Best Military History Books Every Veteran Should Read

"Not all heroes wear capes" is a famous line that refers directly to the armed forces. Despite being cape-less, the men and women who put their lives on the line in order to protect their county are bigger heroes than Superman, Spider-Man, and even Batman. My family has always been intrigued and fascinated by the military. Its dominance, history, tradition, heroism, and intricacies amaze me every day. My grandfather served during World War II and that has been a talking point within our family to this day.

Due to the influence the military has had in my life, I am always in line to see or buy any content that is related to it. I've seen all the best war movies you can stream and watch all the shows, but nothing can beat a good book. A healthy and self-improving hobby, reading consistently can help you relax, de-stress, and soothe your mind. So if you're a veteran in need of a new hobby, looking for new ways to relax, or just enjoy knowing the ins and outs of the military, check out the best military history books below.

An Amazon #1 best-seller, the title tells you all need to know. J. Robert Oppenheimer, Enrico Fermi, and Samuel Goudsmit fear that ingenious German physicist Werner Heisenberg is attempting to build the world's first nuclear weapon. Known for his researching skills and thorough nature, Michael Joseloff details and chronicles the history of the race between these groups of scientists as the course of history for the entire world rests in their hands. He also touches on the science of it all but it makes it accessible and easy to follow if you're not a high-level physicist. And if you are, well you'll understand it all the same.

One of the few military history books from a firsthand experience of World War II, Daniel V. Gallery goes in-depth about his battles against the terrorizing German U-boats. Gallery led the USS Guadalcanal and was able to sink a few U-boats, but his most impactful feat was the capturing of one.

Dunkirk, one ofthe greatest war movies of all time in my opinion, demonstrated the horrors the of the U-boats, as hundreds of thousands of allied soldiers were stranded due to their rescue ships continuously being sunk. Find out what made them so tough to beat and how the allies were eventually able to do it.

Written from the unique perspective of two Navy SEALs, Extreme Ownership is a New York Times #1 best-seller. Its authors, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, have seen why leadership, at any level, is the most important factor in whether a team succeeds or fails. Their missions in Iraq and Afghanistan are talked about and examined, showcasing the horror and heroism that war creates.

Upon their return, Willink and Babin decided to create a company, Echelon Front. Its purpose is to teach leadership principles to businesses, companies, and organizations. They have since trained numerous leaders and worked with hundreds of companies in virtually every industry across the US and internationally. This book will help you become a better leader and show you how that can apply to any situation.

Perhaps the most famous of all military history books, The Art of War remains relevant to this day. Despite being written in the fifth century BC, lessons from it are still used and employed in modern warfare. Sun Tzu's famous work has been translated into several languages, showcasing that great advice can relate to anyone, anywhere. Topics that are discussed include war, philosophy, leadership, work, victory, and life in general. As an all-encompassing piece of literature that can benefit your life in almost every aspect, it's worth your time.

Famous historian Lynne Olson explores World War II from yet another vantage point that is barely discussed or mentioned. Last Hope Island refers to England, as it was the meeting ground for fallen governments and armed forces of six occupied nations who escaped there to continue the fight against Hitler.

The group seeking refuge included King Haakon of Norway and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, who both inspired unrest and rallied their people against the Germans even more. Olson's recap does not stop there, she also depicts the unsung efforts of the Polish pilots, French and Polish codebreakers, and the countless spies who gathered information on German operations. There was no shortage of heroes in World War II and Last Hope Island points out some that need more recognition.

World War II may get more movies and books written about it but make no mistake, The Civil War was brutal. Grant is one of the better military history books to cover the bloody, painful war. Pulitzer Prize winner Ron Chernow masterfully covers the life of the northern general and former president Ulysses S. Grant. His life as a general and president was full of controversy and most incarnations of him in movies and books do not come close to fully capturing him.

Named one of the ten best books of 2017 by The New York Times Book Review, Chernow puts Grant and the unknown parts of his life on display. Some examples being Grant's friendship with Frederick Douglass, his lifelong struggle with alcoholism, and his relationship with Mark Twain are all explored. Simply put, it is one of the best writers of the modern age detailing one of the most influential and interesting men in American history, you won't regret reading it.

Winner of several books awards, including Book of the Year from The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, and several other major news publications, The Good Soldiers by David Finkel also won the Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism. In his book, Finkel covers a "troop surge" during the Iraq War in 2007. Basically, a group of soldiers were tasked with entering an incredibly dangerous area of Baghdad.

Finkel was embedded with this group for a time, experiencing the cruelties and chaos of war firsthand. The Good Soldiers follows the true story of a single battalion in Baghdad. The primary accounts and experience make this a must-have on any list of military history books, it's simply fantastic.

So you've already seen Gary Oldman's stunning performance in Darkest Hour and now want to know more about Winston Churchill. Well, I've got good news. This #1 best-seller on Amazon gives a look at the former British prime minister 25 years before his World War II accomplishments.

One of the most insightful military history books, Peter Apps delves into a time in the famous monarch's life that is not well-known to the public. After being blamed for a military fiasco early on in the war, Churchill decides to join the army and heads to the western front. If you wanted to learn more about one of the 20th century's most iconic characters, this is a must-read.

A powerful firsthand account of a paratrooper during World War II, Parachute Infantry is gripping, vivid, and gives an accurate description of what the war was. David Kenyon Webster's memoir about his experiences, written just after his return home, will connect to the courage and heroism of some of the soldiers who fought for their country. From the beaches of Normandy to the fields of Holland, Webster's journey was a long, perilous one and you won't want to miss out on it.

The Pentagon Papers, which was the inspiration for the movie The Post, is a series of articles, documents, and studies primarily focused on the lies of Lyndon B. Johnson's administration towards the public. One of the most extensive military history books, this edition starts with the Truman administration and works its way to Johnson and the Vietnam War.

Containing a multitude of startling revelations about the government's involvement in the war, The Pentagon Papers was called “the most significant leaks of classified material in American history” by The Washington Post. James L. Greenfield adds a new foreword and reminds you to always follow your own morals and ethics and be sure to hold everyone accountable for their actions.