Patrick K. O’Donnell is a bestselling, critically-acclaimed military historian who specializes in elite units. He has written thirteen books, including his latest bestseller, The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln’s Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America’s Special Operations. His other bestsellers include The Indispensables, The Unknowns, and Washington’s Immortals.
During the Battle of Fallujah, O’Donnell served as a combat historian in a Marine rifle platoon. He is an expert on espionage, special operations, and counterinsurgency, having provided historical consulting for DreamWorks’ award-winning miniseries Band of Brothers and documentaries produced by the BBC, the History Channel, and Discovery. Patrick K. O’Donnell can be found online at PatrickKODonnell.com or on Twitter @combathistorian.
The Unvanquished is a fascinating book that tells the story of Mosby’s Rangers during the Civil War. The Rangers were an elite group of Confederate soldiers led by John S. Mosby, who were known for their daring raids and skill in evading Union forces. O’Donnell delves deep into the history of these Rangers, revealing how they played a crucial role in altering the course of the Civil War.
The book is also a captivating tale of psychological warfare and fear, as Mosby’s Rangers were able to create an atmosphere of paranoia among Union soldiers by constantly slipping in and out of their grasp. O’Donnell masterfully recounts the various engagements between Mosby’s Rangers and Union forces, including the famous Scout toward Aldie raid led by Massachusetts Governor John A. Andrew and Union General Herman Haupt.
Through his research, O’Donnell also uncovers the story of Lincoln’s special forces, who were created to hunt down Mosby’s Rangers. These soldiers were tasked with infiltrating Confederate ranks and gathering intelligence on the enemy’s movements. Their tactics and techniques would later inspire the creation of modern special operations units during World War II.
In addition to these fascinating historical accounts, The Unvanquished also provides insight into how the events of the Civil War shaped America’s approach to warfare and national security. O’Donnell argues that the shadow war fought between Mosby’s Rangers and Union forces laid the foundation for many of the tactics used by special operations units today.
Overall, The Unvanquished is an engaging and informative read that will captivate history buffs and military enthusiasts alike. Whether you are interested in learning more about the Civil War or simply enjoy a well-told story, this book is sure to deliver.