BATTLESPACE BOOK CLUB
06 Nov 07. “Airborne Forces at War,” a large-format book, takes the reader on an illustrated tour of the U.S. Army’s hard-hitting airborne forces, from the original Parachute Test Platoon of 1940 to the multiple global commitment of the 21st century. Coauthors Robert Wright, Jr. and John Greenwood, experienced military historians, highlight key leaders and crucial battles spanning more than six decades to help tell this exciting story. Through skillful integration of photographs and text, they show how lessons learned in combat led to improved doctrine and the development of equipment that enhanced the mobility and striking power of these versatile units. Featuring more than 150 photographs, some rare or seldom seen and many in color, the work highlights the extraordinary history of the airborne units as they added new dimensions to national power and military operations, arriving from the sky by parachute and aircraft and compressing time by their swift deployment and flight to objectives thousands of miles distant. Airborne operations of World War II in the Mediterranean, Europe, and the Pacific begin an inspiring story that leads through Korea, Vietnam, and into the twenty-first century. The operations take a prominent place in the story, along with the paratroopers who received the nation’s highest award for heroism, the Medal of Honor. The esprit de corps of the airborne volunteers and their sacrifices in peace and war are consistent themes throughout the book. Whether operating as small groups of paratroopers scattered about the countryside or as powerful parachute infantry regiments, brigades, or divisions, the airborne spirit is always evident. Coauthors Robert Wright, Jr. and John Greenwood highlight key leaders and crucial battles spanning more than six decades to help tell this exciting story. Through skillful integration of photographs and text, they show how lessons learned in combat led to improved doctrine and the development of equipment that enhanced the mobility and striking power of these versatile units. This book from the Naval Institute Press is published in cooperation with the Association of the United States Army. The book may be ordered online at www.ausa.org or by calling the press at 800-233-8764, AUSA members receive a 30 percent discount on the $39.95 list price.