honor recipient Joel T. Boone. Admiral Boone served in three wars - WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Boone received the Army's Distinguished Service Cross and was awarded the Silver Star six times. He also received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart three times. These awards made Admiral Boone the most highly decorated medical officer in the history of the United States armed services. During his 36 year career in the U.S. Navy Boone served as physician to Presidents Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, and Roosevelt.

In 1969 Admiral Bone made a phone call to the Washington D.C. Navy Recruiting Office on my behalf to recommend me for enlistment as a Hospital Corpsman Recruit. Successfully filling one of three open enlistment positions, my recruiting officer told me that when he'd suggested that I find somebody to recommend and vouch for me I didn't have to go as high as Admiral Boone!

You'd be hard pressed to find a more distinguished looking Navy officer than Admiral Boone, (see: https://www.history.navy.mil/our-coll...). He was a true officer and a gentleman.

[Deborah Horton Core · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of brief (from one page long to about three) stories about the men and women of the armed forces who have valiantly represented the US. I think this book would be an awesome read for most boys, but particularly, the reluctant reader. It is laced with pictures and fact boxes as well as the written text and is well written, but in an easy going style. There is an explanation of medals in the front of the book and a bibliography of sources in the back of the book for further reading. It is set up in sections by military branch, and while many did receive their awards after the war, I did not notice that a ton of the warriors were awarded posthumously as previously mentioned in another review.
I did enjoy the book, although I do not enjoy reading about war.

[Amy Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of biographical stories about real Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Heroes from the Civil War to present day. Also included is information about each conflict and the various medals awarded for heroism along with a description of each. A quick read that is interesting and enjoyable.

[Shella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for kids that are really interested in the military. Heartbreaking incredible stories about courageous members of all the military branches ranging from the Revolutionary War to present day. Most humbling- incredible stories of loyalty and self- sacrifice. Great read for Veteran’s Day.

[Justin Garagiola · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book cant put this down.

[Brandy.New784]

Miller, A. (2014). Courage under Fire: True Stories of Bravery from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Capstone Press.

Citation by: Brandy New

Type of Reference: Biographical Reference

Call Number: J 355.0092

Content/Scope: A book including military heroes for grade 3-6. This book covers people in all branches of the military throughout history and would be a great starting point for students to find figures to research further. Each branch is given a short introduction with history to add to the comprehensive nature of the book. A listing and explanation of the military honors and medals mentioned in the text is included. The people and groups in the book include some minority groups.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: It is obvious this book is written by a group of people who are very patriotic and want to expound upon the heroism of soldiers in times of war. Includes a biographical reference and index.

Arrangement/Presentation: Each branch of the military is discussed separately with a short introduction of their history at the beginning. Short biographies and stories about groups and individuals follow. Includes photos and drawings.

Relation to other works: There are many generic books on branches of the military but they often do not mention specific people or groups. The biographical information is more in depth and varied than in other books about the military branches. A student would have a hard time finding each of these groups or individuals without a place, such as this book, to start.

Accessibility/Diversity: The topic is engaging especially to certain groups, such as children of soldiers. All branches are covered in this one book and minorities are given coverage in the highlighted biographies and photos.

Cost: $9.95

Professional Review: Anderson, E. (2014). Courage under Fire: True Stories of Bravery from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Booklist Review, Nov. 1, 2014. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com/Courage...

[Martha Schwalbe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I could recommend this to students who enjoy non-fiction and are struggling readers because the pages don't have many words on them, the medals are described, and the book has lots of pictures. I think the text would help some students identify different parts of the military and help the students differentiate among the wars.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

These stories are all quite short, with lots of photos, and each story has some stats about the war/conflict it took place in so readers aren't lost or confused. Many of them are sad and tragic, because these heroes often perished in combat, but none are gory or graphic and all of them are truly inspiring. This would be a great pick for Veteran’s Day for older children.