Stories have their way of touching and changing human lives. These stories can be either fictional or nonfictional. Moreover, the latter has been obtaining a wider reader base because of how all the words born from the experiences and emotions of the author or a significant figure formed a magnificent tale that talks about nothing but the real and essential events.
War memoirs, for example, are among the stories that don’t only inform and entertain but also bring meaning and realization. If you are interested in these kinds of works, then we have listed below the best books that center on true war stories that you shouldn’t miss reading.
Donut Hole: A Marine’s Real-Life Battles in Vietnam During 1967 and 68, 1st Force Logistical Command Clutch Platoon by R.C. LeBeau
This book doesn’t look into the religious factors of war; instead, it features a marine’s real-life battles in Vietnam by RC Le Beau. The Detroit-raised author has gone through the loss of his father before joining the Marines; and, his new father figure is the epitome of a real Marine Corps. His experiences as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Civil Air Patrol cadet contributed to his new journey as a Marine Logistics expert. When he reached the age of 21, he was already in Vietnam for over a year. Thus, he strived in the place for almost 85 days of battle. Therefore, it is not just your typical war story but also a historical tale where bravery, suffering, combat, and survival are found.
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah is an Amazon bestselling book under West African History. This book shows other horrifying aspects of war, which is making use of innocent children as soldiers. Imagine a little kid robbed of their rights to enjoy life and a big future in order to fight and kill. The author, who’s already an adult now, narrates an unusual story of how a 12-year-old child fled striking rebels and explored a place made unidentifiable due to violence. After a year, the 13-year-old Beah was tucked in by the government troops and discovered that he was adept at committing dreadful acts. The pureness and genuineness of the author can be found while he’s telling the story.
With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene Sledge
In 1981, Presidio Press published the war memoir of Eugene Sledge titled With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa. It is based on the several notes that the former US Marine Sledge has sandwiched between the pages of his pocket-sized Holy Bible. He didn’t fail to carry the Bible in every combat he fought, specifically in Okinawa and Peleliu. Moreover, in 1944, he started his memoir, particularly in a camp in Pavuvu Island, and continued the piece two years later. With the Old Breed was later translated into different languages and was the basis of Ken Burns’ documentary and HBO’s The Pacific.
The Coldest War: A Memoir of Korea by James Brady
James Brady draws his experience as a young lieutenant from what they referred to as the “forgotten war” of America and turns it into a remarkable book titled The Coldest War: A Memoir of Korea. The war lasted over three years, yet there were more than 54 thousand Americans whose lives were lost. This book brilliantly centers on the author’s immediate learning in the existence of war and the tensions of command. What makes this more meaningful is that it offers a glimpse of a significant part of American history as many lives were impacted, but only little information is known about this event.
If I Die in a Combat Zone: Box Me Up and Ship Me Home by Tim O’Brien
If I Die in a Combat Zone: Box Me Up and Ship Me Home by Tim O’Brien tells the personal account of the author when he served as one of the soldiers in the Vietnam War. He lets the readers witness how the day of a troop who serves in Vietnam usually goes. But, before the tension and struggles, he first showed them where he was raised and how his childhood went. O’Brien’s masterpiece will definitely touch many hearts and move many lives.
Oliver’s Twist 