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The Combat Diaries: True Stories from the Frontlines of World War II
From the beaches of Normandy to the shores of Iwo Jima. Harrowing tales of combat…as told by the men who lived it.
World War II was the most destructive conflict in human history. At its peak, the US military drew some 16 million men into its ranks to defeat the Axis Powers. They came from nearly every walk of life – farmers, tradesmen, teachers, lawyers, professional athletes, and even Hollywood celebrities. But whether they came from the wheat fields of Kansas, the streets of New York, the backlots of Tinseltown, or the dugouts of Fenway Park, these everyday heroes answered the call when their country needed them. They were ordinary men who accomplished extraordinary things. Today, we call them the "Greatest Generation. "
"The Combat Diaries" recounts the harrowing tales of more than a dozen heroic veterans – including:
-A young crewman aboard PT-306, who ferried Allied spies and British Commandos onto mainland Europe.
-A young USAAF pilot who was among the few Americans to fly a British Spitfire into combat.
-A Navy combat diver (“frogman”) who swam at night amongst the Japanese-held islands, diffusing underwater mines and setting demolitions to assist the Marines’ amphibious assaults.
…and many more.
Members of the Greatest Generation are leaving us at the rate of several hundred per day. Indeed, the youngest veterans of World War II are now in their nineties. "The Combat Diaries" is a testament to their enduring legacy.
World War II was the most destructive conflict in human history. At its peak, the US military drew some 16 million men into its ranks to defeat the Axis Powers. They came from nearly every walk of life – farmers, tradesmen, teachers, lawyers, professional athletes, and even Hollywood celebrities. But whether they came from the wheat fields of Kansas, the streets of New York, the backlots of Tinseltown, or the dugouts of Fenway Park, these everyday heroes answered the call when their country needed them. They were ordinary men who accomplished extraordinary things. Today, we call them the "Greatest Generation. "
"The Combat Diaries" recounts the harrowing tales of more than a dozen heroic veterans – including:
-A young crewman aboard PT-306, who ferried Allied spies and British Commandos onto mainland Europe.
-A young USAAF pilot who was among the few Americans to fly a British Spitfire into combat.
-A Navy combat diver (“frogman”) who swam at night amongst the Japanese-held islands, diffusing underwater mines and setting demolitions to assist the Marines’ amphibious assaults.
…and many more.
Members of the Greatest Generation are leaving us at the rate of several hundred per day. Indeed, the youngest veterans of World War II are now in their nineties. "The Combat Diaries" is a testament to their enduring legacy.
180 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2022
About the author
Mike Guardia
34 books127 followersMike Guardia is an internationally recognized author and military historian. A veteran of the United States Army, he served six years on active duty as an Armor Officer. He is the author of the widely-acclaimed "Hal Moore: A Soldier Once...and Always," the first-ever biography chronicling the life of LTG Harold G. Moore, whose battlefield leadership was popularized by the film "We Were Soldiers," starring Mel Gibson.
He has twice been nominated for the Army Historical Foundation's Distinguished Book Award and is an active member of the Military Writers Society of America.
As a speaker, he hosts the lecture series "Hal Moore: Lessons in Leadership," which is available for presentation at schools, businesses, and civic organizations worldwide. Mike Guardia has given presentations at the US Special Operations Command and the International Spy Museum. His work has been reviewed in the Washington Times, Armchair General, ARMY Magazine, DefenceWeb South Africa, and Miniature Wargames UK.
He holds a BA and MA in American History from the University of Houston. He currently lives in Texas.
He has twice been nominated for the Army Historical Foundation's Distinguished Book Award and is an active member of the Military Writers Society of America.
As a speaker, he hosts the lecture series "Hal Moore: Lessons in Leadership," which is available for presentation at schools, businesses, and civic organizations worldwide. Mike Guardia has given presentations at the US Special Operations Command and the International Spy Museum. His work has been reviewed in the Washington Times, Armchair General, ARMY Magazine, DefenceWeb South Africa, and Miniature Wargames UK.
He holds a BA and MA in American History from the University of Houston. He currently lives in Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 2, 2023
Combat Diaries
I enjoyed reading the first hand comments about these soldiers exploits. I find plain spoken dialog very enjoyable and revealing. Very good book.
I enjoyed reading the first hand comments about these soldiers exploits. I find plain spoken dialog very enjoyable and revealing. Very good book.
March 1, 2023
Yes, these folks WERE the greatest Generation. Capt. James A. Mulligan, Jr., Vietnam Pow, recently died, so I thought I'd honor him by reading this (even though it is about WWII). Powerful. Some of the stories are simple, some are horrific. But all speak to the heroism of these soldiers and sailors. (And if you've never read about Captain Mulligan's 6+ years as a Vietnam Pow, held for a long period of time at the infamous Hanoi Hilton, you should. I think his book was titled the Hanoi Commitment, but there are several published excerpts from his memoirs. RIP Capt. Mulligan.)
June 23, 2022
WWII Combat Stories
Well written and interesting combat stories of WWII veterans, touching upon various theaters of the War. For all of us who had fathers, and other family members, who served in WWII, we appreciate the stories and commitment of all our service members who honorably served! Thank you!
Well written and interesting combat stories of WWII veterans, touching upon various theaters of the War. For all of us who had fathers, and other family members, who served in WWII, we appreciate the stories and commitment of all our service members who honorably served! Thank you!
November 23, 2022
An interesting collection by multiple veterans
This is a collection of WWII experiences as told by multiple men and women who served in uniform.
It saddens me that very few WWII vets remain alive today. It's good that there are people trying to document their stories before they're all gone.
This is a collection of WWII experiences as told by multiple men and women who served in uniform.
It saddens me that very few WWII vets remain alive today. It's good that there are people trying to document their stories before they're all gone.
November 19, 2023
True stories every American. Should be familiar with
Heroes all. These men and women of the greatest generation. These stories should be taught in school. Young people today cannot appreciate what this generation gave you. My father served 5 years in the Army as a forward observer in the artillery in WW II. I salute ALL VETERANS. THANK YOU.
Heroes all. These men and women of the greatest generation. These stories should be taught in school. Young people today cannot appreciate what this generation gave you. My father served 5 years in the Army as a forward observer in the artillery in WW II. I salute ALL VETERANS. THANK YOU.
September 2, 2025
A masterpiece In presenting a number of life stories of veterans
A wonderful vignette of combat veterans from all the branches of our military to include some of the combat nurses who went above the line of duty to serve our wounded veterans and their country. The stories personalize each branch of service and the men who went beyond what was expected of them.
A wonderful vignette of combat veterans from all the branches of our military to include some of the combat nurses who went above the line of duty to serve our wounded veterans and their country. The stories personalize each branch of service and the men who went beyond what was expected of them.
April 30, 2026
I really enjoyed the stories in this book, as told by those who were on the frontlines during the war. The majority of the soldiers were from Minnesota, as was the author...thus the reason I am assuming, so many were from there or the midwest.
It was very interesting and informative, and reminded me why these soldiers, are the greatest generation.
It was very interesting and informative, and reminded me why these soldiers, are the greatest generation.
September 5, 2026
Truly the greatest generation!!
These battlefield stories from so many different places and times, but all during WW II, remind me again what heroes our forefathers were. So many of those heroes just said, "Well, I only did my job."
That's a job I never had to face. I respect them immensely.
These battlefield stories from so many different places and times, but all during WW II, remind me again what heroes our forefathers were. So many of those heroes just said, "Well, I only did my job."
That's a job I never had to face. I respect them immensely.
August 28, 2022
This is a pretty good book. A few of the stories went nowhere, but most were enjoyable. The only real gripe that I have is the over usage of exclamation points. Way too many of them. Otherwise, the book is highly recommended.
October 17, 2022
I believe this might be one of my favorite reads of 2022! Check out my Starlight Book Review at the following link:
https://starrynightelfblog.wordpress....
https://starrynightelfblog.wordpress....
January 18, 2023
They did what had to be done.
I like that this was true and story from men that were actually in combat. Men that serve they country in time of great need. They All are Heroes in book.
I like that this was true and story from men that were actually in combat. Men that serve they country in time of great need. They All are Heroes in book.
January 30, 2023
Good history
A good read which gives you an idea of what these brave women and men suffered through. I would recommend this book if you enjoy reading on the trials of soldiers in war time.
A good read which gives you an idea of what these brave women and men suffered through. I would recommend this book if you enjoy reading on the trials of soldiers in war time.
February 7, 2023
excellent book
Very good book on individual stories of veterans, combat veterans, that served in World War Two. Their stories, their experiences, their families, are all immortalized forever because of the author. I highly recommend this book, it is special.
Very good book on individual stories of veterans, combat veterans, that served in World War Two. Their stories, their experiences, their families, are all immortalized forever because of the author. I highly recommend this book, it is special.
May 8, 2023
Frontline WWII
Good steady read. Heralds the youngsters who plowed under two of the most dangerous adversaries this country ever had but the native Americans! Brings to mind a truncated version of Audie Murphy’s To Hell and Back!
Good steady read. Heralds the youngsters who plowed under two of the most dangerous adversaries this country ever had but the native Americans! Brings to mind a truncated version of Audie Murphy’s To Hell and Back!
January 7, 2025
Reads like a documentary. It includes fascinating first hand accounts of the atrocities committed and experienced by Ally and Axis forces during WW2. I’m taking one star away as I grew a bit tired of the writing style and got the gist of the experience in reading it at around the 100 page mark.
June 14, 2022
This was worthy read about the servicemen and women during WWII. Full review is on the blog.
July 4, 2022
worth your time
I liked the format of this book. My father was with the 4th mar div .. I only wish I could have written his story.. but he is long gone.
I liked the format of this book. My father was with the 4th mar div .. I only wish I could have written his story.. but he is long gone.
July 6, 2022
True Stories
Mostly stories I have never heard before. Actual combat stories. Of actual combat. This truly was the greatest generation. Truly.
Mostly stories I have never heard before. Actual combat stories. Of actual combat. This truly was the greatest generation. Truly.
July 27, 2022
Good read
Interesting book about guys from all walks of life doing what bad to be done in various branches of the service.
Interesting book about guys from all walks of life doing what bad to be done in various branches of the service.
December 6, 2022
Fine First-Hand Accounts
My favorite reading is first-hand accounts of feats or accomplishments. Especially military combat stories involving Marines. Good editing. All thumbs up.
My favorite reading is first-hand accounts of feats or accomplishments. Especially military combat stories involving Marines. Good editing. All thumbs up.
January 9, 2023
An amazing book of multiple stories from the front lines of WWII. Wonderful book to give me more insight of what my great grandfathers both dealt with during these times!
March 21, 2023
very good
Very good book. Anybody interested in hero,s or history will enjoy. The people in the stories are true hero,s to out country.
Very good book. Anybody interested in hero,s or history will enjoy. The people in the stories are true hero,s to out country.
April 12, 2023
Great read
Even tho every person had some connection to Minnesota, no two stories were similar. Each chapter was fairly short but packed with info. Very enlightening read.
Even tho every person had some connection to Minnesota, no two stories were similar. Each chapter was fairly short but packed with info. Very enlightening read.
December 9, 2023
Greatest Generation
This was a wonderful book. I like to sit, and visit with the greatest generation. Their stories need to be told.
This was a wonderful book. I like to sit, and visit with the greatest generation. Their stories need to be told.
June 23, 2022
Truth is more interesting than fiction
These true stories are just the right length to enjoy me at a time or several at a time. All are well written and enjoyable reading.
These true stories are just the right length to enjoy me at a time or several at a time. All are well written and enjoyable reading.
January 31, 2023
Multiple great stories from some unique perspectives you don’t normally hear from in WW2 memoirs. Examples include Frogmen tasked with disarming floating mines, solo artillery spotters, combat engineers, American pilots flying British Spitfires, and several others. Wonderful personal histories captured in this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews