Thunderbolt: General Creighton Abrams and the Army of His Times / Edition 2

by Lewis Sorley

Overview

General Creighton Abrams has been called the greatest American general since Ulysses S. Grant, yet at the time this book was first published in 1992, he was little known by most Americans. For more than four decades, in three wars and in challenging peacetime assignments, Abrams demonstrated the skill, courage, integrity, and compassion that made him a legend in his profession. Thunderbolt is the definitive biography of the man who commanded U.S. forces in Vietnam during the withdrawal stage and for whom the army's main battle tank is named. With a new introduction by the author, this edition places the complex and sophisticated Abrams and his many achievements in the context of the army he served and ultimately led, and of the national and international events in which he played a vital role. Thunderbolt is a stirring portrait of the quintessential soldier and of the transformation of the U.S. Army from the horse brigades of the 1930s to the high-tech military force of today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780253220028
Publisher:	Indiana University Press
Publication date:	02/26/2008
Pages:	420
Sales rank:	758,070
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Lewis Sorley, a third-generation graduate of West Point, served in Vietnam, in NATO forces, and as a Pentagon staff officer. He has taught at West Point and the U.S. Army War College, and has written widely on military affairs and national security. He lives in Potomac, Maryland.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Prologue
1. To Be a Soldier
2. Preparing for War
3. Entering Battle
4. Relief of Bastogne
5. Finishing it off
6. Doctrine and Tactics
7. Occupied Germany
8. In Korea
9. Fort Knox and the Pentagon
10. Germany and Division Command
11. Civil Rights Crises
12. Corps Command
13. Vietnam Buildup
14. Deputy Commander in Vietnam
15. Tet 1968
16. The 206,000 Troop Request
17. Taking Command
18. A Very Human Touch
19. Vietnamization and Pacification
20. Murder and the Green Berets
21. Cambodian Incursion
22. In the Midst of Battles
23. Invasion of Laos
24. Easter Offensive
25. Setting the Course
26. Rebuilding an Army
27. Final Days
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Other Sources
Index

What People are Saying About This

Derek Leebaert

"The re-issue of Sorley's classic biography of one of the foremost commanders in U.S. history is to be welcomed by a new generation scholars, military officers, and policy analysts."

Stephen Ambrose

"Lewis Sorley has told the Abrams story with verve, sensitivity, and insight."

Ret.), former NATO Commander - General John R. Galvin (U.S. Army

"Sorley's superb insight shows General Abe for what he was—the predominant leader of soldiers and the clearest symbol of integrity in a time when his example was most needed. A book that must be read—and not just by soldiers."

Editorial Reviews

"A valuable addition to the Vietnam bookshelf."

New York Times

"This book is a must for anyone wishing to understand the U.S. Army of today.July 2009"

Military

"A valuable addition to the Vietnam bookshelf." —New York Times

From the Publisher

"Sorley's superb insight shows General Abe for what he was—the predominant leader of soldiers and the clearest symbol of integrity in a time when his example was most needed. A book that must be read—and not just by soldiers." —General John R. Galvin (U.S. Army, Ret.), former NATO Commander

General John R. Galvin (U.S. Army

"Lewis Sorley has told the Abrams story with verve, sensitivity, and insight." —Stephen Ambrose, author of Undaunted Courage

Stephen Ambrose

"The re-issue of Sorley’s classic biography of one of the foremost commanders in U.S. history is to be welcomed by a new generation scholars, military officers, and policy analysts." —Derek Leebaert, author of To Dare and to Conquer: Special Operations and the Destiny of Nations, from Achilles to Al Qaeda

Derek Leebaert

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