Daring Missions of World War II Hardcover - 2001

First line

DURING THE FIRST HALF OF 1939, an atmosphere of foreboding hovered over Europe.

From the rear cover

Few World War II stories are more gripping than those fought behind enemy lines by spies, underground members, and special forces.

In his latest collection, Daring Missions of World War II, popular author and distinguished historian William Breuer brings to light largely unknown stories of behind-the-scenes bravery and covert activities that helped the Allies win critical victories both on the ground and in the air. Here are more than seventy tales of espionage, sabotage, and derring-do, including thrilling accounts of "impossible" rescues, ingenious secret networks, and high-stakes U.S. Ranger missions within enemy territory.

• Lieutenant Colonel Montague R. Chidson, who single-handedly saved Amsterdam's diamond cache from the Nazis
• General Henri Honore Giraud, who escaped twice from the Germans-the second time from an "escape-proof" prison
• Mathilde Carre, a.k.a. "La Chatte (the cat)," the only female triple agent of the war
• The Netherlands' Queen Wilhelmina and her daring rescue from Hitler
• The Kachins, a small mountain tribe in Upper Burma, who helped the United States, Britain, and China dislodge a Japanese stronghold
• A young Ho Chi Minh, who was saved by American medics

Courage. Brillance. Intrigue. Whether you're a history buff or are simply looking for a thrilling read, Daring Missions of World War II allows you to watch the course of history change-and to meet the extraordinary men and women from all corners of the world who were responsible.

From the jacket flap

Few World War II stories are more gripping than those fought behind enemy lines by spies, underground members, and special forces.

In his latest collection, Daring Missions of World War II, popular author and distinguished historian William Breuer brings to light largely unknown stories of behind-the-scenes bravery and covert activities that helped the Allies win critical victories both on the ground and in the air. Here are more than seventy tales of espionage, sabotage, and derring-do, including thrilling accounts of "impossible" rescues, ingenious secret networks, and high-stakes U.S. Ranger missions within enemy territory.

• Lieutenant Colonel Montague R. Chidson, who single-handedly saved Amsterdam's diamond cache from the Nazis
• General Henri Honore Giraud, who escaped twice from the Germans-the second time from an "escape-proof" prison
• Mathilde Carre, a.k.a. "La Chatte (the cat)," the only female triple agent of the war
• The Netherlands' Queen Wilhelmina and her daring rescue from Hitler
• The Kachins, a small mountain tribe in Upper Burma, who helped the United States, Britain, and China dislodge a Japanese stronghold
• A young Ho Chi Minh, who was saved by American medics

Courage. Brillance. Intrigue. Whether you're a history buff or are simply looking for a thrilling read, Daring Missions of World War II allows you to watch the course of history change-and to meet the extraordinary men and women from all corners of the world who were responsible.

Media reviews

Citations

• Reference and Research Bk News, 08/01/2001, Page 23