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Moment of Battle: The Twenty Clashes That Changed the World

 by James Lacey and Williamson Murray (Bantam, 2013).

 In the tradition of Sir Edward Creasy’s 1851 classic, Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World, two of today’s finest military historians have collaborated to demonstrate – contrary to the current trend in academia – “that wars and battles have had a direct and massive impact on the course of history, one that is essential to understanding the world in which we live.” Although military historians may argue about the specific battles the authors chose to examine, each of these clashes did indeed have a “long-term impact on the course of history.”

 Uncovering History: Archaeological Investigations at the Little Bighorn

 by Douglas D. Scott (University of Oklahoma Press, 2013).

 Scott, a world-renowned forensic archaeologist (and longtime member of ACG’s advisory board), has for years studied the ground at the historic site of the June 25, 1876, Battle of Little Bighorn – aka “Custer’s Last Stand” – and knows it better than anyone. He capitalizes on his unique perspective to present this definitive “history of the history” of the last 130 years of investigative efforts at the battlefield to reveal how archaeologists have contributed to our knowledge of one of America’s most famous battles.

 Living With Honor: A Memoir

by Salvatore A. Giunta with Joe Layden (Threshold Editions, 2012).

 Former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Sal Giunta, the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions occurring after the Vietnam War, shares his inspiring story in this excellent memoir. Giunta’s strength of character is revealed as he recounts his thoughts the day he received America’s highest valor award: “Applause fills the room. But I know it’s not for me alone. … This is for … everyone who has fought and died. For everyone who has made the ultimate sacrifice. I am not a hero. I’m just a soldier.”

 

Originally published in the September 2013 issue of Armchair General.