Military Audiobooks | History

Above the Pacific: Three Medal of Honor Fighter Aces of World War II Speak

Three legendary fighter pilots from the Pacific War-all recipients of the Medal of Honor-tell their own stories in this remarkable collection. Marine ace Pappy Boyington is perhaps the most celebrated of all American pilots in the war against Japan, fighting in the skies with both the famed Flying Tigers and his own Black Sheep Squadron. Marine Joe Foss joined Guadalcanal's Cactus Air Force and destroyed a Japanese Zero on his first mission-the first of twenty-six aerial kills achieved during the war. Navy captain David McCampbell didn't notch his first kill until June 1944, but he would quickly go on to assemble one of the most remarkable aerial-combat records in history with thirty-four victories, including nine in one day. In this gripping oral history-which spans the entire war- from the Americans who fought the Japanese in China to the final, desperate battle for Okinawa, these three heroes tell their own stories, in their own words. These interviews, personally conducted by military veteran and historian Colin Heaton, are the final testimony of some of America's greatest warriors.

Colin Heaton (Author), Colin Heaton, Gary Bennett, Sean Runnette, Steve Hendrickson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Soldier Secretary: Warnings from the Battlefield & the Pentagon about America's Most Dangerous Enemi

President Trump's last secretary of defense shares harrowing stories of missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, gives an insider look at the tumultuous final days of the Trump administration, and issues a stark warning about the readiness of the military under President Biden. If you know one thing about Chris Miller, it's that he was President Donald Trump's final Secretary of Defense, elevated to that position in the days after the 2020 election. If you know a second thing about Chris Miller, it's that he oversaw the U.S. Armed Forces during one of the most controversial and tumultuous periods the military has experienced in decades, culminating in the shocking events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Yet Chris Miller is no political partisan. On the contrary, Miller has spent his adult life in the crosshairs of America's most dangerous enemies--from Middle Eastern deserts to the bowels of U.S. intelligence agencies--and emerged as one of the leading national security minds of his generation. Needless to say, Chris Miller has stories to tell. In Soldier Secretary, he reveals for the first time everything he saw--in a book that is candid, thought-provoking, and like that of no Secretary of Defense before him. This book is not just the inside story of what happened during the Trump administration--it's the inside story of what happened to America, its military, and its institutions during the two decades after September 11, 2001. Part badass, part iconoclast, Miller is an irreverent, heterodox, and always-fascinating thinker whose personal journey through war and the White House has led him to some shocking conclusions about the state of American power in 2021. With a perspective that will surprise and interest both Republicans and Democrats, Miller argues for a radical rethinking of U.S. national security strategy unlike anything since the creation of the joint armed forces in the 1980s. He offers a roadmap for how the United States can win in the era of unrestricted warfare by shedding the bloated defense bureaucracy, bringing American forces home from endless conflicts, renewing our national unity, and beating China at its own game. Miller is a true American warrior whose incredible journey from Iowa to Afghanistan to Iraq to the White House endeared him to the troops, prepared him for the unprecedented crisis of January 6, and left him deeply concerned about the future of our military and the future of our nation.

Christopher C. Miller (Author), John Pruden (Narrator)

Audiobook

Nine Lives: The Compelling Memoir of a Cold War Harrier Pilot

Chris Burwell charts one man's career in aviation from joining the RAF in 1969 aged eighteen, to having responsibility for training pilots for the world's major airlines nearly fifty years later. After training at RAF Cranwell and RAF Valley and a tour as a flying instructor on Jet Provosts, he joined the Harrier Force, flying on front-line squadrons in the United Kingdom and Germany during the Cold War and as an instructor on the Harrier Conversion Unit. Detachments to Belize in 1977, the Falklands (twice), ejection from a Harrier GR3, introducing FLIR and NVG to the Harrier front line and operational missions in Northern Iraq are all covered in detail. After thirty years of service, he spent twelve years with Cobham, managing their Teesside base and flying the Falcon 20 on operational training for the military and the King Air 200 on international flight calibration tasks. Finally, he spent four years in Spain with Flight Training Europe (FTE) Jerez training a new generation of pilots. Through his experience as a pilot, leader, and manager gained over many years, his valuable insights into military and civilian flying operations are both engrossing and noteworthy.

Chris Burwell (Author), Peter Noble (Narrator)

Audiobook

Mastering the Art of Command: Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and Victory in the Pacific

Mastering the Art of Command is a detailed examination of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz's leadership during WWII. It describes how he used his talents to guide the Pacific Fleet, win crucial victories against the forces of Imperial Japan, and then seize the initiative in the Pacific. Once Nimitz's forces held the initiative, they maintained it through an offensive campaign of unparalleled speed that overcame Japanese defenses and created the conditions for victory. This book explores how Nimitz used his leadership skills, command talents, and strategic acumen to achieve these decisive results. Trent Hone recounts how Nimitz revised and adapted his organizational structure to capitalize on newly emerging information. Hone argues that Nimitz was able to couple tactical successes to strategic outcomes and more effectively plan and execute operations that brought Allied victory. Hone explores the challenge of leadership in complex adaptive systems through Nimitz's behavior and causes us to reassess the inevitability of Allied victory and the reasons for its ultimate accomplishment. This book demonstrates effective patterns for complexity-informed leadership by highlighting how Nimitz maintained coherence within his organization, established the conditions for his subordinates to succeed, and fostered collaborative sensemaking.

Trent Hone (Author), Paul Heitsch (Narrator)

Audiobook

Silent Valor: One Man's Vietnam War

A young Marine deployed to Vietnam finds terror, danger, and death, but also courage, loyalty, and brotherhood. This intense, gritty tale of the Vietnam War, in a setting depicted so vividly you can almost feel the jungle heat, it will draw you in and won't let go. Silent Valor recreates what happened to Lance Corporal Don Talbot and the squad members of Echo Two in their attempt to save fellow Marines surrounded by the North Vietnamese Army. This touching true story will please listeners interested in the Vietnam War and all those who find inspiration in examples of courage under fire.

Rick Greenberg (Author), Patrick Lawlor (Narrator)

Audiobook

Men of 18 in 1918: Memories of the Western Front in World War One

An astounding account of one young infantryman's personal experience of the Western Front in the last year of World War One. Perfect for fans of Peter Hart, Max Hastings, and Barbara W. Tuchman. In the spring of 1918 German forces broke through Allied lines in a last-ditch attempt to overcome their enemies. To hold back this tide young, inexperienced men from France, Britain, the United States, Australia, and Canada were sent into war against battle-hardened and desperate German soldiers. What was it like to be an eighteen-year-old and sent to the frontlines in the First World War? Frederick James Hodges was one of these young men and his book, Men of 18 in 1918, provides insight into the ordeals of an ordinary soldier who left Britain as a teenager but returned as a man having witnessed the full horrors of war. Hodges charts his progress through the conflict from his short period of training to being thrown into defending Allied lines against the onslaught before being ordered, as part of Britain's prime assault troops, into a ninety-five-day non-stop attack which only ended with the armistice of November 1918.

Frederick James Hodges (Author), John Lee (Narrator)

Audiobook

Lydia Litvyak: The Life and Legacy of the Soviet Woman Who Became World War II’s Most Successful Fem

Altogether, the Battle of Stalingrad was the deadliest battle in the history of warfare, and the Soviets’ decisive victory there is considered one of the biggest turning points in the entire war, and certainly in the European theater. Over the next two years, the German gains in Russia were steadily reversed, and the Red Army eventually began pushing west towards Berlin. Fittingly, the importance of Stalingrad was commemorated in several ways, from Churchill presenting Stalin with a “Sword of Stalingrad” to the Russians’ decision not to rebuild parts of the battle scarred city as a reminder of what happened there. Partly out of dire circumstances and partly from a cultural worldview, it was the Soviet Union who first pressed female pilots into direct combat when Hitler invaded Russia. Ahead of Stalingrad, Stalin publicly declared that “women should be given the right to fly and fight for their country.” As a result, more than 800,000 women served in the Soviet military during the war years in hospitals, communication units, as road troops, anti-aircraft gunners, and snipers. Of the Soviet female fighter pilots who fought the Nazis in the skies, led raids against ground targets, and stopped supply transports, the iconic Lydia Vladimirovna Litvyak stands out as the most distinguished. The most productive and highly decorated of the Soviet Union’s female pilots, Litvyak was an expert aviator by the age of 14 and trained 45 pilots in the years leading up to the war, while still a teenager. She went on to serve in several of the elite air guard regiments, and she would be credited with numerous victories as the Soviets desperately tried to hold off the German onslaught around Stalingrad. The quirky and defiant Litvyak was described as a “silent modest beauty with a blonde shock of hair and blue eyes.” She “walked with a special gait, causing delight among others,” men in particular, and she tended to look neat at all times.

Charles River Editors (Author), Steve Knupp (Narrator)

Audiobook

At the Helm: My Journey with Family, Faith, and Friends to Calm the Storms of Life

John Dalton's life is an inspirational American success story. At the Helm traces his journey from modest beginnings in Louisiana to traveling the world and working across private and public sectors and four presidential appointments all culminating in his appointment as the 70th Secretary of the Navy. As CEO of the Department of the Navy, including both Navy and Marine Corps, Dalton had to weather the storm of the Tailhook controversy, navigate through the Naval Academy cheating scandal, manage the new policies of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and women serving in combat. His record with these situations shines as a model of ethical leadership during crises. John Dalton has created an account of his life for posterity, and to encourage others at this challenging juncture in American history. His memoir recounts his experiences and the bedrock values which shaped him and the hard lessons he received from them . . . including the essence of principled leadership. At the Helm is a portrait of a man who has lived life ethically and to the fullest, doing his utmost to leave the world better than he found it.

John H. Dalton (Author), Shawn Compton (Narrator)

Audiobook

India's Most Fearless 3: New Military Stories of Unimaginable Courage and Sacrifice: New Military St

An army medic who went beyond the call of duty amid a frenzy of treacherous bloodletting in Ladakh’s Galwan while his fellow soldiers fought the Chinese to death; the crew of an Indian Navy destroyer that put everything on the line to rescue hundreds from Cyclone Tauktae in the Arabian Sea; an Indian Air Force pilot who ejected from his doomed fighter less than two seconds before it hit the ground, only to find he was missing a leg.This book presents their accounts, or of those who were with them in their final moments. India’s Most Fearless 3 features ten true stories of extraordinary courage and fearlessness, providing glimpses of the heroism Indian soldiers have displayed in unthinkably hostile conditions and under grave provocation.

Rahul Singh, Shiv Aroor (Author), Shiv Aroor (Narrator)

Audiobook

Cold War: America vs. Soviet Union

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Discover the gripping story of the Cold War, a defining feature of global politics and diplomacy in the 20th century. In 'The Cold War: America vs. Soviet Union,' offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the complex and multifaceted nature of this defining conflict. Through a carefully researched and engagingly written narrative, readers will be taken on a journey through the origins, key events, and enduring legacy of the Cold War. From the arms race to the Cuban Missile Crisis, from the space race to the proxy wars fought around the world. But this book is not just about politics and diplomacy. It also explores the cultural and social impact of the Cold War, including the emergence of new forms of cultural expression and the development of new forms of political and social activism. Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the profound impact that the Cold War had on the world as a whole, and how it continues to shape the course of global politics and diplomacy today. Whether you're a student, a scholar, or simply a history enthusiast, 'The Cold War: America vs. Soviet Union' is a must-read. So why wait? Order your copy today and discover the gripping story of one of the most defining conflicts in modern history.

A.J.Kingston (Author), Digital Voice Madison G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Through the Valley: My Captivity in Vietnam

Through the Valley is the captivating memoir of the last US Army soldier taken prisoner during the Vietnam War. In 1971 William Reeder was a senior captain on his second tour in Vietnam. He had flown armed, fixed-wing OV-1 Mohawks on secret missions deep into enemy territory in Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam, on his first tour. He returned as a helicopter pilot eager to experience a whole new perspective as a Cobra gunship pilot. Believing that Nixon's Vietnamization would soon end the war, Reeder was anxious to see combat action. To him, it appeared that the Americans had prevailed, beaten the Viet Cong, and were passing everything over to the South Vietnamese Army so that Americans could leave. Less than a year later, while providing support to forces at the besieged base of Ben Het, Reeder's chopper went down in a flaming corkscrew. Though Reeder survived the crash, he was captured after evading the enemy for three days. He was held for weeks in jungle cages before enduring a grueling forced march on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, costing the lives of seven of his group of twenty-seven POWs. Imprisoned in the notorious prisons of Hanoi, Reeder's tenacity in the face of unimaginable hardship is not only a captivating story, but serves as an inspiration to all.

William Reeder Jr. (Author), Corey M. Snow (Narrator)

Audiobook

Saving Aziz: How the Mission to Help One Became a Calling to Rescue Thousands from the Taliban

It was the right thing to do. And someone had to do it. Aziz was more than an interpreter for Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux during Chad's eight deployments to Afghanistan. He was a teammate, brother, and friend. More than once, Aziz saved Chad's life. And then he needed Chad to save his. When President Joe Biden announced in April 2021 that the United States would be making a hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan, Robichaux knew he had to get Aziz and his family out before Taliban forces took over the country. As the rescue team he'd pulled together began to go to work, they became aware of thousands more--US citizens, Afghan allies, women, and children--facing persecution or death if they were not saved from the Taliban's terrorist regime. Chad began leading the charge that would go on to rescue 17,000 evacuees within a few short weeks--12,000 of them within the first ten days. This gripping account of two heroes and a daring mission puts human hearts and names alongside the headlines of one of the most harrowing moments in our history, giving you a closer look at: - The resilience of Afghanistan and its people - Chad's direct interactions with the Taliban - The twenty-year war that took place under four presidents Saving Aziz is a story of war and rescue. It is a story of a mission accomplished and work still to be done. It is a story of how looking into a stranger's eyes breaks down prejudice and apathy--and why risking it all is worth it when it comes to loving one another. Praise for Saving Aziz: 'Saving Aziz is the story of two warriors...brought together by war and a brotherhood forged through years of battling...for the cause of freedom and captures the heroic efforts of those who took action to not only rescue Aziz and his family in the US withdrawal but thousands of others.' --Tim Kennedy, New York Times bestselling author, US Army Special Forces, Sniper, UFC Fighter, Founder of Sheepdog Response, and Co-Founder of Save Our Allies

Chad Robichaux (Author), Chad Robichaux, Glenn Beck (Narrator)

Audiobook

Military Audiobooks in History