Overview

A definitive history of one of the U.S. Army's most elite and enduring formations, this book traces the full evolution of the 82nd Airborne Division from its World War I origins to its current role as a rapid-response force. Drawing on rare archival sources and previously unpublished first-hand accounts, it offers a comprehensive portrait of the ""All American"" Division across more than a century of service. While the division's exploits during World War II--from their first combat operation jumping into Sicily, their role in the airborne assaults in Normandy and at Arnhem, and their part in the Battle of the Bulge--are widely recognized, this book goes far beyond. It explores the 82nd's formation in 1917, its transformation into the Army's first airborne division in 1942, its adaptation to new strategic demands during the Cold War, and the fighting it has undertaken in conflicts from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan. This is not just a history of battles and campaigns--it is a story of the soldiers themselves. Through veterans' voices, after-action reports, and unit records, the book captures the lived experience of paratroopers, from the trenches of the Western Front to 21st-century deployments. The result is a richly detailed and authoritative account of the 82nd Airborne Division's combat legacy. AUTHOR: Martin King is a British military historian. He lives in Belgium (near Antwerp) where he spends his time writing, lecturing, and visiting European battlefields. His voluntary work with veterans and tracing the individual histories of veterans has been a labor of love for almost twenty years. He speaks fluent German, Dutch, Italian, and French. Frequently in demand as a public speaker, he has lectured at many British and U.S. military bases throughout the world, and he has acted as an historical consultant on a number of documentaries. His books include Voices of the Bulge, Tigers of Bastogne and Eagles of Bastogne. 30 photographs, 8 maps

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9781636246253

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Reviews

""Compelling! King mixes archival evidence with biography and history to take you into this riveting history of a great division.""--Mr. Randy Garcia, President of The Investment Counsel Company, Las Vegas ""Few things bring history to life like the words of those who lived through it. One hundred years, and more, since the events of their introduction to the First World War, the painstaking work of Martin King now offers us a glimpse into the experiences of a historic division.""--Dan Snow, BBC TV presenter and historian, History Hit TV ""George S. Patton's part in the Great War occurred at the same time as the 82nd Division forged their reputation in those trenches. This needs to be understood and highlighted by historians. Tin hats off to my friend Martin King for writing this important legacy of a magnificent division. A wonderful account presented in Martin's very readable and highly enjoyable style.""--Helen Patton, granddaughter of General George Patton ""I've studied history for many years and I'm an author of two books myself. Martin covers the personal aspect. I feel this is a much needed reminder that wars are not fought by tanks, trucks, and artillery; they are fought by people. This book will become the bible of the 82nd Airborne. Great job, brother.""--Robert R. Allen, MSGT USAF Retired ""Martin is a keen studier of war and an incredible storyteller, especially those stories that have had profound impacts on the lives of others, and the conflicting, often devastating results. These are stories about the 82nd are worth telling and Martin King does exactly that in this newest historical work. Thank you for keeping history alive, my friend. Nobody does it like you.""--Robert G. Novotny, Brig Gen (Ret.), USAF ""Martin's ability to relate the story of the 82nd Airborne is unprecedented and covers key historical battles over a hundred years of combat ... Martin weaves the stories in such a way that it allows you to feel what they felt, whether it was the sorrow over the loss of a comrade, or the happiness and completion of reconciling a terrible situation. Wars may be fought by individuals and units, but ultimately most everyone participating comes from a family that worried and grieved, or celebrated their accomplishments. This book will help you understand the emotions and critical roles that the 82nd played in shaping the history of the world. An absolute must read.""--Arthur ""Art"" Gordon, MAJ. US. ARMY, 1988-2015, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Martin King is a prolific writer of military history with an unrivaled breadth of knowledge and passion for his subject matter. His latest literary effort tackles the stories of the 82nd Airborne from their inception to the present day. I had the privilege of commissioning my daughter into the United States Air Force and now, as a retired Air Force officer, I have the good fortune of teaching at the same overseas location where my daughter is stationed. I'm honored that a historian of Martin's caliber gave me a peak at his latest book.""--Lt Col Douglas L. Haven, USAF (Retired)

Author Information

Martin King is a British military historian. He lives in Belgium (near Antwerp) where he spends his time writing, lecturing, and visiting European battlefields. His voluntary work with veterans and tracing the individual histories of veterans has been a labor of love for almost twenty years. He speaks fluent German, Dutch, Italian, and French. Frequently in demand as a public speaker, he has lectured at many British and U.S. military bases throughout the world, and he has acted as an historical consultant on a number of documentaries. His books include Voices of the Bulge, Tigers of Bastogne and Eagles of Bastogne.

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