Customer Reviews

XVIII Airborne Corps in Desert Storm

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I fought in Desert Storm with the XVIIIth Airborne Corps. This is the first book I've read that covers the essential role filled by the XVIIIth Airborne Corps in the defense of Saudi Arabia and the liberation of Kuwait. Col. Toomey presents a thoroughly researched book that presents a complete picture of both Desert Shield and Desert Storm to include the highlights and pitfalls encountered during the largest mobilization and land battle since WWII. He not only covered the Combat Arms viewpoints but also those of the Support Personnel and those who must remain behind and run the Rear Detachments.

It was enjoyable to read a history book and say to myself "I've been there!" or "I remember that battle!" or "I know that person, I worked with him!". The XVIII Airborne Corps in Desert Storm: From Planning to Victory is by far one of the best books written on the Gulf War, I was thoroughly engrossed in it and strongly recommend it. This book is an absolute must have for those who fought in Desert Storm, but also would be enjoyed by anyone who has served in the Military is a Military enthusiast.

As a Gulf War veteran, I thought I knew what had happened. This book provided information I had not known. I feel more qualified to discuss my part in this war now that I fully understand the role of the XVIII Airborne Corps.

This is a book that should be on everyones shelf. It is minute by minute book about the history of the famed XVIII Airborne Corps. Mr Toomey got it right when he wrote this book. It give you a hard look into what went into building an elite fighting force and the people who made it happen.

This book is a "Victory" for its author and those who went to war under the shoulder patch of the XVIII Abn. Corps

Book was delivered quickly and in advertised condition. I would definitely order from them again. Great experience!! Highly recommended!!

This book tells a very complete story of the 18th Airborne Corps in Desert Storm.

I have read few dozens of books related to Persian Gulf War 1991. The book is rated the best hardcore book full of precious military experience and insight. If you want to know about what really happened to XVIII airborne corps in 1990-1991, it is a must read.

Tom Clancy-like in its telling, Toomey's tale is a great read - simultaneously a broad and a detailed account of the XVIII Airborne Corps in the 1991 Gulf War.

Soldiers' testimonies resonate the feel of the battlefield -

"Major Jerry Bolzak was in his battalion TOC sipping a cup of MRE cocoa when `all of a sudden there was this `KAWOOM,' and the whole flipping tent shook like crazy, map boards falling off.'"

Or of the operational perspective at the tactical level (this of the French 6th Light Armored Division) -

"H-hour had been set for 1400, but an overcast sky and a light rain delayed the start of the assault. At 1430, the weather had improved enough to allow a squadron of A-10s and 3rd RHC to make their target runs. The A-10 Warthogs went in first, dropping precision munitions onto hangers and bunkers, followed by the Gazelles with their HOT missiles...."

Or the big picture: a chapter overview of "Doctrine," "The Corps Plan," "Hurdles," "Execution," "XVIII Airborne Corps Deception Plan," "The Corps Rear Command Post," "The Reserve Components," and "Rear Detachments."

Toomey weaves in soldiers' humor (at least in retrospect it's funny), this as related by the just-arrived and bedded-down-in-a-hanger Commander 1-505th -

"About 12:30 that night, in comes this truck with these little bags of Hardees hamburgers. Same damn s*** again. So we wake everybody up to eat. About an hour later, I was trying to get some rest and my PA says, `Sir, it's an emergency. Guys have diarrhea and there's no place to s***.'"

Thoroughly documented - tactical maps, over 150 pages of footnotes (some column-long footnotes themselves tell a story), troop lists, glossary, & references - the narrative is a rare page-turner of a history. Whether you're a serious student seeking lessons learned or a recreational reader in need of a good beach book, you'll be pleased with Toomey's "...Planning to Victory."