War

Plan B: A Service-framed Examination of Economic Warfare

Background

Published in 2025, Plan B: A Service-framed Examination of Economic Warfare was released by the Marine Corps University Press as the first entry in its Marine Corps Futures series. The work originates from discussions within the Commandant’s Office of Net Assessment and considers how the U.S. might employ economic warfare, particularly against the People’s Republic of China. It analyzes the historical role of economic coercion, outlines how a blockade of energy supplies could shape a modern Sino-American conflict, and assesses how the Marine Corps could contribute to such a strategy. The book discusses both the potential advantages and the challenges of implementing blockade operations and concludes with recommendations for preparing Marine Corps forces for missions tied to economic warfare.

Plan B
Plan B

My Thoughts

It really is amazing at this time when thousands of man made satellites are in orbit, when supersonic war heads can drop straight out of the heavens and destroy us all without enough time to blink, that a simple naval blockage can bring a country to its knees. It seems very little has changed.

This was interesting reading although it wasn’t what I’d call a page turner. The concept is simple enough to grasp, but I just kept coming back to the thought of how fragile and interconnected we are as a global society. Much like the trucks that keep our grocery stores stocked, huge tankers keep whole countries supplied with energy and just about everything else.

Recommendation

I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a direct interest.

Wingless Victory

Background

Published in 1950, “Wingless Victory” by Anthony Richardson recounts the true story of Royal Air Force officer Sir Basil Embry after his aircraft was shot down over occupied France in 1940. The book follows Embry’s repeated attempts to evade capture as he navigates hostile territory, relying on disguises, wit, and determination to stay ahead of German forces. Captured multiple times yet always managing to break free, he eventually made his way back to Britain, where his experiences became a symbol of courage and persistence during wartime. Richardson, who had served with Embry, shaped the account into a narrative that captures both the danger and ingenuity of escape in occupied Europe.

Wingless Victory
Wingless Victory

My Thoughts

This was a gripping tale that optimizes the “stiff upper lip” attitude the British are known for. Sir Embry rightly went on to inspire others as he served in higher positions of leadership and trust. His single focus and consistent faith that he would get home, even amid disappointments and high odds, is truly inspiring.

In particular, I enjoyed how he was constantly making plans and contingencies. He was thrown several curves and he continued to adjust and push on.

Recommendation

A great book and an inspiring tale.

Images of America Spotsylvania County

Background

Published in 2013, Images of America: Spotsylvania County by John F. Cummings III focuses on the county’s Civil War history, particularly its role as the site of several major battles including Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. Through a curated selection of historical photographs, maps, and portraits, Cummings documents the war’s impact on the local landscape and its people, including soldiers, civilians, and landmarks that witnessed the conflict. The book places emphasis on battlefield preservation, historic memory, and the ways in which Spotsylvania has commemorated its past over the decades.

Images of America Spotsylvania County
Images of America Spotsylvania County

My Thoughts

While I was hoping for more of a history of the area, this book primarily centered on the Civil War and it’s influence on the region. I found the stories interesting and the photographs fascinating. However, I was hoping for much more. The title of the book was misleading as it should have included the Civil War rather than generically labeled as it was.

Regardless, I enjoyed it.

Recommendation

If you are a Civil War buff, this book will be of interest.

Resolute: How We Humans Keep finding Ways to Beat the Toughest Odds

Background

Published in 2023, Resolute: How We Humans Keep finding Ways to Beat the Toughest Odds by Benjamin Hall is a memoir that follows the author’s recovery after being severely injured in a 2022 missile strike while covering the war in Ukraine as a Fox News correspondent. Building on his earlier account in Saved, this book expands on the physical and emotional challenges he faced after the attack, including the loss of limbs and the deaths of colleagues. Hall shares how acts of bravery, sacrifice, and support from family, military personnel, and medical teams helped him fight to return home and rebuild his life. The narrative underscores the enduring human capacity to persist through extreme adversity.

Resolute

My Thoughts

I enjoyed the book. I honestly haven’t heard the story so I was able to hear it from the author’s perspective without preconceived notions. Much of what he went through was horrendous, but the take away message was clear. If you have the right attitude, you can get through just about anything.

Hall used terms that really resonate with me, like post traumatic growth and just plain having a positive mindset. I have witnessed so many people become derailed at the first speed bump in their lives and others that seem to sail over just about anything to get to their goal. I’d much rather be one of the latter.

Recommendation

Great book and worth the read.

Richard Bong: American’s #1 Ace Fighter Pilot of World War II

Background

Published in 2022, Richard Bong: American’s #1 Ace Fighter Pilot of World War II by Peter B. Mersky recounts the life and military career of Richard Ira Bong, the most successful American fighter pilot of World War II. The book traces Bong’s early life in Wisconsin, his training as a pilot in the Army Air Forces, and his rise to fame as he flew the P-38 Lightning in the Pacific Theater, ultimately achieving 40 confirmed aerial victories. The narrative details his combat missions, relationships with fellow pilots and commanders, and the public attention he received at home. It also covers his post-combat role as a test pilot and his untimely death in a plane crash shortly before the end of the war. Through official records, personal letters, and military analysis, the book provides a full portrait of Bong’s role in the war and his legacy in American aviation history.

Richard Bong: American's #1 Ace Fighter Pilot of World War II
Richard Bong: American’s #1 Ace Fighter Pilot of World War II

My Thoughts

This was an engaging book on a subject I knew nothing about. Fortunately, there are plenty of others who know the story. As I was reading it, I mentioned that Richard Bong State Recreation Area was named after the top fighter pilot in WWII. My deputy both knew where it was and his dad liked to hunt there.

Dick Bong’s life is inspiring and is something deserving of remembrance. In particular, as I read it so near to Memorial Day.

Recommendation

Great read and pretty engaging for a history book.

Forging Wargamers

Background

​Published in 2022, “Forging Wargamers: A Framework for Professional Military Education,” edited by Sebastian J. Bae, is a compilation of essays addressing the development and enhancement of wargaming education within military contexts.The book examines the lack of standardized pathways for training wargame designers and participants, highlighting the challenges posed by an informal system of knowledge transfer. Contributors discuss integrating wargaming into pre-commissioning education, establishing competency models, and incorporating social science methodologies. The volume emphasizes the need for structured educational frameworks to cultivate proficient wargamers, aiming to ensure the discipline’s effectiveness as both an educational and analytical tool.

Forging Wargamers
Forging Wargamers

My Thoughts

I’ve been working on this book for about 4 months now. It isn’t what I’d call a page turner, but I was glad I finished it.

The book was published by Marine Corps University Press so I’ve met several of the contributors and knew of their work. It was written before the rise of AI and much of how we think of wargaming may be changing in the next few years. Wargaming will continue to be a great tool for education and may take on more emphasis as we struggle to integrate AI tools into learning opportunities.

Recommendation

A good snapshot of the time, but it may already be obsolete.

Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship

Background

Published in 1993, “Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship” is a non-fiction book by Tom Clancy. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the inner workings of both attack and nuclear submarines, with tours of the USS Miami (SSN-755), an improved Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine, and the British submarine HMS Triumph. Clancy provides detailed insights into submarine design, construction, and operations, supplemented by diagrams, photographs, and previously classified information. The book also delves into the history and evolution of submarines, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of these complex vessels.

Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship
Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship

My Thoughts

This book was much more of a reference than a story so it was a little hard to push through it. Clancy does give some scenarios and speculations of how a submersible ship could be used in war and politics, but most of it read more like a text book. It truly is amazing what marvels of engineering these vessels are and how much they can do! It’s important to keep in mind this was written 30 years ago. I can only imagine what the new Columbia class boats are able to achieve.

Clancy reinforced my desire to never step on one of these boats. My hat is off to all the intrepid submariners who have endeavored to keep us safe. I sincerely hope they found joy in their service, but I would politely decline the opportunity if it ever presented itself. Seriously, I thought it was extreme to be shipped off to Mars and yet every habitation scenario I saw was better than life on a submarine.

Recommendation

This is dated information but still interesting.

The Good Allies

Background

Published in September of 2024, “The Good Allies: How Canada and the United States Fought Together to Defeat Fascism during the Second World War” by historian Tim Cook examines the evolving relationship between Canada and the United States during World War II. Initially wary neighbors, the two nations transformed into steadfast allies, collaborating closely to combat the Axis powers. Cook delves into diplomatic communications among leaders such as Churchill, Roosevelt, and King, highlighting how their interactions shaped wartime strategies and the post-war order. The book explores joint military operations, economic partnerships, and the cultural shifts that solidified the North American alliance, offering insights into how Canada navigated its role alongside a burgeoning global superpower.

The Good Allies
The Good Allies

My Thoughts

This was an interesting read as, like others, I wasn’t very aware of Canada’s contribution to World War II. Cook owns that stating, “It is up to Canadians to tell their story” which was a stated part of why this book was written.

In high school, I struggled to remember and meaningfully acknowledge the contributions of people outside my immediate friend group. Reading this book felt a lot like revisiting that dynamic. Canada played a significant role, making notable contributions, but their story often goes untold or forgotten. It’s no wonder Canada’s leadership worried about this exact issue. Caught between being perceived as English colonials or “upper Americans,” Canada has long been treated like the annoying younger sibling no one wants to include. Yet, during the war, they gave their time, talent, and resources—and continued to persevere despite it all. My hat’s off to you Canada!

Recommendation

This was a detailed read and I had to plow through some of it. However, I enjoyed the fresh perspective.

Old Breed General

Background

Published in 2022, “Old Breed General”, written by Amy Rupertus Peacock and Don Brown, explores the life and military career of Major General William H. Rupertus, a key figure in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and the author of the Marine Corps Rifleman’s Creed. The book covers Rupertus’s leadership in crucial battles against Japanese forces, including Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu, where his strategic decisions were instrumental in the Pacific theater. Drawing from Rupertus’s wartime diaries and firsthand accounts, the authors detail his commitment to his troops, his resilience, and the legacy he left for future Marines. This biography also delves into the personal side of Rupertus, providing insights into his character, relationships, and the challenges he faced both on and off the battlefield.

Old Breed General
Old Breed General

My Thoughts

The book was written in a first person narrative form that was very effective in bringing the feel of the people and the peril on both sides of the war. Unlike the standard war movie, the book would endeavor to show the Japanese side of the engagement along with some of their ups and downs. In war, it is very easy to demonize the other side and is even helpful to dehumanize both the people and their culture. This was certainly the case on both sides of the war, but I appreciate the attempt at unbiased perspective given in the book. I learned quite a bit.

Recommendation

A good entry into the pacific theater.

Bradley

Background

Published in 1971, “Bradley” by Charles Whiting is a detailed biography of General Omar Bradley during World War II. Whiting explores Bradley’s rise from a quiet, unassuming West Point teacher to the leader of the Twelfth United States Army Group, the largest force commanded by an American general. The book covers his involvement in significant battles, including the defeat of the Afrika Korps, the invasions of Sicily and Normandy, and his leadership across the Rhine. It also discusses his post-war role as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff​

Bradley
Bradley

My Thoughts

This book was fairly underwhelming, which I imagine was the point of the book. According to the book, General Bradley wasn’t someone who liked to pander to the press. That alone impresses me. He seems like a man with morals, which is also impressive. However, the book also details a few times where Bradley or “Brad” was jockeying for position and worried about his reputation. That was less impressive. In short, I am conflicted on my mental image of him and will have to seek out another source.

Recommendation

I appreciated the read.