The Tenth Command

by Joe Looby

ONE FINAL PUSH. EVERYTHING TO LIVE FOR.

Italy, 1945. The war is nearing its end. For the men still fighting, every day can demand another sacrifice.

At Mount Belvedere, Major General George Price Hays orders a night assault—with rifles unloaded to preserve surprise. The plan depends on discipline, silence, and the trust of the men he is sending up the mountain.

Colonel William O. Darby, founder of Darby’s Rangers, returns to Italy haunted by the losses at Cisterna. Annie, a British codebreaker who sees the man behind the legend, helps him confront the cost of command—and what his search for redemption could demand of the men who trust him.

From the Po River to the tunnels above Lake Garda, Hays and Darby press toward the Alps against an enemy still capable of taking everything. Every order carries the weight of the lives entrusted to them.

The soldiers have fought for one another through the mountains. Now they must survive the last miles of war—and find their way back to the lives they hope to reclaim.

Inspired by the lives of Hays, Darby, and the men they led, The Tenth Command is the World War II finale of The Tenth Series, blending documented history with imagined private lives.

Genres: Amazon

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2026

About the author

"The Tenth Series are works of historical fiction originally inspired by the real events of the battles at Riva Ridge and Mount Belvedere. My father served with the 10th Mountain Division during that campaign. He fought in those mountains and was wounded in battle. His courage—and the courage of the men he served alongside—is something I carry with me. Writing these stories is my way of honoring not just their bravery but the human experience behind the history: the fear, the grit, the humor, the heartbreak, and the extraordinary strength of ordinary men."— Joe Looby

Reviews

[CeCe Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of a series by this author, and each one is better than the next. The Tenth Command follows two legendary commanders through their terrifying, heroic, and heartbreaking battles against the Germans in World War II. The story is full of well-researched history and blends courage, sacrifice, heroism, patriotism, and love. Those who have read the author’s first two books will recognize many characters who are woven throughout this story, but it is just as enjoyable as a standalone story. This is an awe-inspiring book that truly makes you feel like you were there, evoking a deep sense of gratitude to those who served.

[C Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this well-researched, well-written book. Inspired by the leadership of real-life war heroes Major General George Hays and Colonel William Darby, this historical fiction book is a gripping tale that highlights the heroism and tragedies of several of the battles of World War II. This is a page turner full of action, history, brotherhood, and love.

[Pat Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most "war fiction" these days keeps the overall history being novelized in sight, but rarely gets into the detailed unit action and critical characters. Looby goes that last step into detail and does so with a master's touch. I was sucked into the plot and wanted to know even more when the novel finished. Bravo!

[Tom Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Historical Fiction Novel of WW2 Italian Campaign

A well written historical novel of the 10th Mountain Division in the Italian Campaign of WW2. Told using key characters at various levels of command down to the squad level. We follow them as the campaign progresses. A good history of a very difficult series of battles.

[Mailmanr5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding novelization of the Italian front in WE2. Almost brought tears to my eyes. Read it and learn.

[jim]

excellent!

[Chuck Sanborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tears

I am a retired army officer and veteran of Vietnam so when I read a book that brings me tears as this one did it is good.

[Richard Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written with excellent details.
A great honor to those who serve and those that choose to lead.

[Pete Ffrench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my usual read but it was good. It makes you realise the futility of war.

[frank webster jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down

I read every night before bedtime to wind down from a busy day. This story held my attention until the very end.