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13 Soldiers: A Personal History of Americans at War
John McCain's evocative 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.
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 this subject. 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 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.
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 this subject. 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 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.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
56 people are currently reading
922 people want to read
About the author
John McCain
105 books107 followersJohn Sidney McCain III was an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Arizona from 1987 until his death. He was the Republican nominee for President of the United States in the 2008 election, which he lost to Barack Obama.
McCain graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1958 and followed his father and grandfather—both four-star admirals—into the U.S. Navy. He became a naval aviator and flew ground-attack aircraft from aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, he was almost killed in the 1967 USS Forrestal fire. While McCain was on a bombing mission during Operation Rolling Thunder over Hanoi in October 1967, he was shot down, seriously injured, and captured by the North Vietnamese. He was a prisoner of war until 1973. McCain experienced episodes of torture and refused an out-of-sequence early repatriation offer. The wounds that he sustained during the war left him with lifelong physical disabilities. He retired from the Navy as a captain in 1981 and moved to Arizona, where he entered politics. In 1982, McCain was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served two terms. He entered the U.S. Senate in 1987 and easily won reelection five times, the last time in 2016.
While generally adhering to conservative principles, McCain also had a media reputation as a "maverick" for his willingness to disagree with his party on certain issues. After being investigated and largely exonerated in a political influence scandal of the 1980s as a member of the Keating Five, he made campaign finance reform one of his signature concerns, which eventually resulted in passage of the McCain–Feingold Act in 2002. He was also known for his work in the 1990s to restore diplomatic relations with Vietnam, and for his belief that the Iraq War should have been fought to a successful conclusion. McCain chaired the Senate Commerce Committee and opposed pork barrel spending. He belonged to the bipartisan "Gang of 14" which played a key role in alleviating a crisis over judicial nominations.
McCain entered the race for the Republican nomination for President in 2000, but he lost a heated primary season contest to Governor George W. Bush of Texas. He secured the nomination in 2008 after coming back from early reversals, but was defeated by Democratic nominee Barack Obama in the general election, losing by a 365–173 electoral college margin. He subsequently adopted more orthodox conservative stances and attitudes and largely opposed actions of the Obama administration, especially in regard to foreign policy matters. By 2013, however, he had become a key figure in the Senate for negotiating deals on certain issues in an otherwise partisan environment. In 2015, McCain became Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In 2017, he reduced his role in the Senate after a diagnosis of brain cancer. He died at the age of 81 on August 25, 2018.
McCain graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1958 and followed his father and grandfather—both four-star admirals—into the U.S. Navy. He became a naval aviator and flew ground-attack aircraft from aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, he was almost killed in the 1967 USS Forrestal fire. While McCain was on a bombing mission during Operation Rolling Thunder over Hanoi in October 1967, he was shot down, seriously injured, and captured by the North Vietnamese. He was a prisoner of war until 1973. McCain experienced episodes of torture and refused an out-of-sequence early repatriation offer. The wounds that he sustained during the war left him with lifelong physical disabilities. He retired from the Navy as a captain in 1981 and moved to Arizona, where he entered politics. In 1982, McCain was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served two terms. He entered the U.S. Senate in 1987 and easily won reelection five times, the last time in 2016.
While generally adhering to conservative principles, McCain also had a media reputation as a "maverick" for his willingness to disagree with his party on certain issues. After being investigated and largely exonerated in a political influence scandal of the 1980s as a member of the Keating Five, he made campaign finance reform one of his signature concerns, which eventually resulted in passage of the McCain–Feingold Act in 2002. He was also known for his work in the 1990s to restore diplomatic relations with Vietnam, and for his belief that the Iraq War should have been fought to a successful conclusion. McCain chaired the Senate Commerce Committee and opposed pork barrel spending. He belonged to the bipartisan "Gang of 14" which played a key role in alleviating a crisis over judicial nominations.
McCain entered the race for the Republican nomination for President in 2000, but he lost a heated primary season contest to Governor George W. Bush of Texas. He secured the nomination in 2008 after coming back from early reversals, but was defeated by Democratic nominee Barack Obama in the general election, losing by a 365–173 electoral college margin. He subsequently adopted more orthodox conservative stances and attitudes and largely opposed actions of the Obama administration, especially in regard to foreign policy matters. By 2013, however, he had become a key figure in the Senate for negotiating deals on certain issues in an otherwise partisan environment. In 2015, McCain became Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In 2017, he reduced his role in the Senate after a diagnosis of brain cancer. He died at the age of 81 on August 25, 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 5, 2020
This is an absolutely brilliant book. It follows the lives of 11 men and 2 women who served in the armed forces of the USA during the country's 13 major wars fought from the Revolution to the War on Terror. Not only are all of the stories interesting about the 13 people, but they differ so much in their background and service from special forces to reservists. The book also gives great historic background of the times these people lived in and of the war they fought in. Highly recommended, especially to Americans.
August 13, 2015
I enjoyed looking at the history of each of America's wars through the eyes of a single soldier in that war. This is done at the human level, frequently using the soldiers own writings, so you are seeing it from an ordinary man's point of view. It gives humanity to the history. This is not a political book as one might expect from a politician but more an aknowledgment of the people who fight our wars. This is a good book if you enjoy history.
November 21, 2014
John McCain, a Senator from Arizona and a former Navy aviator wrote this book about thirteen soldiers. The author identifies a single soldier, sailor, airman, or marine from each of American’s thirteen major wars to eulogize for courage under fire. The chapters follow the books basic format, setting the world stage, recalling the principal person’s prewar life and then describing the person’s performance of duty.
For example, the Civil War the authors chose Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. For the 1898 Spanish American war Edward Baker, a Buffalo Soldier cavalryman and Medal of Honor recipient. Persian Gulf War Mary Rhoads a reservist and the Afghanistan War medic Monica Lin Brown. The war of 1812 a black seaman named Charles Black. From the Viet Nam war Leo Thorsness an F-105 wild Weasel pilot, prisoner of war and Medal of Honor recipient.
The Wide variety of characters from different race and gender from each military service makes for many fascinating stories. The book as a whole offers insights into life during battle. The authors cover ordinary soldiers going through difficult experiences. The story I enjoyed the most was of Medic Monica Lin Brown. I was familiar with most of the other story told. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. John McCain narrates the book.
For example, the Civil War the authors chose Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. For the 1898 Spanish American war Edward Baker, a Buffalo Soldier cavalryman and Medal of Honor recipient. Persian Gulf War Mary Rhoads a reservist and the Afghanistan War medic Monica Lin Brown. The war of 1812 a black seaman named Charles Black. From the Viet Nam war Leo Thorsness an F-105 wild Weasel pilot, prisoner of war and Medal of Honor recipient.
The Wide variety of characters from different race and gender from each military service makes for many fascinating stories. The book as a whole offers insights into life during battle. The authors cover ordinary soldiers going through difficult experiences. The story I enjoyed the most was of Medic Monica Lin Brown. I was familiar with most of the other story told. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. John McCain narrates the book.
March 17, 2015
The stories of 13 soldiers, ordinary people who went to 13 Wars. Fought bravely. Book well written, however my interest waned by No 11, the 1st Gulf War. An age thing
April 30, 2015
The concept of this book is amazing...to take a soldier, not even a famous soldier from each of the 13 conflicts that America has been involved in. I love war books. I love hear the stories of bravery, hope and sacrifice. I love that they chose some more obscure soldiers. What I didn't like was that was so much obscure war background that once we got to the individuals story, we are hopelessly lost in war details, some having only minimal time and importance placed on our soldier. Kind of sad about this one...should have been half the size and would have been twice as powerful.
May 29, 2018
Excellent. Just excellent. The afterword brought me to tears. A wonderful tribute to 13 soldiers who sacrificed everything for their country--including their lives at times. I learned so much!
January 9, 2015
An Interesting Historical Read
I enjoyed reading this book. I have always enjoyed reading history books, but struggle when the writing in long and dry. This book was neither of those things. I found it to be interesting and insightful. Each chapter was long enough to provide useful information regarding the various wars and battles that were being discussed and to tell the story of each of the soldiers being highlighted without becoming boring or long winded. I appreciated that a wide variety of soldiers were represented.
As a woman in her 30's, I will admit that understanding the various wars that our country has been engaged in has not been something that I have excelled at, but after reading this book, I have a better understanding of the different wars and a deeper appreciation for the soldiers who fought in them. My grandfather fought in the Korean War. I was visiting him at about the same time that I was reading the chapter on the Korean War. Because of this, I was encouraged to discuss his military service with him, which is not something we have ever really discussed before.
It took me a few chapters to get into John McCain's writing style of starting the story midway and then backtracking to tell the beginning and then the conclusion. But overall, I enjoyed his writing style. I also felt like the teaser for some of the chapters suggested a more in depth story was coming, but then the specifics were never shared.
I think that my favorite line from the books is this: " It is disrespectful to sentimentalize war, to make it seem glorious and romantic. When we do, we devalue the sacrifices made in it." I think that this line sums up the feel of the book nicely. I would definitely recommend this book!
I enjoyed reading this book. I have always enjoyed reading history books, but struggle when the writing in long and dry. This book was neither of those things. I found it to be interesting and insightful. Each chapter was long enough to provide useful information regarding the various wars and battles that were being discussed and to tell the story of each of the soldiers being highlighted without becoming boring or long winded. I appreciated that a wide variety of soldiers were represented.
As a woman in her 30's, I will admit that understanding the various wars that our country has been engaged in has not been something that I have excelled at, but after reading this book, I have a better understanding of the different wars and a deeper appreciation for the soldiers who fought in them. My grandfather fought in the Korean War. I was visiting him at about the same time that I was reading the chapter on the Korean War. Because of this, I was encouraged to discuss his military service with him, which is not something we have ever really discussed before.
It took me a few chapters to get into John McCain's writing style of starting the story midway and then backtracking to tell the beginning and then the conclusion. But overall, I enjoyed his writing style. I also felt like the teaser for some of the chapters suggested a more in depth story was coming, but then the specifics were never shared.
I think that my favorite line from the books is this: " It is disrespectful to sentimentalize war, to make it seem glorious and romantic. When we do, we devalue the sacrifices made in it." I think that this line sums up the feel of the book nicely. I would definitely recommend this book!
June 14, 2017
It's almost more a survey of thirteen wars than thirteen soldiers. Some spotlighted soldiers seem selected more for the sake of diversity than what McCain or Salter are able to say about them. And some truly great stories are included and some truly great stories are only briefly referenced (in the Iraq War chapter, American Sniper Chris Kyle is featured but is not the subject, and there's also the fascinating "Lawrence of Anbar" Travis Patriquin, mentioned in passing and still barely known outside of military circles but instantly sounding like the most fascinating soldier of the past fifty years).
Still, it's a great survey. The book tries to refrain from politics, which is always refreshing, since non-military observers invariably tangle their biased views into war and thus lose all perspective. Certainly, it can't entirely avoid framing some of them in personal judgments (casting the hopeless Johnson years of Vietnam as such or allowing the Bush years of Iraq to play out sends clear messages of Democrat and Republican responses). The overall thrust, however, eclipses such concerns. This is about the wars, and how some of the participating soldiers experienced them and their aftermath.
Mostly, I appreciated its comprehensive approach. There's even a chapter on the Philippine-American War. The Philippine-American War??? Where the book doesn't explain how or why each war happened, it still manages to convey general objectives, which is an adequate substitute.
Recommended as a survey, certainly.
Still, it's a great survey. The book tries to refrain from politics, which is always refreshing, since non-military observers invariably tangle their biased views into war and thus lose all perspective. Certainly, it can't entirely avoid framing some of them in personal judgments (casting the hopeless Johnson years of Vietnam as such or allowing the Bush years of Iraq to play out sends clear messages of Democrat and Republican responses). The overall thrust, however, eclipses such concerns. This is about the wars, and how some of the participating soldiers experienced them and their aftermath.
Mostly, I appreciated its comprehensive approach. There's even a chapter on the Philippine-American War. The Philippine-American War??? Where the book doesn't explain how or why each war happened, it still manages to convey general objectives, which is an adequate substitute.
Recommended as a survey, certainly.
October 3, 2014
I'm not a big non-fiction reader but I enjoyed this book. I picked it up because I like the author, John McCain and I'm from a military family. I particularly liked the Chapters on the more modern soldiers, Mary Rhodes and Monica Lin Brown. This book is well written and he has chosen 13 individuals who most people have never hear of but are heroes in their own right. This is a great Christmas gift for the reader on your list.
January 19, 2015
"We owe veterans, the living and the dead, a country that remains worthy of their sacrifice."
An interesting compilation, especially the chapter about a female combat medic in Afghanistan.
An interesting compilation, especially the chapter about a female combat medic in Afghanistan.
March 11, 2020
I listened to this book on audio with John McCain reading the book. I found my mind drifting, and this may have been more likely due to John McCain's voice making my mind sleepy. However, some of it was just not written in an engaging manner. Some stories were interesting and I found myself actively listening.
I respect what John McCain was trying to do here with picking up on soldiers 99.9% of us have never heard of and probably would have never heard of. McCain seemed to keep politics out of most of the book until the most recent Iraq/last war in the book, when his political career was a part of the war. This really distracted from his overall intent. He tried to sound indifferent and talk about it as if it were part of the story, but the fact that he was bringing up the political side of the war and why choices were made to start the war, etc. seemed to be a chance for him to stand on the good ol' soapbox again. It's too bad the book had to end with his political stance instead of focusing on the soldiers.
I respect what John McCain was trying to do here with picking up on soldiers 99.9% of us have never heard of and probably would have never heard of. McCain seemed to keep politics out of most of the book until the most recent Iraq/last war in the book, when his political career was a part of the war. This really distracted from his overall intent. He tried to sound indifferent and talk about it as if it were part of the story, but the fact that he was bringing up the political side of the war and why choices were made to start the war, etc. seemed to be a chance for him to stand on the good ol' soapbox again. It's too bad the book had to end with his political stance instead of focusing on the soldiers.
February 19, 2015
Thirteen Soldiers is a very interesting look at the lives of a single soldiers from each of our nation's 13 wars - from the Revolutionary War to War on Terrorism. What makes this book so interesting is that these soldiers are not the famous heroes of each conflict, nor the well-known names of history. Rather, McCain and Stalter did good research into 'ordinary' soldiers who had extra-ordinary stories and experiences in each of our country's conflicts. There are stories of both men and women, people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. And these are not just the positive or glamorous stories either; there are accounts of the darker and troublesome aspects of their lives, too.
Obviously, as the book approached the conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries, it was easier to also reflect some of the political ramifications and conflicts of actions taken. Particularly when it came to the chapter on the Vietnam War, where McCain served and was a decorated POW, there were no punched pulled when it came to unveiling the political mistakes and cowardice of politicians who sought to fight with other people's lives for the sake of social standing rather than winning battles and ending them as soon as possible. A good author is one who can address error and weakness on behalf of their own country or people without damning or unnecessary condemnation.
I found each of the accounts insightful. I found each of the accounts encouraging and sad. Each story helped to remind me of the tragedy of war on the lives of soldiers, civilians and nations, and how the greater battle we face is to wage for peace and an end to the bloodshed.
For anyone who enjoys history, this will be an enjoyable read. And for any who seek to truly honor those who have fought for our nation, without being sentimental, this will be a great resource.
Obviously, as the book approached the conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries, it was easier to also reflect some of the political ramifications and conflicts of actions taken. Particularly when it came to the chapter on the Vietnam War, where McCain served and was a decorated POW, there were no punched pulled when it came to unveiling the political mistakes and cowardice of politicians who sought to fight with other people's lives for the sake of social standing rather than winning battles and ending them as soon as possible. A good author is one who can address error and weakness on behalf of their own country or people without damning or unnecessary condemnation.
I found each of the accounts insightful. I found each of the accounts encouraging and sad. Each story helped to remind me of the tragedy of war on the lives of soldiers, civilians and nations, and how the greater battle we face is to wage for peace and an end to the bloodshed.
For anyone who enjoys history, this will be an enjoyable read. And for any who seek to truly honor those who have fought for our nation, without being sentimental, this will be a great resource.
November 17, 2016
Senator McCain's biography was overall a great summary of the United States of America's conflicts through the eyes of those who fought in it. However, the narrative was slightly limited in scope, as by selecting one service member per conflict limits the scope of some of the more major multi-theater conflicts. It also contained choppy transitions jumping between branches. A more accurate title would be "Seven Soldiers, Two Sailors, Three Marines, and an Airman." It would have been more streamlined if it focused on one branch throughout history.
Nevertheless, Senator McCain's biography features a great diversity among the thirteen service members featured in his work. It helps readers unfamiliar with the military understand from just how many different economic, educational, and social backgrounds the military recruits from. It provides insight into why they fought the wars they did and if necessary, sacrifice themselves.
Senator McCain also did a good job refraining from partisanship in his writing. Although he cannot ignore the politics that engendered the conflicts and those that came as a consequence of them, he wrote them in a manner that got to the facts. Being a politician and a veteran, the reader can tell his emotion is present in his writings. Yet he managed not to distract his readers from the gist of his writing.
If readers are looking for a great brief overview of the United State of America's military history, "Thirteen Soldiers" is for them. If only I read this book prior to attending Army Officer Candidate School, I probably would have received an A+...
Nevertheless, Senator McCain's biography features a great diversity among the thirteen service members featured in his work. It helps readers unfamiliar with the military understand from just how many different economic, educational, and social backgrounds the military recruits from. It provides insight into why they fought the wars they did and if necessary, sacrifice themselves.
Senator McCain also did a good job refraining from partisanship in his writing. Although he cannot ignore the politics that engendered the conflicts and those that came as a consequence of them, he wrote them in a manner that got to the facts. Being a politician and a veteran, the reader can tell his emotion is present in his writings. Yet he managed not to distract his readers from the gist of his writing.
If readers are looking for a great brief overview of the United State of America's military history, "Thirteen Soldiers" is for them. If only I read this book prior to attending Army Officer Candidate School, I probably would have received an A+...
June 6, 2018
John McCain and Mark Salter give an engaging picture of United States wars, from the Revolutionary War through Afghanistan, through the eyes of individual soldiers. It's a mix of the ordinary, the brave, and the corrupt along with men and women. McCain and Salter thought it good to tell the stories of both good and bad soldiers to run the gamut of people who have fought for our country.
Some of the people you meet include Joseph Plumb Martin, who at fifteen years fought in the Revolutionary War. Charles Black, a free black sailor in the War of 1812. Sam Chamberlain fought in the Mexican American War. There is also Oliver Wendell Holmes who fought and was wounded several times in the Civil War and went on to a career of public service. Tony Waller characterizes the integrity of soldiers as he was court-martialed for refusing to massacre Filipino civilians.
The two women are Mary Rhoads, an Army reservist in the the Persian Gulf War, and Monica Brown, a medic in Afghanistan who saved many lives.
It's a good book for all Americans to read.
Some of the people you meet include Joseph Plumb Martin, who at fifteen years fought in the Revolutionary War. Charles Black, a free black sailor in the War of 1812. Sam Chamberlain fought in the Mexican American War. There is also Oliver Wendell Holmes who fought and was wounded several times in the Civil War and went on to a career of public service. Tony Waller characterizes the integrity of soldiers as he was court-martialed for refusing to massacre Filipino civilians.
The two women are Mary Rhoads, an Army reservist in the the Persian Gulf War, and Monica Brown, a medic in Afghanistan who saved many lives.
It's a good book for all Americans to read.
August 7, 2015
What do American service members look like today? Do they resemble those that served in other wars? How has history changed those that decide to serve? Our history lessons taught us how the brave volunteers and conscripts fought the British in the American Revolution and the wars that followed. Senator John McCain and Mark Salter—former Sen. McCain staffer and collaborator of many of Sen. McCain’s previous books — tell the story of 13 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines that fought in each of the major conflicts, showing how they were different and yet they fought for many of the same reasons and values. America began as a melting pot of individuals wanting a new life but often the service members endured the sting of prejudices against their race or ethnicity by a nation that they were protecting.
See full review https://medium.com/p/21ef5ff1d358
See full review https://medium.com/p/21ef5ff1d358
December 4, 2014
McCain and Salter have done a difficult job well. They selected thirteen American warriers and wrote their story. Included is an African American, female and others. I have not gone to war so these stories are not in my experience. Don't know how they dug up all the information about these soldiers but they found their early life, their struggles etc... and made them human for us. Not all of them lived exemplary lives but they all served their country, and this is what the book is about. Good job.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
February 11, 2015
4.5 stars. Wonderful tales of Thirteen men and women. Not exactly all Soldiers, but a collection of patriots and combat veterans from all services who have fought in the many wars of United States history. This book is a tribute to their lives, their sacrifice (in and out of war), their times and their incredible stories. The breadth of experience of these thirteen veterans provides a complex portrait of our nation and the evolution over two centuries of the unique American experience of military service and war.
July 25, 2016
The book is a collection of mini-biographies from the major wars in American History. Some of the soldiers are well-known, some lesser-known, and some mostly unknown. In the early chapters, when documentary evidence is sometimes lacking, the soldiers' personal experiences are mixed with general experiences of that war. Overall, this was a very interesting book. What it tries to do, it does rather well.
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
October 21, 2015
This book is short on facts and long on political correctness. I think every ethnic group and gender is represented. I finally quit reading after korea because the writing wasn't that good and to my mind didn't really represent the experiences of those wars. They seem to go out of their way to find off beat representatives for a war because of gender or race. I guess every author who writes a book is looking for something unique to sell their story. This author just tried too hard.
December 10, 2014
I was truly disappointed in this book. The information that the authors got was a lot from various writings of the soldiers and I would have preferred to read what they actually said not the authors interpretation of what they said! Some of the stories were just "not enough" information....was glad to finish it!
January 2, 2015
Not my favorite style of writing
I found the book and stories very interesting, but telling the reader the punch line at the beginning of the story takes away some of the reading excitement. The authors tell what the hero in each short does in the very beginning and then retells the story.
I found the book and stories very interesting, but telling the reader the punch line at the beginning of the story takes away some of the reading excitement. The authors tell what the hero in each short does in the very beginning and then retells the story.
May 21, 2015
It was good for what it was - an in-depth look at an American that served in some branch of the military during each of the 13 conflicts that we have been in. Sometimes I liked the background information provided in each chapter; other times it was too much. I definitely have a greater sense of patriotism after reading this.
December 5, 2016
It is a good book to get a little bit of history about thirteen of America's wars. The different histories of the thirteen soldiers are interesting. It allows you to get a small look into the lives of a soldier in a war. Finally I like it because it reminded me to be thankful for all the people that have fought to make sure that I can have the freedoms that I have today.
July 8, 2015
While some of the people they documented in this book obviously needed more exposure because of their brave and important contributions, for the most part it seemed like a litney of tragedy wrapped up in military speak.
January 11, 2016
This is a great read filled with rich history and personal accounts of these 13 individual American soldiers. Many thanks to these men and women, past and present, for their bravery, their sacrifice, their will to do what needed to be done.
July 4, 2015
A well written book about common soldiers who in all of our wars I have to Amit my favorite story was the medic story for two reasons she wS a medic and was located at the base my son was at. It got better at the half mark
August 4, 2016
Not well written. Personal story of 13 soldiers turned into long ramblings of 50+ people. Often by the time I finished a chapter I had no idea whose story I had just read. Good idea for a book, but poor execution.
March 20, 2015
Very good! I like the personal stories.
January 21, 2016
Nonfiction accounts of 13 soldiers who served as Americans in wars from American Revolution to Mideast wars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews