The Enemy by Wirt Williams

The year is 1943 and Lieutenant (j.g.) Peter Taylor serves as the Communications officer aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. Dee whose mission is to hunt for and destroy German subs in the Atlantic. The novel is told from his first-person perspective and chock full of shipboard life over a two-month mission.  As they hunt the elusive enemy subs, readers learn a lot about the way the ship operates, about the key members of the crew and above all what it means to wait. Indeed, a major theme of the novel is what it’s like to wait interminably for military action and the toll it takes on a person. Fortunately, the author is adept at demonstrating the effects of this without subjecting readers to it. He avoids lengthy info dumps of technobabble in favor of having the characters interact in interesting ways. That and the first person perspective serves to make an interesting story about the long boring periods of Navy ship life.

This is the author’s first novel and given the amount of accurate details, it’s not surprising to discover that he served on a similar ship with a similar mission himself, specifically as an Ensign aboard the USS Decatur, hunting German subs in the North Atlantic. Write what you know. The novel was first published in 1951, so the experience was fairly fresh for him. Some readers will prefer to have more action in the form of actual sub battles but considering that the real drama and apprehension lies in a potential contact with a sub or group of subs and then not knowing what will happen next. Is the "Enemy" really just the German subs or is it also perhaps the men themselves, fighting against the survival instinct, fear, or the nature of the hunt?

I was pleasantly surprised by this one and I certainly learned a lot. I experienced the impact of that “I was there” feeling I always hope for in a book like this. I’m glad I took a chance on it.

Gone for Soldiers by Jeff Shaara

Ever since I read "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara many years ago, I’ve been enthralled with the work of his son as well. I’m not one of those people who constantly says the son just ain’t as good as his dad. I believe he does indeed have the right stuff, and his numerous awards for writing would seem to bear that out.

I’ve read many of Jeff’s books and enjoyed them all but somehow I missed this one along the way, only his third published book. Now that I think about it, I suppose that is analogous to the subject of the book itself. The Mexican-American War, taking place 13 years prior to the Civil War, is often an overlooked war, remembered most often as a sort of training ground for many of the future military leaders of the Civil War.

I certainly learned a lot from reading this book. I knew some of the basics but to witness first hand the major events of the war through the eyes of key participants was both fun and educational. Turns out it was much more than just a training ground, with all the complex political and military conundrums that plague most wars. The actual results and the what-might-have-been’s are indeed profound, with major impacts on both countries.

Most of the novel is told from the perspectives of two individuals: 1) Winfield Scott, the overall commanding general who probably never received as much credit as he deserves, and 2) the 40-year-old Captain Robert E. Lee, the engineer who would win numerous accolades for his brilliant and workmanlike performance. Others also get a chapter perspective, especially during the culminating battle for Mexico City, including US Grant, Lt Jackson (eventually to be dubbed “Stonewall” Jackson), Lt Longstreet, Lt Pickett, as well as General Worth. In addition, many others whose names would become famous in the Civil War are present as well. Interestingly, there are also several chapters from the perspective of Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, a man who was truly an incredible larger-than-life historical character.

I love reading these sorts of historical novels where I can enjoy the story as well as learn from a trusted source. Looking froward to my next Jeff Shaara book. 

70,000 to 1 by Quentin Reynolds

On May 21, 1943, Gordon Manuel was serving  as bombardier aboard a B-17E and was shot down by a Japanese night fighter. He bailed out over the island of New Briton, the only survivor. His leg was broken, and he had few supplies. He did have a .45 but only five bullets. He would be stranded there for almost nine months, evading the hordes of Japanese forces on the island. This book is a fictionalized account of his true story, told from his first-person perspective.

The author, Quentin Reynolds, was an American journalist and World War II war correspondent. The book was first published in 1946, using the same sort of language the GI’s used, meaning a bit coarse for that era but pretty mild by today's standards. The first few chapters read much like a Robinson Crusoe story, with Manuel figuring out how to find food, water, and shelter and to care for his broken leg. Eventually he befriends an island native who speaks a sort of pidgin English and ultimately takes him back to his home village where he is well cared for. The natives dislike the Japanese presence on their island so are happy to protect Manuel and even scout out Japanese locations. By the end they are even finding other downed airmen and bringing them back to Manuel so they can organize a rescue.

If you’re going into this one expecting a Rambo-style plot with one man fighting his way through groups of Japanese soldiers with cool tactics and edge-of-your-seat suspense, then you will need to look elsewhere. I remember just two times when Manuel was even close to the enemy and both turned out to be anti-climactic. This despite several mentions that he has been living just 100 yards from an enemy encampment for much of the time. It is, however, an interesting read, partly because it is based on an actual event. Anytime a man can get shot down and survive for nine months on an enemy-controlled island is bound to be of interest. Additionally, Manuel’s first-person perspective of his adventures is told in a plain-language style that endears him to the reader and you can’t help but want him to succeed.

Spearhead by Franklin M. Davis, Jr.

March 3rd, 1945 finds Major Van Lawrence newly assigned to command of a tank-infantry team which would spearhead the drive across the Rhine. His primary problem, other than the well-defended terrain ahead, is that he is replacing a popular commander and the unit sees him as a HQ weenie who’s green to actual combat. Chief among his detractors is his second in command, Captain Bradlow, who is jealous that he wasn’t picked for the job. Added to the mix of key characters is the general in charge and an extremely competent first sergeant who practically sleeps with the rule book. And finally, to complicate Major Lawrence’s immediate future just a little more, there is a beautiful lady reporter tagging along because of course there is.

The first half of the novel is devoted to Major Lawrence getting his feet wet in his new position and gaining the trust of his men. He must do this quickly because orders to attack the town across the river and its two German divisions would be in effect in just 24 hours. The attack itself takes up most of the second half of the book and includes some riveting accounts. An interesting ethical dilemma crops up in the form of an historic church which Eisenhower himself has placed on the protected list. Captain Bradlow, however is convinced its spires present a major threat in the form of sniper locations. To attack it or not to attack it becomes a key choice. 

When Franklin M. Davis, Jr. wrote this novel, he was a Lt Colonel in the US Army, having served in Europe in WWII. He was with the 3rd Armored Division in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns and would ultimately attain the rank of Major General. His firsthand knowledge of armor tactics and small unit combat leadership is evident in the story. Of course, such experience doesn’t necessarily translate to good story-telling but in this case, Davis does a fine job. The novel is a quick easy read but thoroughly enjoyable. He wrote several other works of fiction as well as some history books; I would certainly read him again if given the chance.

H.M.S. Ulysses by Alistair MacLean

From the year 1941 until the end of World War II, Alistair Maclean served in the Royal Navy with the ranks of Ordinary Seaman, Able Seaman, and Leading Torpedo Operator. This experience served him well when he launched his writing career with his debut novel, “H.M.S. Ulysses” in 1955, considered by many to be his best. Of course, he went on to great acclaim and a distinguished bestseller career despite the fact that he claimed never to have enjoyed writing but did it merely as a source of income.

This novel features the HMS Ulysses, a light cruiser that is among the best armed and fastest ships in the British Navy. The story begins in the aftermath of a mutiny born of an overworked and exhausted crew. Senior Navy officers have decided to let her prove herself by sending her out on yet another mission: to escort a critical convoy of 32 ships through the treacherous Arctic Sea to Russian allies in Murmansk. Along the way, they face extreme challenges in the form of unusually harsh Arctic storms, German ships, packs of U-boats, as well as repeated air attacks. 

A number of interesting characters populate HMS Ulysses, not the least of which is her Captain, a man suffering the advanced stages of TB but who nevertheless symbolizes the good luck of the ship’s past missions and any hope to survive this one. Few crew members are motivated by concepts such as honor, courage, etc. but rather it is their resilience that pushes them to hero status. There is a fair amount of technical jargon, but MacLean’s prose is filled with vivid descriptions of the harsh environment, the raw feeling of utter loneliness, and the crew’s growing exhaustion and desperation. This is a marvelous depiction of wartime naval operations, and a stunning portrayal of how men can push past the bounds of endurance.

Paperbacks at War by Justin Marriott

Once again, the Justin Marriott team has produced an in-depth look at a specific sub-genre of men’s adventure fiction, this time with an edition devoted entirely to wartime book reviews. There is a wide-range of reviews here including classic war novels, poignant we-were-there books, testosterone-fueled paperbacks, pulp yarns, and even comics. This is another must-have companion volume for those readers who dig this stuff. 

There are over 170 reviews here by knowledgeable readers. Some are authors themselves but every single one is a fan. The vast majority of this volume is devoted to the reviews, however there are a couple of extra gems including an essay by Justin Marriott focusing on the “cynical and brutal school of paperbacks in the 1970s and 80s typified by Sven Hassel and Leo Kessler” as well as a nice B&W cover gallery. The reviews are not just about the stories themselves but often include interesting information about the authors, publishers and, in the case of comics, the pencilers, colorists, etc.

Fans will want to snatch this up but I think one of the major benefits of these kind of publications are the way they can entice those readers who are unfamiliar with the sub-genre or perhaps have been flirting with diving in but are not sure where to start. There are plenty of opinions offered within these pages by knowledgeable reviewers, and of course opinions may differ. But just to read through them provides a nice education in the subject matter.

Full disclosure: I have a few reviews included in this volume but a tiny percentage of the overall content.

Highly Recommended.

Ambush! by Steve Mackenzie

Kevin D. Randle has more than 80 books to his credit, mostly in the field of UFOs where today, he is considered a prominent expert. But in the 1980’s he wrote a series of 14 novels about US Navy SEALS in Vietnam under the pseudonym, Steve MacKenzie. In Vietnam, Randle piloted UH-1 helicopters based at Cu Chi, and Tay Ninh. His knowledge and experience in Vietnam and later in Iraq is evident in this series.

This first novel in the series opens with US Navy Lieutenant Mark Tynan having trained up a new group of SEALs in preparation for action during the Vietnam conflict. But he knows there is no substitute for real combat in a wartime situation so he prepares a sort of “final exam”, infiltrating enemy lines and ambushing a small group of VC. While their mission is a success, they uncover what appears to be a large surprise operation in Hobo Woods to take out Fire-Support Base Crockett. Tynan’s attempts to warn his superiors fall on deaf ears; seems the intel folks don’t like to pass on unsubstantiated rumors. So Tynan takes his squad of rookies along with a couple of experienced SEALS and attempt to scuttle the surprise VC action before it can get started.

I really enjoyed this novel, far more than I expected to. LT Tynan demonstrates excellent leadership skills time and again and his SEALS are extremely competent warriors, although they aren’t perfect. In typical SEAL fashion, they implement creative solutions rather than brute force firepower. But when it’s called for, the military action is intense. Not all of the characters make it through the culminating battle but I’m looking forward to book two to see what’s next for the survivors.

The Bridge by Manfred Gregor

Near the end of WWII, a desperate Nazi party attempted to shore up the German army by forming the ‘Volkssturm’, a national militia of those not already serving in the military. Many 16-year-old boys, who were members of the Hitler Youth, were strategically placed at key locations to prevent the Allied advance. Seven such boys are the focus of this novel, all childhood friends, rounded up in a small village and ordered to defend a bridge at all costs from the oncoming Americans who are only twenty miles away. 

I haven’t read many WWII novels from the German point of view but this one makes it clear that people are people, no matter their nationality. While these boys want to follow orders, their fears are as real as anybody else’s. With the advantage of history we know these young men are likely doomed and indeed, the novel unfolds in much the same way as the Battle of the Alamo. The author includes flashbacks for each of the boys so we get to know them pretty well. They become individuals with personalities, flaws, and dreams. That makes it all the harder when they eventually fall one by one.  The battle action is intense and the boys put up a good fight, establishing machine gun nests, surprise traps, and even using bazookas to take out a couple of American tanks. When they are reinforced by another group of Volkssturm, this time a group of ten men all over 60 years old, those men take one look at the situation and promptly desert, knowing the war is in reality already over.

The author is Gregor Dorfmeister, writing under the pen name of Manfred Gregor. This novel, published by Avon in 1958, is largely autobiographical as the author was himself a 16-year-old member of the Volkssturm, assigned to defend a bridge against American tanks. He survived to tell the tale but the experience of seeing Americans as well as his own buddies killed in combat turned him into an anti-war pacifist. This is reflected in the novel which highlights the futility of the bridge defense effort. If you’re looking for a realistic portrayal of a last stand scenario in WW2, this is a good one.

Silver Wings and Leather Jackets by C.T. Westcott

Eagleheart is a trilogy of books, written by C.T. Westcott but framed as the autobiography of Colonel Will Bicko, the only person to win three Congressional Medals of Honor and the most highly decorated fighting man in the history of the United States Federal Air Command (USFAC). This first book in the trilogy was published in 1989 and depicts “future” events after a Limited Nuclear Exchange that takes place in 2006. The US has combined all its armed forces into the single USFAC, the better to face foreign enemies, roving post nuclear war bandit gangs, and the new race of gross radioactive mutants that have evolved.

That description sounds like some kind of action movie-of-the-week starring Tom Cruise or Michael Fassbender but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Will Bicko is an anti-hero of the first order. A rogue, a scoundrel and very often a self-centered prick. He’s also hilariously witty, mostly with dark abrasive humor and even has a certain nobleness about him. His outlook on the post-nuclear war environment rings true and serves well to pull the reader onto his side. In many ways, this is a brilliant parody of the men’s action adventure genre.

This novel covers Will’s life from seventeen years of age up through his early twenties. When his ace pilot father dies in the line of duty Will is left with his inheritance: a secret (and stolen) harrier jet. However, the will stipulates that he won’t get it until after he has graduated from the USFAC Academy at Quantico. Such a disciplined environment doesn’t play to Will’s strengths so it is not surprising that his mouth gets him in serious trouble with upperclassmen and he soon gets tossed out. He chooses to seek out an old friend of his father, learns to fly, and takes his snotty attitude with him in a nice revenge mission against a major bandit gang and his father’s traitorous wingman.

Readers will find themselves reading this novel closely, absorbing the author’s adept use of clever prose and dialog. Even scenes of brutal carnage or graphic torture are lessened through Will’s humorous response. Supporting characters are also fun and unpredictable. The novel culminates in an exciting climax and will absolutely entice readers into the rest of the trilogy.

Hard Target (The Zone series) by James Rouch

The Cold War has turned hot. World War III is upon us. But this time around, the art of war includes harsh tools like chemical and biological weapons and tactical nukes. Rather than let such things loose worldwide, NATO and the Warsaw Pact agree to limit the fighting to a large swath of West Germany called ‘The Zone’. 

First published in 1980, almost ten years before the fall of the Berlin Wall, “Hard Target” is the first of ten books in “The Zone” series by British author James Rouch. The novel opens by dropping readers right in the middle of the action with a Soviet T-84 tank bearing down on a small group of what will become the main characters. Such small, tactical scenes are the norm throughout the novel, never widening up the scope of the action to really understand the greater strategies at work. Nor are we treated to much in the way of how or why the war began. Team leader, American Major Revell, together with British Sergeant Hyde, must somehow create a cohesive unit out of a bunch of misfit ‘Dirty Dozen’ style mavericks, each with their own unique and often bizarre and even unlikable personalities.

The plot involves one of many post-apocalyptic refugee enclaves located in The Zone where the Soviets have placed, against the rules of war, an elite tank salvage unit charged with refitting enough Soviet armor to enable a successful counter-attack in the coming months. Revell and his team must destroy it in order for NATO to be able to keep the Reds at bay. The story moves along nicely, and the final covert op sequence is a fun ride. While that mission does wrap up in this first book, most readers will want to turn to book two to find out what happens next to this motley crew.