Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The B-17 Tomahawk Warrior: A WWII Final Honor is a work of non-fiction in the military history, slice of life, and personal stories subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult audience as it depicts the harsh realities and losses of war. Penned by author David E. Huntley, the work centers on the mystery of a 1944 B-17 Flying Fortress crash in England. The author, who witnessed the crash as a child, embarked on a lifelong journey to uncover the truth. Through meticulous research and personal observations, Huntley unravels the mysteries surrounding the 'Tomahawk Warriors' crew, who perished in the crash, exploring questions about the crash's circumstances and the misnaming of the plane. The book delves into the immense courage displayed by young American airmen during WWII, vividly describing the challenges they faced in sub-zero temperatures and enemy encounters.

Author David E. Huntley has crafted a unique work of military history that also explores the fascination we have with times gone by and our personal connection to the past. I found the narrative to be tender, exploratory, and respectful, with a fantastic amount of detail but also a quiet reverence for the bravery of the nine souls whose lives are explored. The narrative emphasizes the lives of these heroes, providing a window into familial relationships and the sacrifices made for a cause. I think it’s incredible that Huntley's efforts have also led to posthumous honors, a Commemorative Marker, and closure for the descendants' relatives. Huntley's work stands as a testament to the resilience and sacrifices of those who served in WWII and is also a spectacularly detailed and well-researched read. Overall, I would certainly recommend The B-17 Tomahawk Warrior: A WWII Final Honor for history and military non-fiction enthusiasts everywhere.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Buddy's War: A World War II Medic's Journey and the Power of Family penned by author Barry A. Lehman is a work of non-fiction in the military, historical, and personal stories subgenres, best suited to the general adult reading audience. Readers are invited into an extraordinary exploration of one family's history intertwined with the monumental events of World War II. This deeply moving narrative follows the author as he embarks on a quest to uncover the hidden chapters of his family's past. The book weaves together the experiences of ordinary men and women who became heroes in the face of adversity, from the battlefields of Europe to the home front. Their stories of courage and resilience serve as a testament to the triumphs and tragedies of his father's generation.

Author Barry A. Lehman blends personal reflection with historical context and poignant revelations, creating a powerful evocation of the enduring power of family and the profound impact that war has on those who serve in it. What makes this book particularly poignant is its emphasis on the importance of preserving the memories of those who came before us as a reminder of the enduring themes of patriotism, heroism, and the power of collective memory. It is clear that Lehman’s fondness for his subject matter has also been augmented with meticulous research, personal reflection, and vivid storytelling to take us on a profound journey that delves into love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds that connect generations. Overall, Buddy's War is a highly recommended read that provides a truly captivating journey into the heart of one family's story, a tribute to the past, and a timeless quest for understanding.

Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

More than fifty years after its unhappy conclusion, the Vietnam War seems but a distant memory of an unpopular conflict. In writing On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 Months in Vietnam, William V. Taylor Jr. remembers it all too clearly and shares his experiences with the reader. Sent halfway across the world as an eighteen-year-old U.S. Marine to fight against a ruthless enemy in a foreign land during 1967/68, his chances of survival were never far from his thoughts. Taylor takes us through sweltering heat, humidity, monsoon rain, rice paddies and forests, plus tropical diseases and a host of insects and deadly snakes to hunt down elusive opponents who did not fight by any rules. The local population was trapped in the middle, some openly siding with the enemy. He and his fellow Marines faced hostile fire from rifles, machine guns, hand grenades, mortars, and artillery, aware that their 13-month tour of service could be cut short at any moment. They endured the harsh conditions, surviving on their wits, basic military rations, and letters to and from home. Relationships were tested. Many of his comrades did not make it back.

On Full Automatic describes the hardships, camaraderie, and fear in an action-packed memoir that pulls no punches, but avoids degenerating into a bloodbath. As is to be expected, there is certainly a full measure of death, destruction, and gore, but this is tempered with humor, compassion, and heartwarming moments that provide unique insights into the psyche of the foot soldier. It deals with the unpleasant side of military conflict, such as post-traumatic syndrome, being maimed, losing a close friend in battle, enduring friendly fire, or being led by incompetent superiors. It is a stark reminder that however noble the cause, war is neither perfect nor anything other than a gritty slog. The author was wounded and was decorated with the Purple Heart on three occasions in recognition of his service. This raises another thorny issue in that those who returned from Vietnam received few accolades from their countrymen, tired of what they perceived as mounting casualties and atrocities committed against civilians. I have read many books on the Vietnam War, but William V. Taylor Jr. has produced a well-balanced and enthralling account that has a more personal touch, is exceptional, and is a must for military enthusiasts. It is rounded off with a comprehensive glossary. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

A crisis resulted due to the hasty departure of the US from Afghanistan. Other things that added to the chaos include the withdrawal of military personnel before the evacuation of civilians and the lack of coordination with the Afghan forces and other partners. Chad had already served for several years in Afghanistan before leaving the military after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. During his years in Afghanistan, Aziz had proven to be more than just an interpreter. He was a friend, and he had even saved Chad's life more than once. To find out how Chad saved Aziz, the establishment of Save Our Allies, and the impact of the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and how it gave the Taliban the upper hand, read Saving Aziz by Chad Robichaux, David L. Thomas, and Glenn Beck.

Saving Aziz: How the Mission to Help One Became a Calling to Rescue Thousands from the Taliban by Chad Robichaux, David L. Thomas, and Glenn Beck is wonderfully written with a unique perspective on the Afghanistan war that was not captured by the media or the government. This thought-provoking work got me thinking about how the withdrawal and the mission were impacted by politicians, most of whom didn't know what exactly was happening on the ground. I loved the military point of view and how the book covered the Afghan allies who were committed to fighting for the freedom of their country. The steady pacing and the excellent narration added to the overall appeal. Readers will also appreciate the vivid descriptions of events and emotions, which help capture the reader's imagination.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Ground You Stand Upon: Life of a Skytrooper in Vietnam is a work of non-fiction in the military history, memoir, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to adult readers owing to moderate graphic content and some strong language throughout. Penned by author team Joshua E. Bowe and Wilbur E. Bowe, this gripping memoir recounts the harrowing experiences of Will Bowe and his comrades from the 1st Air Cavalry Division in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Drafted in 1965, Will finds himself thrust into the midst of the escalating conflict, undergoing training to become a ‘skytrooper’ and flying into jungle battlefields by helicopter. The book, based on classified staff journals and military records, chronicles Alpha Company's journey through rice fields, villages, and mountains, supplemented with Will's letters and photographs sent home from the frontlines.

Author team Joshua E. Bowe and Wilbur E. Bowe have worked together beautifully to craft a profoundly moving experience, offering a poignant glimpse into the realities of war through the eyes of Will and his fellow soldiers. The work meticulously weaves together firsthand accounts, military documents, and personal correspondence to paint a vivid picture of the Vietnam War, and it is exceedingly well-organized in the way it delivers content. The narrative that binds all this information together is smooth and warm, vividly capturing the camaraderie, humor, and sorrow experienced by those who served and revealing the complexities of combat and the toll it takes on individuals and communities. Through the voices of veterans and their loved ones, the book honors the sacrifices made and the resilience shown in the face of adversity. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Ground You Stand Upon for fans of historical accounts but also readers who appreciate a heartfelt tribute to the courage and spirit of those who served their country.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Sacrifice: The Green Berets, a Fateful Ambush, and a Gold Star Widow's Fight for the Truth by Michelle Black focuses on the aftermath of 2017, when Green Beret Bryan Black lost his life in an ambush in Niger, leaving behind his wife, Michelle, and their two young sons. Faced with limited information from the military about the incident, Michelle embarked on a journey to discover the truth behind her husband's death. She found discrepancies in the accounts provided by commanding officers and the team captain, Mike Perozeni, who became the military scapegoat. Michelle later learned that Perozeni's assessments were disregarded and those further up the chain of command gave the green light despite all they knew. Michelle's faith in the investigative arm of the military was shattered and she took it upon herself to gather evidence and pursue the facts surrounding the mission that led to her husband's tragic end.

Sacrifice by Michelle Black is a deeply intimate view of Michelle's experiences and a wholly consuming emotional journey after her husband's death. As a result, it is impossible not to empathize with her, although trying to grasp what that pain feels like is incomprehensible. When Michelle finds out that there is a video of Bryan's death that was when I threw my hands up and was sure it couldn't get worse. It did. It got much, much worse. Michelle pulls no punches and gives everything she has in a transparent collaboration of what she was told versus what she is certain actually happened. Not all of it is complimentary in retrospect and even Bryan's team is quoted using language with religiously charged stereotypes which, while uncomfortable, do lend to the credibility of Michelle's raw and honest outlook. The most eye-opening chapter of the book is the one where she simply lays out the facts. In 'Disparities', Michelle compartmentalizes the inconsistencies in the military report, with direct excerpts, against what occurred. It's hard to argue with the facts, or that Michelle's story is well-written, absorbing, and affecting.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Boundless Brothers: Two Warriors from the Heartland, One Mission for the Homeland is a work of non-fiction in the military, history, and personal journey subgenres. It is best suited to mature readers owing to its discussion of military violence and the use of explicit language throughout. Penned by brothers and author team Ronald A. Lambrecht and Steven S. Lambrecht, this inspiring memoir explores how they embarked on separate but equally remarkable journeys in military service. Despite their large age difference and the limited time they spent under the same roof growing up in Minnesota, their shared dedication to serving their country shines through in this captivating narrative. From sailing on massive aircraft carriers to engaging in supersonic combat missions, their adventures are filled with heart-pounding moments and a profound commitment to their mission and comrades.

Author team Ronald A. Lambrecht and Steven S. Lambrecht have crafted a unique perspective on a military memoir by offering their very personal comparisons and contrasts, making for an interactive and thought-provoking read. What stands out strongly in the atmospheric and narrative construction of this book is the deep sense of duty and patriotism that runs through the Lambrecht brothers' experiences. The book's passionate narrative style seamlessly weaves together their individual stories, creating a cohesive and engaging read, but it also feels friendly and inclusive in its storytelling to those less familiar with military history. Overall, Boundless Brothers is a testament to the bravery and dedication of the Lambrecht brothers themselves, but it also pays tribute to all those who have served their country. It's a compelling and heartfelt memoir that leaves you with a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite

Some stories can only be understood if you see the images of the people who lived them. This is the case of the 65th Infantry Regiment, whose story is told in The Borinqueneers by Noemí Figueroa Soulet. Through the hundreds of illustrations of this magnificent bilingual book (written in English and Spanish), readers will discover everything there is to know about the only Hispanic-segregated unit in U.S. Army history starting from 1899, the year of its creation. Then, they will learn about the deeds and lives of the soldiers and officers during the two World Wars and the Korean War, in which the regiment particularly distinguished itself. The photographs are meticulously ordered and have captions to help readers learn about people, places, and events.

The Borinqueneers is a book that arouses the enthusiasm and admiration of those who look at it. Noemí Figueroa Soulet has done an excellent job collecting the photographs and arranging them into thematic sections; this is especially helpful during the long narrative of the Korean War, to which most of the book is devoted. Two chapters struck me the most from a visual point of view: the one dedicated to the Puerto Rican soldiers in the snow and, above all, the one featuring the rare color photographs taken during the Korean War. I hope that The Borinqueneers will be appreciated as much as it deserves. It is a tribute that the families of those who served in the 65th Infantry Regiment will surely love, but military history buffs will also want to add this book to their collection.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

Killing is as easy as breathing when you are pushed. Don Talbot confirmed this on the day he lost his brothers-in-arms of the Echo Two squad. Silent Valor: One Man's Vietnam War by Rick Greenberg details the life of Don as a Marine in the Vietnam War. After Don arrived in Vietnam and joined the Delta team, a few things surprised him. He didn't see much combat, and he also couldn't see the endless acres of jungle that he had anticipated. Their camp was hit by rockets a few times, but Don was eager for more action, so he volunteered to join the Combined Action Program at the first opportunity. The Combined Action Program worked with the Popular Force to defend the rural villages. A few months after joining, matters became more intense with the North Vietnamese forces attacking. To find out how the major offense turned out and how Don survived, get yourself a copy of this book.

I was pleased to read the factual story of Don Talbot, which is about courage, resilience, and patriotism. I wish more recognition could have been given to these Marines, who gave so much for their country. Rick Greenberg has done a great job with Silent Valor. The narration and the steady pace kept me glued to the book from the first page. The suspense had me yearning for more. I loved the way that the author described the events and places so vividly. I also enjoyed how the emotions of the participants were captured, which made them relatable. It was touching to get into the minds of the Marines in the combat zone as they longed to get back home to their families. The author's easy-to-understand language will make the book accessible to all readers. I cannot wait to read more from this great author.

Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite

Benjamin Sledge, a seasoned combat veteran who served a portion of his time under the Special Operations Command, departs for Afghanistan shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11. Throughout this memoir, he vividly captures the reality of the men and women who learn to fight without remorse, love each other without restraint, and endure the high cost of returning to a country that no longer feels like home. Where Cowards Go to Die is not merely a military memoir but a profound exploration of the human condition. With raw honesty and unflinching detail, Sledge exposes the complex emotions and moral dilemmas faced by soldiers caught in the crucible of war.

Seldom have I read a memoir, autobiography, or documentary that reads like thriller fiction, complete with that all-important sense of reality... verisimilitude. Benjamin Sledge has achieved just that and impresses with vivid descriptions of war and all the brutality that entails. As an Army veteran (Vietnam Era) and during the Afghanistan/Iraq wars, and a civilian in the Department of Defense, European Headquarters G-3 Operations, I can fully attest to the accuracy and detail Sledge uses to tell his story, one that runs the gamut of emotions and situations—the good (yes, there is always some), the bad, and the ugly that defines the lives of soldiers and civilians (aggressors and defenders) in a wartime situation. Sledge describes not only the battles but the effects of those events on the surviving soldiers and their family's reactions to the wounded (physically and mentally) when they returned home and the flag-draped coffins. Where Cowards Go To Die is a fascinating, albeit horrific, dive into the world of war, a dive that is a life-changing event for everyone concerned, including the reader who most likely never has and never will personally experience it. All in all, a great read... well done!