National Military Appreciation Month in May honors the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces, including 1.3 million active-duty personnel, national guard, reserves, veterans, and their families. May is an appropriate month for a military remembrance, since the month also includes VE Day, which commemorates the end of World War II in Europe, and culminates in Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May to honor veterans who died in service.
Here are some recently published works available with your Livingston Library card that remind us of the immense valor, sacrifice, commitment and dedication displayed by our men and women in uniform.
The After : A Veteran’s Notes on Coming Home by Michael Ramos
Across twenty-four nonlinear essays, Ramos explores life as a soldier, civilian, veteran, and teacher. Rather than a redemption story, it offers a raw, honest portrayal that resists easy answers and reminds veterans they’re not alone.
American Heroes by James Patterson
A collection that tells the true stories of U.S. military service members. Through interviews and firsthand accounts, it highlights their bravery, sacrifices, and personal struggles in combat and beyond, aiming to give a human, unfiltered look at modern war and the people who fight it.
The Ballad of Roy Benavidez : The Life and Times of America’s Most Famous Hispanic War Hero by William Sturkey
Tells the powerful true story of Roy Benavidez, a Mexican American Green Beret who rose from poverty and discrimination to become a Vietnam War hero. After risking his life to rescue fellow soldiers in a brutal 1968 battle, he earned the Medal of Honor and became a symbol of courage—while also facing ongoing struggles with injury, recognition, and identity in America.
The Boys in the Light : An Extraordinary World War II Story of Survival, Faith, and Brotherhood by Nina Willner
This true story follows two parallel World War II journeys: a group of young U.S. soldiers and Eddie Willner, a Jewish teenager who survived Nazi camps, including Auschwitz. Their paths collide when the soldiers rescue Eddie and his friend, revealing the human cost of the Holocaust and the powerful bonds forged in war.
Duty, Honor, Country, & Life: A Tribute to the American Spirit by William H. McRaven
A reflective collection of speeches and essays centered on service, leadership, and character. Drawing on his military career, McRaven shares lessons about discipline, sacrifice, and resilience, emphasizing the values that define both military service and the broader American spirit.
Fighting the Night : Iwo Jima, World War II, and a Flyer’s Life by Paul Hendrickson
The profoundly moving story of the author’s father’s wartime service as a night fighter pilot, and the prices paid by him, and other soldiers, for their acts of selfless, patriotic sacrifice.
Forgotten Souls : The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen by Cheryl W. Thompson
NPR investigative journalist and the daughter of a Tuskegee Airman, Thompson explores the stories of the 27 Tuskegee Airmen – the Black pilots who fought for America in WWII – who went missing in combat, the lives they lived, the reasons their planes went down, why the remains of all but two were never found, and the impact their disappearances had on their families and communities.
I Have Your Back : How an American Soldier Became an International Hero by Tom Sileo
The story of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, who, inspired by his father and the events of 9/11, dedicated his life to saving others. After earning his Ranger tab and deploying to Afghanistan, he showed extraordinary bravery during a 2013 Taliban attack, sacrificing his life to protect a Polish officer. His heroism earned top military honors from both the United States and Poland.
A Patriot’s Promise : Protecting My Brothers, Fighting for my Life, and Keeping My Word by Israel Jr. Del Toro
This memoir follows Israel “DT” Del Toro Jr., an Air Force Special Warfare operator who survived a devastating IED blast in Afghanistan. Despite severe burns and grim odds, he fought back to recover, re-enlist, and continue honoring a lifelong promise to care for others—becoming an advocate for wounded veterans.
Running Deep: Bravery, Survival, and the True Story of the Deadliest Submarine in World War II by Tom Clavin
This book recounts the true story of the USS Tang, World War II’s most successful U.S. submarine, and its captain, Richard O’Kane. After a record-setting combat run ended in disaster when a torpedo struck their own vessel, O’Kane survived the sinking, endured brutal captivity by the Japanese, and lived to receive the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary leadership and resilience.
Fifteen true tales of American servicemembers overseas are brought to life in graphic novel form, from the heartwarming to heroic, from Vietnam to Afghanistan and everywhere in between.
Unbroken Bonds of Battle: A Modern Warriors Book of Heroism, Patriotism, and Friendship by Johnny Joey Jones
After a life-changing injury in Afghanistan, Jones reflects on the strength of military friendships. Here he shares stories and conversations with fellow veterans about resilience, loss, and the lasting support forged in service.
-Archana Chiplunkar Adult Services & Acquisitions Librarian