Whatever one’s reason, whether out of patriotism or out of a need for income and livelihood, those who have chosen to take up arms in service of their country are deserving of respect. The potential and too often real sacrifices of soldiers have at times been forgotten, buried or even used by one political cause or another. In honor of Veterans Day, Xlibris has decided to celebrate the books that themselves honor the courage and sacrifices of brave soldiers, past, present, and future.
The Red Badge of Courage
In the October of 1895, Stephen Crane published one of the seminal works of American literature, The Red Badge of Courage. Taking place during the American Civil War, the novel follows Henry Fleming, a Union Army private who flees from the battlefield. Overcome with shame, Henry becomes desperate to receive a wound, a “red badge of courage,” to atone for his cowardice. When Henry’s regiment returns to battle, Henry joins them as their standard-bearer, a notoriously dangerous and easily targeted role.
The story follows Henry Fleming’s journey as he goes from having a romanticized view of war, to facing the harsh realities of war and all it entails. When initially faced with this harsh reality Henry runs from it, only to grow in character to the point when he willingly marches alongside his fellow soldiers to certain doom.
The Killer Angels
This novel historical novel by Michael Shaara earned the 1975 Pulitzer Prize with its detailed yet incredibly evocative recounting of the Battle of Gettysburg. Gettysburg has long been regarded by historians as the tipping point of the American Civil War, one of many battles throughout history that greatly shaped the world as we know it today. And few writers have so accurately and powerfully brought that battle to life as Michael Shaara. The author does so by telling the story through personalities that were there and were involved. Key characters in the narrative and thus the events of the Battle come from both sides, such as Colonel J.L. Chamberlain and Brig. General John Buford of the Union Army, and generals Robert E. Lee and James Longstreet of the Confederate Army.
By focusing on the Battle of Gettysburg through the actors and persons directly involved, Michael Shaara brings a humanity to the events of Gettysburg, both the victories and the defeats. The Killer Angels has also been adapted into the acclaimed 1993 film Gettysburg, starring Michael Sheen, Jeff Daniels, Tom Berenger, and other great actors.
We Were Soldiers Once… and Young
Another book that has been adapted into film, We Were Soldiers Once… and Young was written by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (Ret.) and war journalist Joseph L. Galloway. The book is about the Vietnam War as seen and experienced by the writers. In particular, the book talks about the role of the First and Second Battalions of the 7th Cavalary Regiment in the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley
The novel recounts the first large-scale engagement between US and Vietnamese forces in such a way as to encapsulate the nature of the conflict and how it will continue to be fought throughout the war. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of both sides, while doing so in a manner that does not forget the courage or sacrifices of soldiers from either side.
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