An anthology of 50 biographical portraits of key American figures—people whose heroism has in some way shaped American society. This group of great Americans was not famous or successful merely by the standards of their own time. Something about their achievements, whether familiar or not, transcends their time to make their greatness resonate throughout history. These American heroes, either as household names or through contributions that we recognize even though the contributors are not as well known, have become woven into the fabric of American history. Their achievements are diverse, but we recognize their spirit as uniquely American.

Arlington National Cemetery spreads across the rolling hills west of the Potomac, a serene and reverent sanctuary for the presidents, soldiers, and heroes—famous and unsung alike—who lie in eternal rest among its green lawns and quiet glades, a roster dating back to America's birth and including many of the foremost names in our history. Bittersweet, breath taking, sometimes heart–wrenching, always deeply respectful, this commemorative book guides readers gently over tree–lined slopes to share the ceremonies observed throughout the year. Captured in stunning color by a select group of gifted photographers, more than 200 unforgettable images create a portrait as poignant as it is proud.

The First Heroes

Immediately after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to restore the honor of the United States with a dramatic act of vengeance: a retaliatory bombing raid on Tokyo. On April 18, 1942, eighty brave young men, led by the famous daredevil Jimmy Doolittle, took off from a navy carrier in the mid-Pacific on what everyone regarded as a suicide mission but instead became a resounding American victory and helped turn the tide of the war. The First Heroes is the story of that mission. Meticulously researched and based on interviews with twenty of the surviving Tokyo Raiders, this is a true account that almost defies belief, a tremendous human drama of great personal courage, and a powerful reminder that ordinary people, when faced with extraordinary circumstances, can rise to the challenge of history.

This book is a personal history of a young Marine during World War II. This book tells a powerful story that has never been told before and documents a rare look into a "Pioneer Unit", integrated with an infantry unit in the First Marine Division. Kerry Lane tells the riveting true story of his experiences as a Sergeant while serving with a Marine Pioneer Battalion during the Battle of Guadalcanal and the swamp battle known as "Suicide Creek" in the jungles of Cape Gloucester, New Britain. Assisted by the Marine Historical Center and other Pioneers, Kerry Lane has gathered numerous battlefield stories, anecdotes, and experiences told by those who were there and who lived them. With his own battlefield experiences providing an understanding of men in war, he has crafted an interesting book that tells those stories of marine pioneers in battle.