This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

My Life in the Red Army chronicles Polish 19-year old Fred Virski's experiences as a drafted soldier in the Russian army during World War 2. With a wry tone rarely seen in a combat memoir, Virski describes the hardships, the near-starvation rations, the inadequate clothing, and his tense interactions with officers and agents of the NKVD (secret police). He is wounded twice; earns a Medal of Valor (which he later loses for insubordination); witnesses (and survives) atrocities committed by both the Germans and the Soviets; is branded a deserter; and somehow finds time to fall in love. A testimony to the will of the human spirit in face of impossible odds, My Life in the Red Army is a must read for fans of World War 2 biographies.

"A highly readable and distinctly 21st-century boy's own tale." BEN SUMMERSKILL OBESeeking escape from the quiet countryside of North Wales, the young James Wharton joined the British Army with adventure on his mind - and he found it...At basic training, boozing and brawling accompany the daily trials of army life, but all the while James faces a battle of his own: he is gay, and finding the courage to tell not only his family and friends but also his fellow soldiers will be the biggest challenge of all.Written with searing honesty, and updated to include a new chapter, James charts his incredible journey from punchbag to poster boy, describing the troubles and trials of coming to terms with his sexuality via late nights in Soho clubs and early mornings at ceremonial events.The first openly gay person to appear on the cover of Soldier, the British Army's official magazine, James has played an active role in developing support networks for gay men and women within the forces.A courageous and candid account from the soldier who escorted the Queen to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, endured rocket attacks in the deserts of Iraq and served bravely alongside Prince Harry on the plains of Canada - this is James's life out in the army."A fascinating and charming insight into a remarkable life that wouldn't have been possible just a few years ago." MATT CAIN, FORMER CUL TURE EDITOR, CHANNEL 4 NEWS

After a computer error identified his so-called 'drink problem' and he ends up in hospital suffering from concussion (two totally unconnected incidents!), Mike's journey is tempered with a hefty dose of self-deprecating wit mixed with a genuine and touching commitment to the welfare of his patients. From the tragic to the terrifying and the farcical to the funny, this is a gloriously irreverent memoir written by a real modern day hero.