Reviews"Everyone's heard of the 7th Cavalry, but our 7th Infantry Regiment has even more battle streamers on its flag and a more-impressive record of victories. John C. MCMANUS has paid the Cottonbalers (the nickname recalls their valor at the Battle of New Orleans) a worthy and overdue tribute in this superb chronicle of battalion-by-battalion heroism from Korea to Iraq. Grab this book--and buy a copy for a soldier you know!" --Ralph Peters, author of Wars of Blood and Faith "McManus masterfully captures the heart and soul of the warriors of the 7th--remarkable storytelling by a highly skilled historian." --W.E.B. Griffin, New York Times bestselling author "One of our foremost military historians, John C. McManus has written a powerful, visceral tribute to every American who ever served in combat. Nominally about one America army unit, the book is really about the American soldier, why he serves and why he fights. McManus puts flesh and faces on the term 'home of the brave.' This book brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with pride." --Stephen Coonts, author of The Assassin, "Everyone's heard of the 7th Cavalry, but our 7th Infantry Regiment has even more battle streamers on its flag and a more-impressive record of victories. John C. MCMANUS has paid the Cottonbalers (the nickname recalls their valor at the Battle of New Orleans) a worthy and overdue tribute in this superb chronicle of battalion-by-battalion heroism from Korea to Iraq. Grab this book--and buy a copy for a soldier you know!" --Ralph Peters, author ofWars of Blood and Faith"McManus masterfully captures the heart and soul of the warriors of the 7th--remarkable storytelling by a highly skilled historian." --W.E.B. Griffin, New York Timesbestselling author"One of our foremost military historians, John C. McManus has written a powerful, visceral tribute to every American who ever served in combat. Nominally about one America army unit, the book is really about the American soldier, why he serves and why he fights. McManus puts flesh and faces on the term 'home of the brave.' This book brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with pride." --Stephen Coonts, author ofThe Assassin, "Everyone's heard of the 7th Cavalry, but our 7th Infantry Regiment has even more battle streamers on its flag and a more-impressive record of victories. John C. MCMANUS has paid the Cottonbalers (the nickname recalls their valor at the Battle of New Orleans) a worthy and overdue tribute in this superb chronicle of battalion-by-battalion heroism from Korea to Iraq. Grab this book--and buy a copy for a soldier you know!" --Ralph Peters, author of Wars of Blood and Faith "McManus masterfully captures the heart and soul of the warriors of the 7th--remarkable storytelling by a highly skilled historian." --W.E.B. Griffin, New York Times bestselling author "One of our foremost military historians, John C. McManus has written a powerful, visceral tribute to every American who ever served in combat. Nominally about one America army unit, the book is really about the American soldier, why he serves and why he fights. McManus puts flesh and faces on the term 'home of the brave.' This book brought tears to my eyes and filled my heart with pride." --Stephen Coonts, author of The Assassin
SynopsisThe 7th Infantry's motto, "Willing and Able," speaks volumes about its past. Throughout America's history, the soldiers of this regiment have proven, through their sacrifice, their bloodshed and their sweat, that they are willing and able to fight America's wars. At practically ever crucial moment, the 7th has been there, shaping the future of the country and, by extension, the world. Acclaimed historian John C. McManus takes readers through the amazing story of this ever-present regiment in modern warfare, from Korea to its current toils in the Middle East. McManus tells the tale of those ordinary infantrymen who have always made up the 7th. These soldiers have always been, and probably always will be, the heart and soul of the United States Army. The 7th is a vital part of America's military tradition, and McManus tells its story complete with the struggle, anguish, fear, sacrifice, triumph, and pride of its soldiers. McManus provides a compelling glimpse of not only the infantryman's journey through American history, but the shaping of our nation as a whole., "McManus masterfully captures the heart and soul of the warriors of the 7th - remarkable storytelling by a highly skilled historian." --W.E.B. Griffin