The Close-Combat Files of Colonel Rex Applegate (Paperback)

~ (Author), Chuck Melson (Author), Col. Rex Applegate (Author), Maj. Chuck Melson (Author) "A look at the record establishes Rex Applegate's unique position in the development of close-combat skills in the last half of the 20th century..." (more)
Key Phrases: instinctive pointing type, instinctive pointing method, sentry killing, Rex Applegate, New York, World War (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This is the remarkable story of how Col. Rex Applegate, William Fairbairn, Eric Sykes and Wild Bill Donovan trained and employed OSS and MID commandos during WWII. Includes the facts behind the development of point shooting, knife fighting, hand-to-hand combat and a staggering number of other fighting skills as taught by the top instructors of the era. Contains rare archival photos and the Colonel's graphic original lesson plans.

About the Author

Col. Rex Applegate was universally recognized as America's foremost authority on close combat with or without weapons.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873649982
• ISBN-13: 978-0873649988
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #109,251 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must own!, August 20, 2001

By	Anthony Cataldo (Jupiter, Fl www.CombatDojo.com) - See all my reviews

As the founder and chief instructor of a system of self-defense training, incorporating both armed and unarmed self-defense techniques, I ve found the information in this book to be the most practical and realistic with regards to CQB, than any other publication. Col. Applegate utilizes practical, effective and efficient tactics and techniques with the handgun and knife for close combat encounters of a lethal nature. The point shooting technique is a reactive and reflexive method of a spontaneous shooting response, which has been scientifically proven as the natural response by a person under life endangering stress, a technique Fairbairn, Sykes, and Applegate knew 58 years ago. As a police officer of 20 years and an instructor of police officer survival skills, I know his techniques work. This is an excellent book for realistic close quarter combat. A must own book for self defense and police defensive tactics instructors.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended., December 19, 1998

By A Customer

This book is a must read for students of WWII history, particularly those interested in the combatives training of the OSS. There are many personal reminescences by Applegate on other combatives instructors. In the course of his work he met WE Fairbairn, EA Sykes, John Styers, and Drexel Biddle. The development of the curriculum that was taught is of special interest.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Historic Information on Close Combat, May 13, 2002

By A Customer

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This book provides a great history of the development of close combat by Applegate and his contemporaries. It is a wonderful combination of original "lesson plans" with well-documented historical details and photographs about the people and events that lead to the ideas contained in those lesson plans. There is also some good follow-up on what happened to these concepts after WWII.

This is a great historic document, however I think that the author could have done several relatively small things that would have added a great deal to making the book more "user friendly". First, a glossary would have been nice. There are many acronyms; I would have liked a central place to look them up and also read a few basic details about the related organizations (and people) that were not provided in the main text. Second, a time-line would have been awesome because it could have summarized the information in the book and could also have offered additional (brief) details on Applegate's life and/or the lives of his contemporaries. Finally, some minor editing could have removed some redundant material and left room for my previous suggestions.