Deadly Brotherhood, The: The American Combat Soldier in World War II

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In his book Men Against Fire, [historian S. L. A.] Marshall asserted that only 15 to 25 percent of American soldiers ever fired their weapons in combat in World War II. . . .
Shooting at the enemy made a man part of the “team,” or “brotherhood.” There were, of course, many times when soldiers did not want to shoot, such
as at night when they did not want to give away a position or on reconnaissance patrols. But, in the main, no combat soldier in his right mind would have deliberately sought to go through the entire ear without ever firing his weapon, because he would have been excluded from the brotherhood but also because it would have been detrimental to his own survival. One of [rifle company commander Harold] Leinbaugh’s NCOs summed it up best when discussing Marshall: “Did the SOB think we
clubbed the Germans to death?”

Customer Reviews:

A good book.......2007-04-04

John McManus has compiled several comments from the men (and women) who were in combat, and creates a very interesting insight into the minds of the soldiers on various details. From the food, to being wounded, he is able, through the words of others, to give us the tale of life as a combat soldier.
My only complaint in his style is I want to hear more from the soldiers. Generally a short paragraph is taken and together with other narratives, form the story. He pulls it together very well, and I enjoyed the book. 'Worth reading' at the very least, 'worth owning' as well.

The Deadly Brotherhood.......2007-02-07

A comparison of the American and German Soldier. From equipment to training to action in and after battle. Never-the-less a slow but interesting read.

Compendium Of Experiences........2006-07-06

"The Deadly Brotherhood" by John C. McManus. Subtitled: "The American Combat Soldier In World War II".
Ballantine Books, New York 2003.

The author, Historian John C. McManus, has worked diligently and has done a great deal of research to compile in one place the whole spectrum of experiences endured by the American combat soldier in World War II. He breaks the book into two parts, the first dealing with the environment, ("The World Of The Combat Soldier") and the second half of the book dealing with the human angle, ("The Soul Of The Combat Soldier"). Throughout this compendium, the author has condensed the feelings and experiences of the combat solider into brief anecdotes concerning the particular issue at hand. So, you will see comments from a soldier on how good the food was (see page 16) and then, remarks on how the American wounded were treated (see Chapter 6, "Becoming A Casualty"). John McManus does address the feelings of the American fighting man towards their German and Japanese enemies, and he compiles and condenses their comments in two separate chapters. A lot of work went into this book.

Having said that, I would point out that, in my humble opinion, the author favors the European Theatre of Operations (ETO) and further, favors the United States Army. I do no think that he has done enough to understand the U. S. Marine. For example, on page 160, McManus quietly states that the term ..."'corpsman', as marines called medics" was used in the Pacific. First, "Marines" should always be capitalized. Secondly, McManus appears to miss the tradition of the U. S. Marines. As sea born soldiers, they would strike their target (say, the Barbary Pirates in 1803), and then return to their ships with the Marine wounded and dead. The Marines depended upon U. S. Navy personnel for medical attention...the "corpsman". One of the men raising the flag on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima, February 23 1945, was a Navy corpsman. Finally, I do no think that the author mentions the orders of then Colonel "Chesty" Puller, USMC, concerning the treatment of Jap prisoners. It is in the biography of General Puller, whose face graced an American Postage Stamp in 2005. So, I would give this book four stars.

Fantastic book on the WWII infantry soldier.......2003-11-30

This book focuses on the World War II infantry soldier. McManus does a great job of balancing facts, context, and individual soldiers' memories of the war, including excellent presentations on soldiers' food, equipment, weapons, fighting conditions, attitudes, leadership, and motivation -- not to mention a detailed refutation of a "scholarly" study of how most soldiers avoided combat.
Now, as one reviewer said, if you've read 100 books on World War II, everything you read on the same subject has some repetition to it. But if you've only read 20 or 25 books, like me -- or if this is going to be your first book on World War II -- this book will be well worth reading.
McManus especially manages to convey that American soldiers were effective and proud, while staying away from the "American soldiers do no wrong and defeat every enemy" fallacy, and avoiding portraying combat as something glorious.
The passages on fatalism were well-done, as soldiers realized that the probable outcomes for them consisted of getting killed, wounded, or captured. Wounding was preferable. One soldier writes, "My glove was blown off and a big spurt of blood reddened the white snow.... I could not believe this had happened to me. I was not meant to be shot. Acceptance came slowly as two medics worked on me. My thoughts turned to good thoughts. I was still alive. I should have been killed. I was OK and I was getting out of this frozen hell." And another soldier reports, "Sgt Glisch came walking by me, heading rearward. There was a hole in his helmet and blood running down his face -- a face that was covered with a boyish grin. That million dollar wound! I felt left out, and wished I had a bullet through an arm or a leg."
If you're interested in human nature, US history, psychology, conflict, armed conflict, warfare, and/or World War II, this is a great book!

GOTTA SEE THIS!.......2001-10-11

Despite what other reviewers may have said, I believe this is a much needed addition to any WWII library. Overall 'The Deadly Brotherhood' is a well written book that contains almost everything you need to know about a GI's life during WWII.

The book is divided into sections that discuss a variety of topics from a GI's food and weapons to what it was like to actually face a german tank with a rifle or see 10 screaming japanese running at you with bayonets fixed. It discusses things that most WWII writers assume you already know...For example what is the difference between a C,K, and D ration or between a Schu mine and a bouncing betty? How was the army organized and what exactly are the different types of weapons the GI used? What was the difference between combat in the Pacific and in Germany? Questions such as these and more are answered. True, for the seasoned WWII reader much of this will be common sense knowledge, but for those who want to understand the basics of combat infantry during WWII, this book is for you.

Most importantly, the author tries to stay out of the way and let the vet talk. Most of the book is a comment by the author followed by the quote of a veteran, so you get to hear many stories told here for the first time.

Once again, a great addition to your library...

THE DEADLY BROTHERHOOD: THE AMERICAN COMBAT SOLDIER IN WORLD WAR II

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THE DEADLY BROTHERHOOD: THE AMERICAN COMBAT SOLDIER IN WORLD WAR II
McManus. John C
Manufacturer: Presidio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J3W1BE

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Deadly Brotherhood: The American Combat Soldier in World War II.
JOHN C. MCMANUS
Manufacturer: See notes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RQMZJQ

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Journal of Southern History, published by Southern Historical Association on May 1, 2001. The length of the article is 665 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Slavery, Race, and American History: Historical Conflicts, Trends, and Method, 1866-1953.
Author: John T. Kneebone
Publication: Journal of Southern History (Refereed)
Date: May 1, 2001
Publisher: Southern Historical Association
Volume: 67 Issue: 2 Page: 471

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Customer Reviews:

A New Version of this book was just published!.......2006-01-04

LSD: My Problem Child is not as hard to find anymore!

A second edition of the story of the infamous substance is now available. 232 pages plus 16 pages of color plates, with a new foreword from Stanislav Grof, M.D.

Click here to see the new edition and go here for more information and photos of the book.

Objective view complete in all aspects.......2005-09-28

This book must be extremely rare to find a physical copy so if you are interested in reading it I suggest you look online (I read it at [...]). This book gives a complete history of the Albert Hoffman's research leading up to the discovery of LSD-25 as well its effects on society at the time, its uses, and even his correspondence with various writers and other enthusaists (bet you didn't know that he frequently met with Aldous Huxley). A quote in his introduction describes what he intends to write about:
"It is my desire in this book to give a comprehensive picture of LSD, its origin, its effects, and its dangers, in order to guard against increasing abuse of this extraordinary drug... I believe that if people would learn to use LSD's vision-inducing capability more wisely, under suitable conditions, in medical practice and in conjunction with meditation, then in the future this problem child could become a wonder child."
The beginning parts on his initial work with egrot alkaloids and his synthesis of LSD is probably only of interest to a chemist, but it isn't hopelessly complicated (I enjoyed that section even with my minimal understanding of chemistry). It wasn't until years after its initial founding that he was drawn back to it and discovered its psychedelic qualities. It goes on to discuss the thrill/fear of his first accidental trip and his awe of its capabilities. This book is more than just an account of events and history. Unlike typical scientific writings, it often discusses his feelings and beliefs about LSD and even his travels to other countries for personal psychedelic research. The last chapter especially deals with spirituality and the use of psychedelics.
One great quality of this book is that it is highly objective and although it includes some of Hoffman's beliefs it carefully gives both sides of the story. It basically recommends LSD only for medical or careful psychological use under professional guidance, but gives enough information and insight as to the nature of the drug, that you are free to form your own opinion.

I highly reccommend this book since it so carefully covers all aspects of LSD and other psychedelics. This may be of interest to those with or without a firm understanding of chemistry.

Great historical document.......2000-07-27

Interesting book if you're that interested in the history of LSD. Now that the Dead are no longer with us, I suppose there will be less and less interest.

Book Description

1998 Winner of the International Studies Association's Harold and Margaret Sprout Award

Peter Dauvergne developed the concept of a "shadow ecology" to assess the total environmental impact of one country on resource management in another country or area. Aspects of a shadow ecology include government aid and loans; corporate practices, investment, and technology transfers; and trade factors such as consumption, export and consumer prices, and import tariffs.

In Shadows in the Forest, Dauvergne examines Japan's effect on commercial timber management in Indonesia, East Malaysia, and the Philippines. Japan's shadow ecology has stimulated unsustainable logging, which in turn has triggered widespread deforestation. Although Japanese practices have improved somewhat since the early 1990s, corporate trade structures and purchasing patterns, timber prices, wasteful consumption, import tariffs, and the cumulative environmental effects of past practices continue to undermine sustainable forest management in Southeast Asia.

This book is the first to analyze the environmental impact of Japanese trade, corporations, and aid on timber management in the context of Southeast Asian political economies. It is also one of the first comprehensive studies of why Southeast Asian states are unable to enforce forest policies and regulations. In particular, it highlights links between state officials and business leaders that reduce state funds, distort policies, and protect illegal and unsustainable loggers. More broadly, the book is one of the first to examine the environmental impact of Northeast Asian development on Southeast Asian resource management and to analyze the indirect environmental impact of bilateral state relations on the management of one Southern resource.

Confronting Environmental Change In East And Southeast Asia: Eco-politics, Foreign Policy, And Sustainable Development

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Great articles

Confronting Environmental Change In East And Southeast Asia: Eco-politics, Foreign Policy, And Sustainable Development

Manufacturer: United Nations University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Sustainable Development | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Natural Resources | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Renewable Energy | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 9280811134

Book Description

This book is an edited collection of concise, hard-hitting essays by a group of international experts and scholars that address the politics and policy of environmental change and sustainable development in East and Southeast Asia. Case studies cover environmental diplomacy in East Asia and strategies for sustainable development in Southeast Asia, including Japanese environmental policy, China's climate change diplomacy, the role of NGOs in shaping Thailand's policies on biodiversity, international assistance and marine environmental protection in Vietnam, sustainable development policy in Taiwan, and the role of community-based conflict management in environmental protection efforts in Papua New Guinea.

Customer Reviews:

Great articles.......2006-01-22

I admit, I have only read half of the articles in this book, particularly the Southeast Asia ones. However, I found them all to be interesting and very insightful. I particularly like how the authors focus on domestic politics as a driving force behind international environmental diplomacy. This is a very useful book for students of Asian environmental policy.

The Philippines: In Search of Justice (Oxfam Country Profiles Series)

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The Philippines: In Search of Justice (Oxfam Country Profiles Series)
Charlie Pye-Smith
Manufacturer: Oxfam Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Development & Growth | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0855983671

Book Description

This new profile describes a country at a cross-roads. Although burdened with a huge mountain of debt, as a legacy from the corrupt and inefficient government of President Marcos, the Philippines seems poised to emulate the example of the neighbouring South Asian tiger economies. But there will be many Filipinos who will not share in any increased prosperity that might result, in particular the indigenous inhabitants of the region, whose life-style is dependent on the rapidly disappearing forests. This book explains how they are making efforts to secure land rights and more control over the resources they need. Also featured are the many fishing communities of the islands, whose livelihoods are being destroyed by international factory-fleets, and who are also struggling to survive.

Southeast Asia: Threats in the Security Environment

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Southeast Asia: Threats in the Security Environment

Manufacturer: Marshall Cavendish Academic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Law Enforcement | Criminal Law | Law | Subjects | Books

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 9812103929

Development and Security in South East Asia: The Environment (The International Political Economy of New Regionalisms)

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Development and Security in South East Asia: The Environment (The International Political Economy of New Regionalisms)

Manufacturer: Ashgate Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Development & Growth | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Economic Policy & Development | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 075461767X

Educational Research Environments in Southeast Asia

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Educational Research Environments in Southeast Asia

Manufacturer: Stosius Inc/Advent Books Division
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Governance and Civil Society in Myanmar Education, Health and Environment (Routledgecurzon Contemporary Southeast Asia Series)

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Governance and Civil Society in Myanmar Education, Health and Environment (Routledgecurzon Contemporary Southeast Asia Series)
Helen James
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Myanmar | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

Southeast Asia | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

Constitutions | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0415355583

Book Description

Most international attention on Myanmar has focused on the political situation, where the military, in power since 1962, continue to refuse to acknowledge the results of democratic elections, and on related human rights issues. By focusing on education, health and environment, and on the institutions which formulate and deliver policy in these fields, this book shows how the international community can make a significant difference to strengthening Myanmar's civil society and to supporting a future democratic form of government, by encouraging institutional developments in these fields. Such developments in turn, the author argues, will re-skill the younger generation, promote economic development and poverty alleviation, and, through a participatory approach to policy-making, nurture the conditions from which democracy will grow.

The Politics of the Environment in Southeast Asia: Resources and Resistance

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The Politics of the Environment in Southeast Asia: Resources and Resistance
Philip Hirsch
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

The Politics of the Environment in Southeast Asia charts the emergence of the environment as an issue of public debate in the region. Through a series of case studies the authors explore the coalescence of social forces around environmental issues, the process of alliance formation, and the role of state institutions, media and NGOs in the complex political battles over resource allocation. The volatile tensions between the winners and losers in this struggle for the environment will make Southeast Asia a focus of increased attention. The Politics of the Environment in Southeast Asia is essential reading for those wishing to obtain a deeper understanding of the social, political and environmental issues surrounding these conflicts.

This title available in eBook format. Click here for more information.

Visit our eBookstore at: www.ebookstore.tandf.co.uk.

Transbounday Environmental Governance: Principles and Practice in Mainland Southeast Asia

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Transbounday Environmental Governance: Principles and Practice in Mainland Southeast Asia
Nathan Badenoch
Manufacturer: World Resources Inst
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

The report Transboundary Environmental Governance explores options for enhancing regional environmental governance in the region. The report characterizes transboundary environmental challenges in MSEA, and examines the political, economic, and environmental response to these challenges via four prominent regional institutions: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and the Mekong River Commission (MRC).

While the role of these institutions in dealing with environmental issues has increased in recent years, a number of gaps remain between their policies and their practice. The report considers options for bridging the current structural and operational gaps to enhance environmental governance in mainland Southeast Asia at the regional level.

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