Today's U.S. Army and Marine Corps infantrymen do the nation's dirty work using a combination of the most modern weaponry and the most time-honored military skills. They get to the action by varied means: parachute, helicopter, armored carrier, and landing craft. They fight in jungles, deserts, and cities. Night vision systems let them see in the dark. Compact long range radios allow them to call down the thunder. Strong legs, quick reflexes, sharp eyes, and stout character make it all work. In the infantry, courage still counts. Even in this era of high technology, a crucial part of ground combat remains traditional. In this death ground stand the infantry, foot soldiers armed with hand weapons. Two thousand years ago, they used swords and spears. Now they carry rifles or machine guns but their task has not changed at all. Infantrymen close with their enemies and kill them, often in the most personal and brutal ways imaginable. This is their story. In "Death Ground" professional soldier and historian Daniel P. Bolger describes today's American infantry from an insider's perspective. Through his lucid examination of seven recent American infantry campaigns, Bolger explains what happens when young soldiers clash by night with rifle, grenade, and bayonet in hand. Welcome to the world of combat riflemen. Welcome to death ground.

Preface -- Prologue: a few good men -- Death from above -- Stormbringers -- Hell on wheels -- Direct action -- Brave rifles -- Africa Corps -- Epilogue: the last rifleman -- Appendix: active Army and Marine Infantry battalions.