Sebastian Junger
The Perfect Storm : A True Story of Men Against the Sea

A terrific book about a storm that blew up off Nova Scotia in the early 90s. It endangered the Swordfish fleet that was out in that area at the time as well as other shipping.
The book is very detailed in its description of how a typical swordfisherman makes his living. It also describes several hair raising rescues by the Coast Guard and National Guard. It's gripping reading, I could not put the book down. Oh and don't bother with the movie, it does not do the book justice.

Shelby Foote
The Civil War: A Narrative

This 3 volume set is positively the best book(s) I have ever read on the Civil War. Written as though it were a novel, though it does not skip over the history of the war. The book is written as though it written by an eyewitness to the events.

Robert Johnson
Thunderbolt!

Robert Johnson was a fighter pilot for the 56FG during World War 2. He fought in the European Theater against the Luftwaffe and ended up as the highest rated air ace in the 8th Air Force. His autobiography covers his training through his career with the 56FG. The most interesting chapter deals with Johnson's near death experience while flying and escort mission over Germany. To say his survival was amazing is an understatement and is the most remarkable story of a combat mission I have ever read. A gripping read.

The book chronicals the life of the ground soldier in the European Theater during World War 2, starting with D-Day and ending with Germany's surrender in May of 1945. Although the book deals with the history of the war vs Germany remarkably well, it's strong points are the personal stories of the men who fought the war. From the heroes to the slackers and everyone in between, truly a remarkable book and no doubt the inspiration for Tom Brokaw's book, The Greatest Generation and Steven Spieberg's movie Saving Private Ryan

D-Day: June 6, 1944

Written in the same style as Citizen Soldiers, D-Day covers the Longest Day in great detail. In addition to the details of battle and strategy, the best part of book is the personal stories of veterans who fought in the battle. This is what brings history alive and it is the strong point of Stephen Ambrose's writing.

Band of Brothers

An amazing book, probably my favorite, and that is a hard choice. I guess the best part of this book is its subjects. The men of Easy Company are both heroic and human. Ordinary guys from all over the country come together in extraordinary circumstances to do what few of them every imagined. If you liked the mini series on HBO, (I loved it) you will love this book.