Russell F. Weigley

Any reader, writer, or researcher will prize this one-of-a-kind guide to the U.S. Army ground force organization that won World War II. This encyclopedia contains a wealth of information that esteemed military historian Russell F. Weigley calls "indispensable," but it is more than just a list of thousands of units. It contains summarized tables of organization and equipment and charts detailing the mobilization and expansion of the major units. It lists the important dates and locations of each unit, including ports of embarkation and debarkation, campaigns participated in, and more. And it contains valuable narrative histories of the divisions and regiments, enabling the reader at a glance to trace the movements, stations, and actions of these units--and making this an essential reference.

Towards An American Army: Military Thought From Washington To Marshall by Russell F. Weigley is a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of military thinking in the United States from the time of George Washington to the era of General George C. Marshall. The book provides a detailed analysis of the development of American military strategy and tactics, as well as the social, political, and cultural factors that shaped them.Weigley begins with an examination of the military philosophy of George Washington, the first commander-in-chief of the American army. He then traces the evolution of military thought through the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the two World Wars, highlighting the key figures and events that shaped American military strategy during these periods.The book also explores the impact of technological advancements on military thinking, from the introduction of rifled muskets in the Civil War to the development of tanks and aircraft in the 20th century. Weigley also examines the influence of political and social factors on military strategy, including the impact of public opinion, the role of civilian leaders in military decision-making, and the changing nature of warfare in the modern era.Towards An American Army is a comprehensive and insightful study of the evolution of American military thought, offering a detailed analysis of the key figures, events, and ideas that shaped the development of American military strategy over the course of more than two centuries. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of American military thought and the evolution of modern warfare.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

"One of the most interesting, important, and ambitious books about the conduct, and perhaps the ultimate futility, of war." —Gunther E. Rothenberg "[A] highly scholarly and wonderfully absorbing study." —John Bayley, The London Review of Books "What Russell F. Weigley writes, the rest of us read. The Age of Battles is a persuasive reminder that even in the age of 'rational' warfare, one can honestly wonder why war seemed an unavoidable policy choice." —Allan R. Millett, The Journal of American History

"The crowning achievement of one of America's most distinguished military historians." —Lincoln Prize jury "Readers will find much to debate in this book—including . . . its affirmation that, because of emancipation, 'the Civil War calls for a rethinking of the attitude . . . that war is always futile, that its rewards never match its cost, that any conflict [must be] immediately decisive and virtually without loss of American lives.'" —Gary W. Gallagher

Some warriors are drawn to the thrill of combat and find it the defining moment of their lives. Others fall victim to fear, exhaustion, impaired reasoning and despair. This book synthesizes the wartime experiences of American soldiers, from the doughboys of World War I to the grunts of Vietnam. Focusing on both soldiers and marines, it draws on histories and memoirs, oral histories, psychological and sociological studies and even fiction to show that their experiences remain fundamentally the same regardless of the enemy, terrain, training or weaponry. The author looks at what motivated these men to serve and how they were turned into soldiers. He recreates the physical and emotional aspects of war to tell how fighting men dealt with danger and hardship, and he explores the roles of comradeship and leadership. He also investigates why some men broke down under fire while others excelled. By capturing the core ""band of brothers"" experience across several generations of warfare, Kindsvatter celebrates the American soldier while helping us to better understand war's lethal reality, and why soldiers persevere in the face of its horrors.

Focuses on the strategies and tactics of individual military leaders

" . . . a strong and stimulating book. It has no rival in either scope or quality. For libraries, history buffs, and armchair warriors, it is a must. For political science students, career diplomats, and officers in the armed services, its reading should be required." —History "A particularly timely account." —Kansas City Times "It reads easily but is not a popularized history . . . nor does the book become a history of battles. . . . Weigley's analyses and interpretations are searching, competent, and useful." —Perspective