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The Close-Combat Files of Colonel Rex Applegate
 
 
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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...)
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

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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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    #58 in  Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Special Topics > Military Engineering

More About the Author

Rex Applegate
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This book cites 34 books:
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Customer Reviews

9 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.4 out of 5 stars (9 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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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.
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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.
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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.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, valuable history
This is one of those books that fills in the gaps about the time and persons of WW2. It offers that behind the scenes views of the training and rational behind it for the first... Read more
Published 1 day ago by Peter J. Evans

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic historical important book on close quarter combat by the late Col. Applegate.
This was the last book by the legendary Col. Rex Applegate before he passed away. His most well-known books are: Kill or get Killed and Use of the Double-Edged fighting knife... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Joseph J. Truncale

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent souce of WWII vintage information
An excellent book overall and a welcome addition to any library featuring special operations and espionage during World War II and/or the works of Col. Applegate. Read more
Published on October 23, 2005 by James Hayden

5.0 out of 5 stars Hand-to-hand combat in the postmodern world
Chuck Melson's book on the late Col. Rex Applegate should be read and absorbed by those in our military who are enamoured with the Asian martial arts and are trying to hoist them... Read more
Published on March 10, 2002 by Morgan H. Norval

1.0 out of 5 stars Bait and Switch
This is not a book for the novice to learn basic self defense techniques. There are only two pictures on self defense. The rest is written. Read more
Published on November 21, 2001 by Steven J Day

5.0 out of 5 stars Matt temkin from NYC
AS the son of a WW2 Ranger ( who was trained by the British Commandos) and a friend/student of Col. Read more
Published on June 19, 2001 by matthew temkin

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