Faced with an accusation from the US Army's highest legal authority in 1952, Grossman left his unit stationed in Bavaria and swam the Danube to East Germany. He traces his childhood and experiences as a student, worker, and soldier; then describes life in his new home among a surprisingly large community of defectors. There is no index. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Rare firsthand accounts from Native Americans who fought in the War of 1812. Native peoples played major roles in the War of 1812 as allies of both the United States and Great Britain, but few wrote about their conflict experiences. Two famously wrote down their stories: Black Hawk, the British-allied chief of the still-independent Sauks from the upper Mississippi, and American soldier William Apess, a Christian convert from the Pequots who lived on a reservation in Connecticut. Carl Benn explores the wartime passages of their autobiographies, in which they detail their decisions to take up arms, their experiences in the fighting, their broader lives within the context of native-newcomer relations, and their views on such critical issues as aboriginal independence. Scholars, students, and general readers interested in indigenous and military history in the early American republic will appreciate these important memoirs, along with Benn's helpful introductions and annotations.

Joseph Plumb Martin's 'The Memoirs of a Revolutionary Soldier' is a firsthand account of the American Revolutionary War, providing readers with a unique perspective on the hardships and triumphs experienced by the soldiers who fought for independence. Written in a straightforward and unembellished style, Martin's memoir offers a raw and honest portrayal of the harsh realities of war, including battles, marches, and the struggles of daily life as a soldier. This literary work gives readers an intimate look at the sacrifices made by those who fought for a new nation, making it a valuable primary source for historians and anyone interested in the Revolutionary War period. Martin's vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes bring to life the courage and resilience of the soldiers who helped shape American history. Joseph Plumb Martin's own experiences as a soldier in the war undoubtedly influenced his decision to pen this invaluable memoir, providing readers with an authentic and unfiltered account of a pivotal time in American history. 'The Memoirs of a Revolutionary Soldier' is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and struggles faced by the men who fought for freedom during the Revolutionary War.