If you’re a fan of military history and strategy, then you’re likely familiar with Infantry Attacks by Erwin Rommel. This genre offers a deep dive into the tactics, experiences, and insights of military leaders and soldiers. Below, you’ll find a list of 19 books that capture the essence of military strategy and history, each one a must-read for enthusiasts.
Books Similar to Infantry Attacks
1. The Rommel Papers
The Rommel Papers is a collection of Erwin Rommel’s own writings, edited by B.H. Liddell Hart. This book offers a firsthand account of Rommel’s strategies and thoughts during World War II. It’s highly recommended for those who want to delve deeper into the mind of one of history’s most famous military commanders.
2. Panzer Leader
Panzer Leader by Heinz Guderian is an essential read for anyone interested in tank warfare and Blitzkrieg tactics. Guderian’s memoirs provide invaluable insights into the development and execution of armored warfare. This book is a cornerstone for understanding modern military strategy.
3. With the Old Breed
E.B. Sledge’s With the Old Breed offers a gritty, personal account of the Pacific Theater in World War II. Sledge’s experiences in battles such as Peleliu and Okinawa make this memoir a gripping and emotional read. It’s a must-read for those interested in the human aspect of warfare.
4. Storm of Steel
Ernst Jünger’s Storm of Steel is a vivid recount of his experiences as a German officer during World War I. Known for its brutal honesty and detailed descriptions, this book provides a stark look at the realities of trench warfare. It’s highly recommended for its literary and historical value.
5. Black Hawk Down
Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden tells the harrowing story of the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. This book is a meticulously researched account of modern warfare and the complexities of urban combat. It’s a gripping read that offers valuable lessons in military tactics and human resilience.
6. Band of Brothers
Stephen E. Ambrose’s Band of Brothers chronicles the experiences of Easy Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, from D-Day to the end of World War II. This book is celebrated for its detailed portrayal of the camaraderie and heroism of these soldiers. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in airborne operations and World War II history.
7. The Art of War
The Art of War by Sun Tzu is a timeless classic that has influenced military strategy for centuries. This ancient Chinese text offers profound insights into strategy, leadership, and warfare. It’s an essential read for anyone interested in the theoretical underpinnings of military tactics.
8. On War
Carl von Clausewitz’s On War is another foundational text in military theory. This comprehensive work delves into the nature of war, strategy, and the dynamics of conflict. It’s a dense but rewarding read for those serious about understanding military philosophy.
9. Forgotten Soldier
Guy Sajer’s Forgotten Soldier is a haunting memoir of a German soldier on the Eastern Front during World War II. The book captures the brutal conditions and psychological toll of the war. It’s highly recommended for its raw and unfiltered portrayal of a soldier’s experience.
10. The Longest Day
Cornelius Ryan’s The Longest Day recounts the events of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy. This meticulously researched book provides a comprehensive view of one of World War II’s most pivotal moments. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the planning and execution of large-scale military operations.
11. A Bridge Too Far
Another masterpiece by Cornelius Ryan, A Bridge Too Far details Operation Market Garden, the failed Allied attempt to end the war quickly by capturing key bridges in the Netherlands. This book is a gripping narrative that highlights both the bravery and the missteps of this ambitious operation.
12. We Were Soldiers Once… And Young
Written by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore and journalist Joseph L. Galloway, We Were Soldiers Once… And Young recounts the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War. This book provides a detailed and emotional account of one of the first major battles between American and North Vietnamese forces. It’s essential reading for understanding the complexities of the Vietnam War.
13. Ghost Soldiers
Hampton Sides’ Ghost Soldiers tells the story of the daring rescue mission to free POWs from a Japanese camp during World War II. This book is a thrilling account of bravery and sacrifice, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It’s a gripping read that showcases the heroism of the rescuers and the rescued.
14. The Guns of August
Barbara W. Tuchman’s The Guns of August is a Pulitzer Prize-winning account of the first month of World War I. This book provides a detailed and gripping narrative of how the war began and the events that unfolded in its early days. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the causes and initial battles of the Great War.
15. Helmet for My Pillow
Robert Leckie’s Helmet for My Pillow is a memoir of his experiences as a Marine in the Pacific Theater during World War II. This book offers a vivid and personal account of the brutal conditions and intense combat faced by Marines. It’s highly recommended for its emotional depth and historical accuracy.
16. Matterhorn
Karl Marlantes’ Matterhorn is a novel based on his own experiences as a Marine in the Vietnam War. This book provides a raw and unflinching look at the horrors of war and the challenges faced by soldiers. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking read that captures the essence of combat and camaraderie.
17. Dispatches
Michael Herr’s Dispatches is a seminal work of war journalism, offering a firsthand account of the Vietnam War. This book is known for its vivid and immersive writing style, capturing the chaos and intensity of the conflict. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in war reporting and the Vietnam War.
18. The Things They Carried
Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried is a collection of linked short stories about a platoon of American soldiers in the Vietnam War. This book blends fact and fiction to explore the emotional and psychological burdens carried by soldiers. It’s a poignant and powerful read that offers deep insights into the human side of war.
19. All Quiet on the Western Front
Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front is a classic novel that depicts the experiences of German soldiers during World War I. This book is celebrated for its stark and realistic portrayal of the horrors of war. It’s an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of war on the individual soldier.