Military Audiobooks | History

Normandy to Nazi Surrender: Firsthand Account of a P-47 Thunderbolt Pilot

The late Van Slayden trained on the PT-3 kite-like biplane in 1937, but he learned fighter pilot operations flying 'by the seat of his pants,' walking away from five crashes. Shortly after the invasion of Normandy, he landed on Utah Beach to help establish a US Army Air Forces' (AAF's) presence in Europe. He flew the P-47 Thunderbolt, a fighter-bomber, in combat over Northern France and commanded the 36th Fighter Group-the 'Fightin' 36th-at Batogne, St. Vith, the Bridgehead at Remagen, Operations Grenade, Clarion, Varsity and other missions. His 22nd Fighter Squadron was the first in the AAF to land voluntarily on German soil. He was deep into Germany when the Nazis surrendered on May 8, 1945, which was remarkably anticlimactic. Van Slayden, a country boy from rural Tennessee, like so many of his contemporaries, stepped up to the challenge as part of the Greatest Generation.

Colonel Van H. Slayden, Patrecia Slayden Hollis (Author), Chris Monteiro (Narrator)

Audiobook

Stand in the Fire: Three American Soldiers and Their Wars, 1900-1950

From the first shot fired by his grandfather on a jungle trail in 1903 to the day his father captured plans for the Chinese invasion of South Korea, William Crawford Woods's family has fought in nearly every American war of the twentieth century. Drawing on his family's letters, journals, official records, and other artifacts found in his grandmother's attic, Woods has revived their stories-accounts of his grandfather, who served in the Philippine War and World War I; of his uncle, who rose from a West Point cadet to staff command in the 11th Airborne and died in action in the Battle of Manila in World War II; and of his own father, who transformed himself from a sedentary lawyer into a soldier and a spy. To lighten the dramatic and emotional load of his family's service, Woods occasionally calls on memories of his own time in the army, which he calls 'brief, bloodless, and largely comic.' Woods fortifies this work of nonfiction with his skills as a novelist, crafting dramatic scenes and engaging dialog, offering far more than operational battlefield stories. He has skillfully created a memoir about the construction of memory forged in military service and American masculinity. Stand in the Fire is a powerful exploration of the love between fathers and sons and an attempt to honor family valor.

William Crawford Woods (Author), Derek Dysart (Narrator)

Audiobook

Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness

Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin cut a striking figure in the Army: athletic, quick witted, devout, and studious, he was a natural leader. Thanks to his engineering and leadership knowhow, Martin was chosen to lead the thousands of combat engineers who paved the way for 100,000 Army troops to battle their way to Baghdad in 2003. Only years later would he learn how the pressure of organizing dozens of simultaneous life-or-death missions each day altered the biochemistry of his brain. The Iraq War triggered what military and Veterans Administration psychiatrists ultimately diagnosed as late-onset bipolar disorder, a chemical imbalance that sends sufferers whipsawing between grandiose imaginings and suicidal depressions. His increasing erratic behavior led to his forced resignation as president of the National Defense University and ended his military career. Bipolar General offers a candid account of Martin's personal journey with undiagnosed mental illness as he rose through the ranks of the United States Army. He discusses why his condition went undiagnosed for so long and explores what can be done both within and outside the armed forces to diagnose and treat mental illness. Bipolar General should be of value to those with mental illness and to the communities of family, friends, and caregivers surrounding them.

Maj. Gen Gregg F. Martin Usa (ret), Usa (ret) Maj. Gen Gregg F. Martin (Author), George W. Sarris (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hannibal: The True Story of the Life & Time of the Ancient Military Leader

Interested in Hannibal's remarkable life but short on time for lengthy biographies? Join The History Journals for an hourly history tour. Hannibal, the mighty Carthaginian leader who boldly marched 37 war elephants across the Alps to challenge the Roman Empire, remains an enduring inspiration. Discover the man behind the legend in this history journal. Setting aside modern associations, Hannibal predates "Hannibal the Cannibal" and has influenced historical military leaders like Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington. Dive into: - Hannibal's life from start to finish - His use of war elephants - How he inspired leaders like Napoleon - Carthaginian prowess in war and trade - His role in the Punic Wars Explore the fascinating life of Hannibal, a military genius whose legacy endures.

Liam Dale (Author), Liam Dale (Narrator)

Audiobook

Napoleon: The True Story of the Life & Time of Napoleon Bonaparte the Emperor of France

Do you want to explore the life of the great military leader Napoleon Bonaparte without trudging through lengthy biographies? Let The History Journals take you on an hourly history tour. Throughout history, exceptional leaders have emerged, leaving an indelible mark for generations to discover. Napoleon, one such iconic figure, remains renowned worldwide. Whether his name invokes admiration for his military genius or playful impressions of a stout man in a distinctive hat and coat, Napoleon's true essence can be elusive. Countless books portray him in various lights, emphasizing his revolutionary spirit, tactical brilliance, leadership, organizational prowess, and unmatched military strategy. Simultaneously, critics see him as a power-hungry, ruthless tyrant with an inflated ego. This journal delves into Napoleon's intriguing and eventful life, shedding light on: - His life journey from start to finish - "Le Petit Caporal" - The "Little Corporal" - Debunking the myth of Napoleon's height - The pivotal "Whiff of Grapeshot" - His grand coronation as Emperor of France - Napoleon's complex relationship with Josephine - Unearthing the Rosetta Stone - The Napoleonic Code and its impact - The formidable Grande Armée - Napoleon's fateful encounter with Russia - The sweeping Napoleonic Wars - His ultimate defeat at the Battle of Waterloo - Exile and the end of an era

Liam Dale (Author), Liam Dale (Narrator)

Audiobook

Fighting for Queen and Country: One man’s remarkable story of blood and glory in the Paras and SAS

'Slowly I raised my rifle, aimed and pulled the trigger... One round hit and went through the boot. The leg kicked up about three feet and fell back. Confirmed! The Argy was now dead for sure. No screams, no nothing.' Spud Ely's SAS career has taken him into some of the most deadly, high-octane, violent battles ever. From the Falklands to the Persian Gulf, he has been in the very centre of the most ferocious fighting scenes modern history has witnessed. Armed to the hilt with the most up-to-date, hi-tech military machinery and his highly-toned fighting skills, Steve is truly a force to be reckoned with. Fighting for Queen and Country is the unputdownable account of his most bloody, violent, heroic moments. 'Through the smoke and fire I could see two bodies inside, one burning and obviously a goner. I shot the other in the guts. The look on his face was total shock as blood spurted up from him and covered my right leg. Then I put two rounds in the other body for good measure.'

Nigel Ely (Author), Nigel Ely (Narrator)

Audiobook

Where Was God When I Needed Him Most?: Mother’s Promise Led Me to Christ

This book illustrates the powerful effect David Clark´s mother, Jan Clark, had on her son. Her influence began even before David was born. Jan’s pregnancy with David was terrifyingly difficult. Her doctor, due to his grave concerns for Jan’s life, felt compelled to do everything he could to terminate the pregnancy. Amidst these extreme circumstances, Jan made a promise to her unborn child that changed everything! Follow David Clark as he recounts experiences in which his mother kept this promise and led him to Christ. Notwithstanding that foundation in Christ, however, David years later, found himself feeling isolated and abandoned by God when he became 100% disabled and bedridden due to his military service in Iraq. He went from being an award-winning lawyer, a decorated military officer, and an Elder in his church to becoming completely dependent on others. It was only when David began remembering what his mother taught him about Jesus Christ years earlier that he finally found the peace and rest that comes solely through the Lord. In this book, you will learn: - God hears and answers prayers. - We can find peace in Christ, especially in our most heart-wrenching trials. - Jesus does not give up on us, nor will He ever abandon us! - The truth found in Proverbs 22:6 (“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” KJV). - The power parents can have when they share why they believe in God, how their faith has blessed their own lives and provide opportunities for their children to gain that knowledge and experience for themselves. Clark offers inspiration from his personal experiences bringing out how his mother’s influence led him to Christ even amidst trials and adversity. To find out more, get a copy now!

David R. Clark (Author), Brad Huffman (Narrator)

Audiobook

Douglas Bader: The Life and Legacy of One of the Royal Air Force’s Most Famous Fighter Aces

Given the RAF’s importance, it should come as no surprise that some of the pilots ranked among Britain’s most recognized war heroes, and Douglas Bader remains one of the most famous British soldiers in World War II. He has become synonymous with courage and perseverance in adversity, especially since both his legs were amputated after an air crash in 1931, yet he managed to continue flying and return to the RAF at the outbreak of the war in 1939. He became a well-decorated and highly promoted fighter ace before being shot down and taken prisoner by the Germans, and as a prisoner of war for three and a half years, he made persistent attempts to escape, despite the considerable difficulties posed by having two artificial legs, until he was sent to Colditz. After the war, he received a knighthood and many other awards for his charitable work in support of disabled war veterans.

Charles River Editors (Author), Colin Fluxman (Narrator)

Audiobook

Guy Gibson: The Life and Legacy of the Royal Air Force’s Most Distinguished Bomber Pilot during Worl

Given the RAF’s importance, it should come as no surprise that some of the pilots ranked among Britain’s most recognized war heroes, and Guy Gibson remains one of the most famous and highly decorated British soldiers in World War II. His exploits in the RAF as the leader of the audacious raid to blow up German dams in May 1943 remain renowned, and for generations of British boys after the war, he served as the benchmark of a legendary hero. His tragic death at the young age of 26 only served to deepen his mythology, but his war record was impressive even before his most famous missions, with three operational tours of duty under his belt. The mythmaking aside, Gibson was a complex and controversial character, probably caused, in part, by a turbulent and disrupted upbringing. Although his bravery, self-sacrifice, and leadership in battle were undeniable and highly impressive, he could be demanding and difficult to get along with. It is probably fair to say he was not universally loved by the crews and service personnel who served alongside him, and he after the Dam Busters raid, he embarked on a months-long tour of the United States and Canada that many (including Air Officer Commanding Bomber Commander Arthur “Bomber” Harris) felt had gone to his head slightly. After the raid and the fame, he drifted somewhat, having been forbidden from flying in further operations (which he bypassed in the end). He wrote a book about his exploits as a bomber pilot, Enemy Coast Ahead, and was interviewed on radio programs. He flirted with politics, applying for and succeeding in becoming the Conservative Party’s prospective candidate for Macclesfield in 1944 before withdrawing, claiming the war still required his attention. After D-Day on June 6, 1944, Gibson seemed to feel an urgent need to get back into operations for fear of missing out.

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

Audiobook

The Gunner and the Grunt: Two Boston Boys in Vietnam With the First Calvary Division Airmobile

The Gunner and the Grunt is written in the voices of two soldiers who fought in the same battles as members of the same recon unit but from different angles. Michael Kelley, the 'Gunner,' was flying in an armed helicopter above the jungle providing suppressive fire support, while Peter Burbank, the 'Grunt,' was down in the jungle on foot patrol involved in fire fights with Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troops. The book follows these two Boston boys from army training through deployment to the war zone and the shock of first combat missions, to helicopter air assault 'Search and Destroy' operations from the Cambodian border to the sands of the South China Sea.

Michael L. Kelley, Michael L. Kelly, Peter Burbank (Author), Malcolm Hillgartner (Narrator)

Audiobook

Whistles from the Graveyard: My Time Behind the Camera on War, Rage, and Restless Youth in Afghanist

"The most bracingly honest, refreshing account of the Afghan war" (Sebastian Junger, New York Times bestselling author) from a Marine Corps Combat Cameraman and director of the acclaimed documentary Combat Obscura. At just eighteen years old, Miles Lagoze joined the Marine Corps a decade after the war began and found himself surrounded by people not unlike those he'd left behind at home—aimless youth searching for stability, community, and economic security. Deployed to Afghanistan as a Combat Cameraman—an active-duty videographer and photographer—Lagoze produced slick images of glory and heroism for public consumption. But his government-approved footage concealed a grim reality. Here, Lagoze pulls back the curtain and illustrates the grisly truth of the longest war in American history. As these young men and women were deployed to an unfamiliar country half a world away—history's "graveyard of empires"—they carried the scars of the fractured homeland that sent them. Lagoze shows us Marines straddling the edge of chaos. We see forces desensitized to gore and suffering by the darkest reaches of the internet, unsure of their places in an unraveling world and set further adrift by the uncertain mission to which they had been assigned abroad. Whistles from the Graveyard shows the parts of the Afghanistan War we were never meant to see—Afghan locals and American infantry drawn together by their fears of the ghostly, ever-present terror of the Taliban; moments of dark resignation as the devastating toll of years in war's crossfire reveals itself between bouts of adrenaline-laced violence; and nights of reckless, drug-fueled abandon to dull the pain. In full, vivid color, Miles Lagoze shows us an oft-overlooked generation of young Americans we cast out into the desert, steeped in nihilism, and shipped back home with firsthand training in extremism, misanthropy, and insurrection.

Miles Lagoze (Author), Miles Lagoze (Narrator)

Audiobook

Task Force Hogan: The World War II Tank Battalion That Spearheaded the Liberation of Europe

A fourth-generation soldier tells the story of his father’s tank battalion, the “Spearhead,” that selflessly led the charge on the front lines from Normandy into Germany—against impossible odds, technologically superior weaponry, and a fanatical enemy on its home turf—and the heroes whose sacrifice won World War II. At twenty-eight, Sam Hogan is one of the youngest lieutenant colonels in the US Army. The West Point graduate from Texas stands in the commander’s hatch of his Sherman tank, behind him a steel wedge of seventeen other Shermans of his tank battalion. Two weeks after the now-infamous D-Day landings, Sam is preparing to give the order to advance into the German defenses that enclose the Normandy beachheads. Ahead of Sam lies seemingly impossible odds for survival: technologically superior Nazi tanks, camouflaged anti-tank guns, and infantry armed with new anti-tank rockets. But Sam has prepared for this moment for the past seven years. With a guttural call to move out accompanied by diesel fumes and the squeak of tank treads, Sam and his men begin their long journey to liberate Europe—a journey from which many of them would not return. So begins the story of Sam Hogan and his colorful band of tanker heroes of the Third Armored Division—the “Spearhead”—as they battle on the front lines of some of the war’s toughest fights, from Normandy to the Elbe to the Battle of the Bulge. The soldiers of Task Force Hogan come from all walks of life. There are cooks, tankers, infantrymen, salty old sergeants, and wet-behind-the-ears lieutenants. In common, they have a sense of duty to each other and their country, and the struggle against the most sinister enemy modern history has ever produced. In Task Force Hogan, the story of Sam and his band of heroes comes to life through the writing of his son, Will Hogan—aided by never-before-seen letters, military dispatches, journal entries, and interviews with surviving family of the Task Force. These were the soldiers at the tip of the spear, brave enough to lead the charge and fight against insurmountable odds, and often paying the ultimate price, while liberating French villages and concentration camps as they rolled towards Germany to ultimately win the war. In the pages of this book, Will Hogan finally gives these unsung soldiers the voice and memorial that they all deserve. Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

William R. Hogan (Author), Kaleo Griffith (Narrator)

Audiobook

Military Audiobooks in History