The thrilling true story of one of the most unlikely and astonishing military victories in history.June 5; 1967. Israel is surrounded by enemies who want nothing less than her utter extinction. The Soviet-equipped Egyptian Army has massed a thousand tanks on the nation’s southern border. Syrian heavy guns are shelling her from the north. To the east; Jordan and Iraq are moving mechanized brigades and fighter squadrons into position to attack.June 10; 1967. The Arab armies have been routed; their air forces totally destroyed. Israel’s citizen-soldiers have seized the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt; the Golan Heights from Syria; East Jerusalem and the West Bank from Jordan. Moshe Dayan has entered the Lion’s Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem to stand with the paratroopers who have liberated Judaism’s holiest site—the Western Wall.Drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews with veterans of the war—fighter and helicopter pilots; tank commanders and Recon soldiers; paratroopers; as well as women soldiers; wives; and others—bestselling author Steven Pressfield tells the story of the Six Day War as you’ve never experienced it before.
#1150064 in Books Westholme Publishing 2010-09-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.40 x 6.00l; 1.67 #File Name: 1594161275536 pagesWestholme Publishing
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. "War is cruelty and you cannot refine it"By Daniel HurleyThis a unique book on the campaign to take Atlanta as it is a more personal history of the participants; the civilians of Atlanta and the City itself that once burned rises from the ashes after the war 'like a Phoenix". The author provides a strategic analysis of the campaign as opposed to overly detailed tactics with an excellent overview of the battles but not down to regimental action. As noted the strength of the book are the descriptions of the participant utilizing excellent first hand quotations such as one describing General McPherson's role with; "Indeed; some army wags contended that if a bullet went through McPherson's head; it would knock out Sherman's brains". In addition; the familiar summation of the problems with Confederate Joe Johnson repeating the often told story about Johnston as being one of the best shots in the army. However after hunting with less talented friends; Johnston returns empty handed in contrast to his hunting partners because Johnston said he never had the perfect shot; so he never took one. Colorful descriptions of those engaged particularly the fated and strategically limited Hood referred to as "Old Wooden Head" or the frequently wounded General William. H. T. Walker as "Old Shot Pouch". Where Hood; once a glorious division commander; may have lacked a realistic strategic grasp of the situation; Sherman was highly competent but less able or concerned with tactics. As the author notes; Sherman was comfortable against Johnston knowing what a rational man would do; but not so with Hood. However; he knew Hood would attack providing opportunity to incur casualties. Interesting that the author describes; with supportive documentation; that Sherman's prejudice in favor of his own army; now under McPherson; allowed him to leave that army virtually alone during Hardees misaligned but ferocious attack east of Atlanta called "The Battle of Atlanta" only allowing aid late in the form of artillery. What is intriguing about the confederate movement is the commanders' failure to know the terrain outside of Atlanta. Fascinating that although the Confederate army spent months falling back to Atlanta; they never prepared; other than digging entrenchments; for the potential Atlanta siege. There apparently was no Jed Hotchkiss (Stonewall's mapmaker) to assist in their movements. After politically undermining Joe Johnston who is relieved; Hood is now pressured to take the offensive that results in four major battles where the aggressor is severely punished. Another example of Sherman's confidence; or less than tactical concern; is his reluctant allowance for Howard to refuse his left at Ezra Church while he seems to have nary a concern for the enemy. The effect is a virtual reversal of Chancellorsville. After the bulk of the numerous attacks under Hood; the author quotes an exchange between a union and confederate where the union man asks the Confederate if they have any more men left to shoot and the Confederate replies 'that they all aren't used up yet" projecting that in time they will. The author also has an excellent description of life in the besieged City and the startling references to Sherman's intentionally ordering of non-military targets in the City of Atlanta to be purposely shelled. It still is hard to grasp his forced civilian evacuation and the reckless burning of many non-military structures. The author also provides brief descriptions of Sherman's march to the sea and Hood's great gamble to invade Tennessee. Also provided is a section on the rebirth of Atlanta and on the state of the battlefields today that are left unpreserved; unrecognizable as if an attempt was made to be forgotten. Whether Johnston should have been removed or not was probably best answered by the remaining army when President Davis with Hood by his side addresses the troops who answer by calling for "Old Joe". The ineptness of Davis' political campaign was best exemplified by aid and former Governor of Texas Lubbock who thinking he is addressing a Texas brigade inadvertently addresses an Irish brigade that shouts back "An who in bloody hell is Gov'nor Lubbock!" and with that the embarrassed Lubbock rides shamefaced away; bypassing his Texas constituents unknowingly.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. THE narrative and reference on the Atl campaignBy Richard L HallRussell Bonds has written a refreshingly readable; yet thoroughly researched and complete account of the Atlanta campaign. He offers the careful analysis of an academic; personal portraits of the primary players; starting with an invaluable look at General Sherman; vivid vignettes of significant moments in the maneuvers; such as the Confederates' overnight march down Peachtree Street to arrive late and fatigued for the Battle of Bald Hill; excerpts from soldiers' letters telling their accounts of the battles; and important reminders of how pivotal the campaign was to the overall outcome of the war. Excellent; original maps help the reader at each step of the way. In preparing to teach the subject; I have read every book I can find on the Atlanta campaign and Sherman's march through Georgia. This is the book I recommend to my students and to anyone who wants to understand the war in Georgia and beyond in 1864.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. The Beginning of the End: The Conquest of AtlantaBy Ronald L. PaulAs the battle of Gettysburg is celebrated as the turning point in the American Civil War; so; was the battle of Atlanta the beginning of the end.This well written; and researched volume does not cover the entirety of Sherman's Atlanta campaign; but focuses on detailing the military engagements directly related to the capture of the city itself.General Joseph Johnston has been relieved by the Confederacy President; Jefferson Davis; because of his perceived lack of aggressiveness in dealing with the Federal Army; and is replaced by the very aggressive General John Bell Hood whose aggressiveness ultimately becomes self destructive.Sherman brings a new kind of war to the South; in which the realities of war are brought to the civilian populations; resulting in; literally; the total destruction and de-population of the city of Atlanta. The author theorizes that this was a kind of creative destruction from which emerged the South's first modern post war city.The victory at Atlanta; of which; Lincoln was informed by the terse message from Sherman; "Atlanta is ours and fairly won"; had two dramatic effects; one military and the other political. This victory opened the way for Sherman's famous march to the sea living off the land; destroying enemy resources as he went and further splitting the Confederacy. It sent Hood scurrying westward followed by Union General George Thomas who utterly destroyed the former's army two months later. The political ramifications of the victory were arguably even more profound. The victory abruptly reversed the despondency in the North and profoundly altered the political momentum assuring that Union would pursue the war to a successful conclusion.This volume is highly recommended for those whose interest in the Civil War is more then cursory.
