Discover legendary commanders, tremendous fights, elite soldiers, and courageous individuals whose deeds truly made the difference in this jaw-dropping guide to the biggest war the world has ever seen. From massive aerial battles that clouded the skies with planes to deathly secret operations deep behind enemy lines, the events of World War II are some of the most awe-inspiring of all time. Packed with trivia, epic battles, and amazing illustrations, World War II comes alive for kids like no textbook can in this account from Ben Thompson that's perfect for history buffs and reluctant readers.

This is a story of a forgotten battle. Other than in the haunted memories of those who fought there, and the families of those who died there, this battle is a footnote in the history books: a backwater off a side road at the end of a cul-de-sac on the battlefield tour trail. Guts Glory and Blunder reaches into the valley beneath the vaunted Hindenburg Line to draw out the men who fought and died seizing the French village of Noreuil in 1917. It finds hardened Anzacs and raw reinforcements fighting and dying shoulder-to-shoulder, step by bloody step, on the path to victory. Beginning on Gallipoli’s fatal shore, Guts Glory and Blunder follows the Anzacs to the Somme trenches and the race to the Hindenburg Line. This is a story of the 50th Battalion’s uncommon valour in its fiercest battle. How ordinary men performed superhuman feats despite a flawed plan, ‘friendly’ fire, enemy atrocities – a POW massacre and human shield tactics – and a combat mutiny. How a larrikin private was awarded a Victoria Cross for one of the most audacious stunts in the history of the medal. Guts Glory and Blunder is a story of how the diggers prevailed against all odds.

Focusing on more than 20 sports events of all kinds, Krantz captures the drama of the all-time greatest grudge matches, each with spectacular photos and sidebars. Includes a one-hour DVD with highlights. 150 photos, many in color.

The climax of this book is an account of the Battle of Long Tan, which is told here by the most senior ranking Australian soldier to survive the battle.

An excellent contribution to the growing studies on American films and to the war film genre in particular. The author defines war movies as those in which combat or its influence are central, although "military movies" in which military men are portrayed in training or preserving peace are also considered. Within these definitions, Suid selects several dozen films from The Big Parade (1925) to Apocalypse Now and uses them to develop his main themes: the image of the military presented to mass audiences and the related question of the military's assistance to film makers. The relationship between Washington and Hollywood that emerges will be a disappointment for anyone seeking confirmation of conspiracy. The Pentagon is always looking for positive portrayals of the services, and the military's chief concern has been for accuracy in detail and procedure with increasing sensitivity to any costs to taxpayers. The author concludes that as long as movies can portray individual bravery, perseverance, or the excitement of challenging death in personal combat, "they will maintain their special place in American homes and theaters."

International auto racing is by far one of today's most exciting spectator sports. The element of chance, of upset victories despite odds-on favorites, and of countless other factors that contribute to the excitement and uncertainty are swelling attendance gates at these races annually. Here, for young car-racing buffs, is the story of this intriguing sport form its earliest beginnings to the present. Included are dramatic stories of some of the most unforgettable races: Grand Prix, Le Mans, Targa Floria, Taunus and others, and of the fearless drivers who participated. Described are the cars used, and new designs that came into being: Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Opel and Ford, to name some. Of special interest to young readers will be the chapter on drivers' schools: what they learn; how they live; signals and rules; tests; stunts and racing terms; how much they earn. They will also learn how cars used in these races have contributed to the safety and efficiency of current models.

This study of the symbiotic relationship between the film industry and the US armed services explores how Hollywood has reflected and effected changes in America's image of its military professions.

The author makes an argument for clemency in judging Hollywood's interpretations of history and thoroughly investigates its serious limitations and opportunities to construe history.

Because of the enormity of World War II and the numerous geographic areas and belligerents involved, this study has been divided into two volumes. The first examines the war between Japan and the Allied powers. It covers the conflict in Asia beginning with the Japanese seizure of Manchuria in September 1931 to Japanese's surrender in September 1945 and the immediate post-war years in Asia and the Pacific. The second volume addresses the war against Germany and Italy.

""A dictionary of soldier talk" is an uncensored compendium of one of the more colorful American idioms -- that spoken by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces ...from the Revolution to the Vietnam War ... Acronyms, oaths, abbreviations, technical terms and slang expressions are all defined and an appendix of terms unique to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps is included ..." -- Inside front cover.