Doug Stanton is a celebrated journalist and author who excels at capturing pivotal moments when ordinary individuals are compelled to adapt and make extraordinary decisions. His work, often drawing on extensive experience and contacts within the U.S. military and government, delves into the depths of human resilience and transformation. Through compelling narratives, Stanton explores themes of change and courage in unexpected circumstances. His literary style is lauded for its depth and ability to illuminate profound human experiences.
The 1968 Tet Offensive and the Epic Battle to Survive the Vietnam War
336 pages
12 hours of reading
Recognized as a standout in nonfiction, this book has received accolades from both Military Times and the Society of Midland Authors. It offers a compelling exploration of its subject, combining thorough research with engaging storytelling. Readers can expect insightful perspectives and a deep dive into the themes that resonate with military and broader societal issues, making it a significant contribution to contemporary literature.
Dramatický příběh o malé skupině vojáků amerických speciálních jednotek, která po událostech 11. září 2001 tajně vstoupila do Afghánistánu a na koních se vydala do boje proti Tálibánu. Nepřítele, který měl čtyřicetinásobnou početní převahu, pronásledovala horským terénem a po řadě urputných bojů obsadila město Mazáre-e Šaríf, které bylo pro porážku Tálibánu strategicky důležité.
Jeho obyvatelé vítali vyčerpané Američany jako osvoboditele. Ovšem potom došlo k nečekanému zvratu. Během kapitulace asi pěti set Tálibánců byli američtí vojáci přepadeni ze zálohy. V ohromné pevnosti Qala-e Džangi bojovali proti mnohonásobné přesile o život. V sázce byl vojenský úspěch celé kampaně. Kdyby vojáci padli nebo byli zajati, mohlo by veškeré úsilí o porážku Tálibánu přijít vniveč. Ve snaze udržet pevnost podstoupili Američané jedny z nejtěžších bojů v městském prostředí v moderní době.
Tento příběh ukazuje, že kombinace prastarých strategií válčení na koních s moderními technologiemi leteckého bombardování může vést ke zdánlivě neuvěřitelným vojenským úspěchům. Důsledná snaha těchto vojáků na koních získat si přízeň obyvatel města a zabránit civilním obětem navíc poskytla cenné ponaučení pro pokračující americké nasazení v Afghánistánu.
The inspiration for the major motion picture 12 Strong, this true-life story recounts the remarkable journey of a small band of Special Forces soldiers who entered Afghanistan after 9/11, riding horses into battle against the Taliban. Outnumbered forty to one, they pursued the enemy across the rugged terrain and, after intense fighting, captured the strategically vital city of Mazar-i-Sharif. Welcomed as liberators, the soldiers were met with joy from Afghans celebrating the fall of the Taliban regime. However, the situation took a perilous turn when they were ambushed during the surrender of six hundred Taliban troops. Overpowered, they fought for their lives in the fortress of Qala-i-Janghi, risking the military gains of their campaign. If they failed, the entire effort to outmaneuver the Taliban could be jeopardized. Deeply researched and beautifully written, this account highlights the soldiers’ blend of ancient cavalry tactics and modern aerial bombardment, achieving what seemed impossible. Their efforts to win the hearts of local people also provide valuable insights for America’s ongoing endeavors in Afghanistan.
A harrowing, adrenaline-charged account of America's worst naval disaster — and of the heroism of the men who, against all odds, survived. Interweaving the stories of survivors, Doug Stanton has brought this astonishing human drama to life in a narrative that is at once immediate and timeless. The definitive account of a little-known chapter in World War II history, In Harm's Way is destined to become a classic tale of war, survival, and extraordinary courage.On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed in the South Pacific by a Japanese submarine. An estimated 300 men were killed upon impact; close to 900 sailors were cast into the Pacific Ocean, where they remained undetected by the navy for nearly four days and nights. Battered by a savage sea, they struggled to stay alive, fighting off sharks, hypothermia, and dementia. The captain's subsequent court-martial left many questions unanswered: How did the navy fail to realize the Indianapolis was missing? And perhaps most amazing of all, how did these 317 men manage to survive?
