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Spearhead

An American Tank Gunner, His Enemy and a Collision of Lives in World War II
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( 6,541 ratings, 765 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Spearhead by Adam Makos is a compelling narrative focusing on the true story of a tanker crew during World War II. The book explores the journey of an unlikely hero, an American tank driver, as he confronts the fiercest resistance of the German army. With elements of camaraderie, courage, and unforgettable battlefield experiences, it is a gripping tale of resilience and heroism.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This fascinating read might appeal to you if you're interested in personal tales of bravery and camaraderie amidst the chaos of World War II. It offers a gripping account of tank warfare on the Western Front, highlighting the intense experiences and bonds formed among soldiers. If you enjoy stories that delve into historical battles with a focus on individual perspectives, you'll likely find this book captivating.

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From the Sunday Times bestselling author of A Higher Call comes the riveting World War II story of an American tank gunner's journey into the heart of the Third Reich.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

At first, gunner Clarence Smoyer and his fellow crewmen in the legendary 3rd Armored Division Spearhead thought their tanks were invincible. Then they met the German Panther, with a gun so murderous it could shoot through one Sherman and into the next. Soon a pattern emerged: the lead tank always gets hit.

After Clarence sees his friends cut down breaching the West Wall and holding the line in the Battle of the Bulge, he and his crew are given a weapon with the power to avenge their fallen brothers: the Pershing, a state-of-the-art 'super tank', one of twenty in the European theatre.

But with it comes a harrowing new responsibility: now they will spearhead every attack. That's how Clarence finds himself leading the U.S. Army into its largest urban battle of the European war, the fight for Cologne, the 'Fortress City' of Germany.

Battling through the ruins, Clarence will engage the fearsome Panther in a duel immortalised by an army cameraman. And he will square off with Gustav Schaefer, a teenager behind the trigger in a Panzer IV tank, whose crew has been sent on a suicide mission to stop the Americans.

As Clarence and Gustav trade fire down a long boulevard, they are confronted by a tragic mistake of war. What happens next will haunt Clarence to the modern day, drawing him back to Cologne to do the unthinkable: to face his enemy, one last time.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Spearhead delivers an intense and vivid depiction of tank warfare, rivalling cinematic moments. Reviews highlight its gripping narrative and detailed account of tank crewmen from both sides of the conflict, with elements of valor and compassion. It's praised as a compelling and exciting wartime adventure that contributes significantly to World War II history while captivating a wide readership.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781782395812

Publisher: Atlantic Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 March 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Atlantic Books

Edition: Main

Illustration: 2 x16pp b/w plates

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 33.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 395g

Pages: 416

About the Author

Adam Makos is a journalist, historian and editor of the military magazine, Valor. Makos has interviewed countless veterans from the Second World War, Korea, Vietnam, and present-day wars. In 2008 Makos travelled to Iraq to accompany the 101st Airborne and Army Special Forces on their hunt for Al Qaeda terrorists. He is the author, with Larry Alexander, of A Higher Call, which was a Sunday Times bestseller, and Devotion.

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