Merrill's Marauders : The Untold Story of Unit Galahad and the Toughest Special Forces Mission of World War II

In August of 1943, a call went out for American soldiers willing to embark on a "hazardous and dangerous mission" behind enemy lines in Burma. The war department wanted 3,000 volunteers, and it didn't care who they were; they would be expendable, with an expected casualty rate of 85 percent. The men who took up the challenge were, in the words of one, "bums and cast-offs" with rap sheets and reputations for trouble. One war reporter described them as "Dead End Kids," but by the end of their five-month mission, those that remained had become the legendary "Merrill's Marauders." From award-winning historian Gavin Mortimer, Merrill's Marauders is the story of the American World War II special forces unit originally codenamed "Galahad," which, in 1944, fought its way through 700 miles of snake-infested Burmese jungle--what Winston Churchill described as "the most forbidding fighting country imaginable." Though their mission to disrupt Japanese supply lines and communications was ultimately successful, paving the way for the Allied conquest of Burma, the Marauders paid a terrible price for their victory. By the time they captured the crucial airfield of Myitkyina in May 1944, only 200 of the original 3,000 men remained; the rest were dead, wounded, or riddled with disease. This is the definitive nonfiction narrative of arguably the most extraordinary, but also unsung, American special forces unit in World War II. A critically acclaimed historian reveals the heroism and perseverance of a US Army special ops unit during one of the most overlooked campaigns of WWII. In August of 1943, a call went out for American soldiers willing to embark on a "hazardous and dangerous mission" behind enemy lines in Burma. The war department wanted 3,000 volunteers, and it didn't care who they were; they would be expendable, with an expected casualty rate of eighty-five percent. The men who took up the challenge were, in the words of one, "bums and cast-offs" with rap sheets and reputations for trouble. One war reporter described them as "Dead End Kids," but by the end of their five-month mission, those that remained had become the legendary "Merrill's Marauders." From award-winning historian Gavin Mortimer, Merrill's Marauders is the story of the American World War II special forces unit originally codenamed "Galahad," which, in 1944, fought its way through 700 miles of snake-infested Burmese jungle—what Winston Churchill described as "the most forbidding fighting country imaginable." Though their mission to disrupt Japanese supply lines and communications was ultimately successful, paving the way for the Allied conquest of Burma, the Marauders paid a terrible price for their victory. By the time they captured the crucial airfield of Myitkyina in May 1944, only 200 of the original 3,000 men remained; the rest were dead, wounded, or riddled with disease. This is the definitive nonfiction narrative of arguably the most extraordinary, but also unsung, American special forces unit in World War II. A clear explanation of alkalizing foods and their healing and preventative properties by a gourmet cook and a nutritional therapist Organic gourmet vegetarian cook Natasha Corrett and leading nutritional therapist Vicki Edgson combine their expertise in this fully illustrated guide to eating a balanced alkaline diet that keeps the body in mind. They clearly explain the principles and benefits of this kind of eating, identifying both alkalizing and acid-forming foods, and offering the modern cook a host of flavorful, easy-to-prepare recipes recommended for different times of the day and different stages of life. The first section deals with the the principles of healthy eating; the sources of and role played by vitamins, carbohydrates, and protein; the identification of alkalizing and acid-forming foods; and the ways in which an alkaline diet can nourish the body without placing the digestive system under strain. Readers will learn how to boost their immune systems, increase energy levels, maintain blood sugar levels, and focus the mind through healthy eating. The second section features 100 mouthwatering recipes, from the first smoothie of the morning through delicious salads and mains to the last healthy snack of the day. Each recipe illustrates just how easy it is to prepare delicious and nutritious food that will make you feel great. Includes dual measures. Organic gourmet vegetarian cook Natasha Corrett and leading nutritional therapist Vicki Edgson combine their expertise in this fully illustrated guide to eating a balanced alkaline diet that keeps the body in mind. They clearly explain the principles and benefits of this kind of eating, identifying both alkalizing and acid-forming foods, and offering the modern cook a host of flavorful, easy-to-prepare recipes recommended for different times of the day and different stages of life. The first section deals with the basics: the principles of healthy eating; the sources of and role played by vitamins, carbohydrates, and protein; the identification of alkalizing and acid-forming foods; and the ways in which an alkaline diet can nourish the body without placing the digestive system under strain. Readers will learn how to boost their immune systems, increase energy levels, maintain blood sugar levels, and focus the mind through healthy eating. The second section features 100 mouthwatering recipes, from the first smoothie of the morning through delicious salads and mains to the last healthy snack of the day. Each recipe illustrates just how easy it is to prepare delicious and nutritious food that will make you feel great. Includes dual measures Honestly Healthy is a refreshing cookbook and lifestyle guide promoting balanced and healthy living.