Combat Veterans' Stories of World War II: Volume 2: Pacific, China, and Burma, August 1942 - September 1945

By: Norman Black

Narrated by: Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret

The stories of 15 combat veterans featured in this audiobook tell of the experiences of average Americans who fought US enemies on Pacific islands, in China, and in Burma during World War II. They relate much previously unavailable information about the military in which they served and the battles they fought. The possibility of death and permanent physical and mental injury was their common experience. This audiobook is a "must listen" for those who think they have learned all there is to know about World War II.

©2015 Norman Black (P)2015 Norman Black

This book should be required listening in schools

This is the second of Norman Black's books I've listened to - see my other review for more details.

Truly I can't say enough good things about these books. This is not a rip-roaring Hollywood story where chisel-jawed superstars chew quirky cigars and call people by random nicknames. This is a collection of first-hand accounts of the reality of warfare directly from the mouths of the people who fought in battles, who lost friends, who saw bravery and cruelty close-up and somehow managed to live to tell the tale.

These audiobooks are not recounted like a storybook - and they are better for it - Kevin Spalding narrates the books excellently to bring to life the stream of consciousness that the various combatants gave up while being interviewed for their accounts of their experiences.

Honestly, these accounts should be preserved as historical documents - the style is more like PBS or a well-researched BBC documentary and pretty soon all the people involved in these conflicts will be gone and we'll allow ourselves to gradually forget what they went through and how completely, utterly brutal the times they lived in were. It sounds like hyperbole to say they should be a part of the public archives but I assure you they really should be.

Listening to the matter-of-fact narratives from the guys (combatants in that era were almost exclusively male) who describe such wonderful normality of life prior to enlistment juxtaposed by such truly humbling descriptions of what they went through. Really, I thought I knew a fair bit about this time in world history but to hear these men speak of the real horror of war, of the people they lost, the almost throw-away lines line "and then a sniper shot him through the head not more than three feet away from me" is just an eye-opener.

Included in these accounts is that of the well-known journalist Norman Hatch who was famously photographed feeding a small cat water by the tracks of a tank. To hear his own words covering the background of not just this well-published photo but also how he got to be there in the first place along with his gritty experiences of so many things that he saw and could not unsee should be enough in itself for you to get this book...but if that's the only reason then you're going to be pleased to find that there is so much more to this comprehensive collection of reality and testaments from real people who went through hell and came out the other side.

I received this audiobook as a gift from Kevin Spalding after I mentioned how much I liked the other book in the series by Norman Black. Don't let that put you off - my praise for this audiobook is completely genuine. It's definitely worth your time. If I'd not liked the book there was no requirement for me to leave a review - but in fact I think an accurate review in this case is completely required, for the memories of these men, for the things they saw.

You Are There

Would you consider the audio edition of Combat Veterans' Stories of World War II: Volume 2: Pacific, China, and Burma, August 1942 - September 1945 to be better than the print version?

I have not had the opportunity to read the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Richard M. Murchs, because I am also a veteran from the South east Asia area. I spent 10 months while serving in the Air Force in Thailand, Los and Cambodia, 1969. I also remember the movie "Merrill's Marauders" with Jeff Chandler..Listening to Richard's story brought great memories .

Have you listened to any of Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, Captain Spalding has a way of speaking , that the listener almost feels as if he is right in the room with the actual person listening to the interview.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Real Men, Real heroes

Any additional comments?

I believe because the narrator is a veteran himself, he can relate and tell the story better than a non-veteran, that would not have anything in common with the character of the book. I enjoyed this book, as well as others that Captain Spalding has narrated and look forward to reading/hearing many more.

Hours of boredom accentuated by terror

Would you consider the audio edition of Combat Veterans' Stories of World War II: Volume 2: Pacific, China, and Burma, August 1942 - September 1945 to be better than the print version?

Yes, much better to listen to the stories and hear Captain Spalding's voice describing the events

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ceborn Christopher--He was a tiny little guy that just wanted to serve. The Navy rejected him, but he didn't give up and was accepted by the Marines. Reminded me of the little guy that became Captain American in the movies.

What about Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret’s performance did you like?

I like the different voices, tones and manner that he described the stories!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Just and extreme appreciation for all of the military personnel who fought and sacrificed to make our country safe.

Any additional comments?

Thank you, thank you! to all of the service men and women, past and present, who sacrifice, fight, and suffer so that we can live free!

First hand accounts from american history

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I highly recommend this book. It is an important first hand account by veterans from some of the greatest battles in the South Pacific. We have fewer and fewer of our WWII veterans left so it's fantastic to hear them talk about these important moments in American history.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Combat Veterans' Stories of World War II: Volume 2: Pacific, China, and Burma, August 1942 - September 1945?

I was fascinated by the emotional tales from stressful combat situations, first hand accounts of what it was like to confront the enemy up close and the impact of these events on their lives after the war. It was interesting to hear about battles from different veteran's perspectives.

Personal accounts of the horrors of war

What made the experience of listening to Combat Veterans' Stories of World War II: Volume 2: Pacific, China, and Burma, August 1942 - September 1945 the most enjoyable?

This was an extension to the first book titled: "Combat Veterans' Stories of World War II: Volume 1: North Africa and Europe, November 1942-May 1945" which I had earlier enjoyed very much. I was the same premise; ordinary men and women talking of their experiences in the Theatre of war, but this time in a different setting.

What other book might you compare Combat Veterans' Stories of World War II: Volume 2: Pacific, China, and Burma, August 1942 - September 1945 to and why?

This is the second (and I think final?) book of in the series of true military stories; so obviously it's very similar to ther first book.

What does Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Kevin added authority to the voices, and gave them a sense of authenticity.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did want to, but I never have that much free time, I did enjoy my time listening to this book.

Any additional comments?

A great follow up to Norman's first book. Very enjoyable and some sad stories, set in the Korean theatre.

I received this book for free in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Combat Veterans Vol 2

The stories where unique, and I heard aspects of the war which are not frequently told. (from photographer, OSS saboteur, raider). They also go in detail about their post-war life, sometimes with more detail then their war record. This is very interesting as well, some lived a very public life. Congressman, Lawyers, etc.

There were a few moments which made me chuckle, like when the one solider had his stash of smokes bushwhacked by the Chinese military. And there were some moments which where tragic or sad. One of the veterans mentioned he lived in my small hometown for a few years!

I thought it was a good idea that the author wrote down the words used by the veteran, no matter if it was proper English or not. This helped build the persona of the individual. However, this is no offense to the narrator who did a great job, and I know it would be a logistical nightmare, but if each veteran was to narrate their own story, it would be awesome. Or, if a supplemental to the audio book was included with photos of the veterans, it would help put a face to the words.

I have added volume 1 to my cart! Thank you for sharing these veteran’s stories!

This book was provided free by Audio Blast in exchange for my unbiased review.

Interesting and very informative reading

This book is very interesting and informative. If you have an interest in history and/or WW2 I'm sure you will enjoy this read.

The interviews are told so authentic it's like you are hearing the stories out of the mouth of these former soldiers

You get a good insight in how it was to be in the battlefield back in the day

Really resonates

Great historical perspective. We should take more time to learn about what our military personnel have sacrificed for our country.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

History played out before us!

What did you love best about Combat Veterans' Stories of World War II: Volume 2: Pacific, China, and Burma, August 1942 - September 1945?

These were true stories told by men who lived in an amazing time and had amazing stories to share.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Because there were so many different stories and different characters it is hard to call out one specific character.

Have you listened to any of Capt. Kevin F. Spalding USNR-Ret’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first Capt Spalding performance, Job well done!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reactions, although I did spend most of time "shaking my head" at the stories that each man told of his respective experiences.

good stories.

i received this book in exchange for an honest reveiw. i enjoyed it a lot.