Civil War Commando: William Cushing's Daring Raid to Sink the Invincible Ironclad C.S.S. Albemarle

by Jerome Preisler

"I…recommend that Lieutenant William B. Cushing, US Navy, receive a vote of thanks from Congress for his important, gallant and perilous achievement in destroying the rebel ironclad steamer Albemarle."
–Abraham Lincoln to Congress, December 18, 1864

Civil War Commando is the incredible tale of two giants on a historic collision course: Will Cushing, the United States Navy's first naval commando, and the unsinkable Confederate ironclad Albemarle, Terror of the Roanoke, an innovative war machine that seized control of the Roanoke River Valley and threatened to cost the Union the war.

Cushing has been cited by historians as the inspiration for Star Wars' Luke Skywalker character, and his attack on the Albemarle called the "greatest feat of arms in American military history."
Yet the full story of the man-and his daring mission of personal revenge against an iron monster-has never been told.

Using primary source materials, contemporaneous journals, and archival military records, richly illustrated with photos, maps, and rare hand-drawn schematics not seen in over a 150 years, Civil War Commando will reveal the dramatic story of the Albemarle's creation, Will Cushing's colorful life and career, and the groundbreaking naval tactics he developed-tactics that not only saved Abraham Lincoln's presidency, but were the foundation of the modern day Navy SEALs.

Genres: Civil War, History, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 20, 2020

About the author

Jerome Preisler is the prolific author of almost forty books of fiction and narrative nonfiction, including all eight novels in the New York Times bestselling TOM CLANCY'S POWER PLAYS series.

His latest book is NET FORCE:DARK WEB (November 2019), the first novel in a relaunch of the New York Times bestselling series co-created by Tom Clancy. Forthcoming in May 2020 is the enovella NET FORCE: EYE OF THE DRONE.

Among Jerome's recent works of narrative history are CODE NAME CAESAR: The Secret Hunt for U-boat 864 During World War Two, and FIRST TO JUMP: How the Band of Brothers Was Aided by the Brave Paratroopers of Pathfinders Company. His next book of nonfiction, CIVIL WAR COMMANDO: William Cushing's Daring Raid to Sink the Invincible Ironclad C.S.S. Albemarle,will be published by Regnery Books in October 2020.

Jerome lives in New York City and coastal Maine.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book. I learned a lot about William Cushing. But the title is a bit deceiving. It's more along the lines of a biography. The sinking of the Albermarle doesn't take place til nearly the end of the book. I still recommend it for those who like stories about people who care deeply for what they believe in.

[Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging tale that almost seems impossible not to be fictional. The telling of this young mans life and deeds is as if he were put on earth with a single purpose that, once accomplished, altered a nation and allowed him to leave quickly and peacefully.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Commander Cushing’s real life story as described in this book. Excellent read. I am surprised, and disappointed, there isn’t a movie about this daredevil yet. He is even better than the fictional Jack Aubrey!

[Exanimis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather then a history book, I felt like I was reading a Jack London novel. Jerome Preisler makes history exciting.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have enjoyed reading this awesome book.It was very well written.

[Scott Umphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting book. I wish it had more maps.

[Dan Bukowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - engaging writing style. Makes a nice companion to Brown's Cushing of Gettysburg

[LadySnowAngel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Highly enjoyable read.