Best United States Military Veterans History Books of 2025

Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America is a gripping study of the white power movement in America. Based on previously classified FBI files and extensive interviews, the book tells the story of American paramilitarism and the birth of the alt-right. The author argues that the movement emerged as a radical reaction to the Vietnam War, and it operated with discipline, made tragic headlines in Waco, Ruby Ridge, and Oklahoma City, and is resurgent under President Trump. This book is a much-needed and troubling revelation that sheds light on the history of white-racist violence in America.

Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger is an insightful book exploring the human need for tribal connections and the impact of their absence in modern society. Junger draws on history, psychology, and anthropology to explain why we are stronger when we come together and how this can be achieved in today's divided world. He also sheds light on the experiences of combat veterans, highlighting the loss of closeness that comes at the end of deployment and the impact it has on their mental health. A thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on the human quest for meaning and belonging.

"With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa" is Eugene B. Sledge's first-person account of fighting in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Based on notes he secretly kept in a copy of the New Testament, Sledge's memoir captures the brutal reality of war, including the terror, camaraderie, and banality of combat. The book is a profound primer on what it was like to be in the worst war ever. Sledge's honest and realistic portrayal of his experience makes this a classic that will outlive all the armchair generals' safe accounts. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in WWII history.

Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations is a thrilling memoir by Admiral William H. McRaven, a decorated Navy SEAL who has been involved in some of the most famous missions in recent memory. McRaven shares stories of bravery and heroism during his career, including the capture of Saddam Hussein, the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, and the raid to kill Osama bin Laden. The book is action-packed, humorous, and full of valuable life lessons, making it a remarkable memoir from one of America's most accomplished leaders. Overall, Sea Stories is an engaging and well-written book that reads like a thriller, offering insight into the life of a wartime leader and the essential work of military special forces.

Swift Sword: The True Story of the Marines of MIKE 3/5 in Vietnam, 4 September 1967 is a gripping account of a true Vietnam War saga based on 50 interviews with veterans who were there and relatives of those who didn’t come home. It follows Lance Corporal Jack Swan and his fellow US Marines from Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, Fifth Marines as they attempt to rescue an isolated company of fellow leathernecks besieged by the Communist North Vietnamese Army. The book is a testament to the epic courage and brotherhood in the face of insurmountable odds that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The Operator by Robert O’Neill is a gripping memoir that recounts his time as a SEAL Team operator, including his involvement in the mission that killed Osama bin Laden. Through his vivid and blunt language, O’Neill describes the 400 counterterrorism operations and close quarter combat he experienced in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations. The book provides an unvarnished portrait of America’s most storied commandos at war. The author's unique storytelling style and his ability to convey the human side of combat make this book a must-read for anyone interested in military memoirs.

The Long Reckoning by George Black is a moving and inspirational story of a small group of individuals who used their moral authority, scientific and political ingenuity, and sheer persistence to heal the horrors left in the wake of the military engagement in Southeast Asia. The book recounts the worst scars inflicted by the American war in Vietnam, including the massive use of toxic chemicals and the heaviest casualties on both sides. The author's immersion in a particular human geography brings home the enormity of the destruction anew. The Long Reckoning is a must-read for anyone interested in Southeast Asia history books.

The Rifle: Combat Stories from America's Last WWII Veterans, Told Through an M1 Garand is an inspiring book that tells the story of a U.S. Marine, Andrew Biggio, who, after returning home from combat, embarks on a mission to find and document the stories of America's last-living WWII veterans. Biggio's journey started when he bought a 1945 M1 Garand Rifle to honor his great uncle, a U.S. Army soldier who died in Italy. The book is a great tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers and a reminder of the price of war. The Rifle is a must-read for anyone interested in history and the heroism of our veterans.

No Easy Day is a gripping narrative nonfiction book that takes readers alongside Navy SEAL operator Mark Owen and his team as they plan and execute the mission to kill Osama Bin Laden. From the helicopter crash to the confirmation of Bin Laden's death, Owen's blow-by-blow account makes for a harrowing read. The book also details the formation of the most elite units in the military and the evolution of SEAL Team Six after the events of September 11. Overall, No Easy Day is a must-read for anyone interested in the War on Terror and the exceptional sacrifices made by those who keep America safe.

The Mission, the Men, and Me: Lessons from a Former Delta Force Commander by Pete Blaber is a captivating book that takes readers on a journey through the life of a Delta Force Operator. Blaber's intimate knowledge of warfare is translated into valuable lessons that are just as applicable in civilian life as they are on the battlefield. He presents his hard-won principles of leadership and illustrates them with intense personal stories and accounts of leadership amidst chaotic modern warfare. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining insights into never-before-revealed missions executed around the globe. Overall, The Mission, the Men, and Me is a unique and enlightening read that is sure to leave readers wiser, more capable, and better prepared to succeed in life than they ever thought possible.