The War They Won: The Story of World War II, as told by Those Who Were There

An unprecedented chronicle of the lived experiences of World War II

From the opening attack on Pearl Harbor, through the European and Pacific theaters, to the far-flung corners of the world, The War They Won is a journey alongside the brave men and women who fought and sacrificed to defeat the Axis powers. This narrative-driven account of the Second World War is told by those who experienced it firsthand. The author, the late Lt. Hobart K. Kistler, USN, personally interviewed more than 150 veterans of the war. Their personal experiences and perspectives form the core of this book, allowing a view of the war that is both personal and broad in its scope.

The book covers every major battle of the war including Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and Iwo Jima, as well as battles in lesser-known locales such as Alaska, India, and North Africa. Each chapter features voices of the people who served in those battles, along with historical details and descriptions of the environment. With more than 200 photos and maps, this immersive book will help you experience World War II as never before.

A native of Central Pennsylvania, Lt. Hobart K. Kistler graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy and Johns Hopkins University. From 2013 to 2021, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, completing three deployments in support of the Global War on Terror, as well as a staff assignment in Washington, D.C., in the Office of Naval Reactors. Hobie passed away in 2021, after completing the first and second drafts of this book. The War They Won was completed in the ensuing years by his brother and editor, Peter Kistler, with help from their family.