This collection of books highlights the powerful stories of men and women who have served our nation. Through historical nonfiction, autobiographies, and memoirs, veterans share first-hand experiences during their time in a uniform and how it has shaped their lives. Their stories of bravery, resilience, and reflection offer readers a deeper understanding of military life and give us a chance to honor American heroes.
Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant
The Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant is an autobiography featuring two volumes from the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. As one of the most acclaimed military autobiographies in American history, the memoir gives a detailed account of his military career during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. The novel is humble and honest, representing his thoughts on his life and his invaluable perspective on battlefield decision-making. It was written during his final months of life while he was battling terminal cancer and was published in 1885 with the help of his dear friend, Mark Twain.
Chickenhawk by Robert Mason
A bestselling story from the battlefield during the Vietnam War by Robert Mason, Chickenhawk was published in 1983 and gives a look at the daily realities of combat. The novel captures the adrenaline and fear from his experiences as a “Huey” UH-1 Iroquois helicopter pilot and the psychological toll of war. The book goes through his journey from his enlistment, flight training, deployment, experience in Vietnam, and return from war. The memoir is praised for its humanity, authenticity, and unforgettable voice.
Bloods: Black Veterans of the Vietnam War by Wallace Terry
A national best-seller and powerful oral history of a firsthand account of 20 African-American men who served in the Vietnam War. The book compiles twenty candid interviews with Black veterans, depicting the deep personal accounts of combat, racism, the test of patriotism, and the challenges of returning home to a divided America. The subject is important because Vietnam was the first time that the U.S. armed forces’ battalions were racially integrated. Terry captures the complexity of this experience and helps readers broaden their understanding of the Vietnam War.
American Sniper by Chris Kyle with Jim DeFelice, and Scott McEwen
American Sniper tells the story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, also known as the most lethal sniper in American military history. Co-written with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice, the book recounts Kyle’s four tours in Iraq from 1999 to 2009, detailing the quick decisions, danger, and moral complexity that came with the role. The book also covers the personal complexities that come with military life, Kyle’s upbringing in Odessa, Texas, Navy SEAL training, and combat experiences in Iraq. The memoir’s success and later film adaptation secured it as one of the most widely recognized modern military accounts.
Unbecoming by Anuradha Bhagwati
A bold and deeply personal memoir from a former U.S. Marine Captain, Anuradha Bhagwati, examines what it means to serve and challenge the system from within. Bhagwati abandons grad school in the Ivy League to join the Marines after a lifetime of following her strict Indian parents. As a bisexual woman of color in the military, she faces underestimation, sexism, racism, and rigid expectations of conformity. After her service ended in 2004, she became an advocate for gender and racial equality in the armed forces, fighting against military leaders and outdated traditions that had negatively impacted her time of service. This created a historical change that included the lifting of the ban on women from pursuing combat roles in the military.
Once a Warrior by Jake Wood
A memoir from Marine sniper Jake Wood of his experience leading over 100,000 veterans to a life of renewed service, battle, natural disasters, pandemics, and civil wars. Wood reflects on his time of service, sharing experiences from basic training, deployments, and challenges of reintegrating into civilian life. In the exhilarating, action-packed narrative, Jake explains how he built the disaster response organization, Rubicon, which has responded to aid communities after hurricanes and COVID-19. This book explores the capabilities of America’s veterans for the nation and their determination to build a meaningful life after leaving the battlefield.
Soaring to Glory by Philip Handleman and Lt. Col. Harry T. Stewart Jr.
Soaring to Glory tells the story of one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen pilots, Lt. Col. Harry T. Stewart, who was also the first African American pilot in U.S. military history. Through historical details and a firsthand account, the novel shares his stories in combat missions, including the legendary mission when he downed three enemy fighters. The story highlights his journey to becoming an American hero, emphasizing the courage, skill, and perseverance needed in the face of segregation and prejudice during World War II. The story not only celebrates the achievements in the air but also sheds light on the broader struggle for equality within the military and American society.
Shoot Like a Girl by Mary Jennings Hegar
This gripping, inspiring, and must-read memoir takes readers through MJ Hegar’s journey throughout her military career as a combat pilot and veteran. The American patriot was shot down while on a Medvac mission with the Air National Guard during her third tour in Afghanistan. Even after being wounded, she continued to fight the enemy and save the lives of her crew and their patients. This rescue attempt earned her the Purple Heart as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor Device. The story also shares Hegar’s fight to eliminate the military’s Ground Combat Exclusion Policy that kept female armed service members from officially serving in combat roles. Shoot Like a Girl is a powerful account of courage in action and a reflection on resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers while serving one’s country.
A Dog Called Hope by Jason Morgan and Damien Lewis
A Dog Called Hope by Jason Morgan and Damien Lewis is a heartfelt memoir that explores the bond between a soldier and his service dog. Special forces warrior Jason Morgan parachuted into the Central American jungle on an anti-narcotics raid. It was not until months later that he regained consciousness in a U.S. military hospital with no memory of how he arrived there. After being told he would never walk again, going through countless surgeries, being confined to a wheelchair, and becoming a single father, he found light from a black Labrador named Napal. The service dog, Napal, brought the warrior back to life and taught him how to be a good father to his three sons. The story shares an inspiring testament to courage, recovery, and the unexpected ways support can transform a veteran’s life.
Sea Stories by Admiral Willian H. McRaven
From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Make Your Bed, Admiral William H. McRaven shares his stories of bravery and heroism during his time as a Navy SEAL and commander of America’s Special Operations Forces in Sea Stories. McRaven has been involved in some of the most famous missions, including the capture of Saddam Hussein, the rescue of Captain Richard Philips, and the raid to kill Osama bin Laden. The story goes beyond individual exploits to reflect on broader lessons learned from service that shape both military and civilian life. The memoir spans McRaven’s childhood days sneaking into high-security military sites to his job of hunting terrorists.
These books provide more than just stories of combat; they also offer insights into the lives, sacrifices, and resilience of those who served. From the front lines to the challenges of returning home, each story preserves a unique perspective on military life. Reading these works is a way to honor veterans on Veterans Day and ensure their experiences, lessons, and courage continue to inspire and educate.
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