The Heights of Courage - (Contributions in Military Studies) by Avigdor Kahalani (Hardcover)

About the Book

In October 1973, the State of Israel was invaded by Egyptian and Syrian forces. Despite early losses, Israel managed to outfight its opponents. The brief and bloody Yom Kippur War stands as a unique chapter in modern military history. Fought primarily by tank units, the war became a story not only of battle strategy and tactics, but also one of human discipline, endurance and sacrifice.

While many historians have chronicled the events of the Yom Kippur War, few have been seasoned by actual combat. Avigdor Kahalani, commander of a tank battalion on the Golan Heights during the Yom Kippur War, describes this experience in The Heights of Courage. Beginning with a description of the initial Syrian offensive, he recounts the personal endeavors of his men, their fears and their ambitions, as well as their emotional and physical hardships. His stark account traces the efforts of the Israel Armored Corps as they struggle to overcome extreme difficulties and setbacks. The author describes their ultimate penetration into enemy territory and their approach to within forty kilometers of Damascus.

Book Synopsis

In October 1973, the State of Israel was invaded by Egyptian and Syrian forces. Despite early losses, Israel managed to outfight its opponents. The brief and bloody Yom Kippur War stands as a unique chapter in modern military history. Fought primarily by tank units, the war became a story not only of battle strategy and tactics, but also one of human discipline, endurance and sacrifice.

While many historians have chronicled the events of the Yom Kippur War, few have been seasoned by actual combat. Avigdor Kahalani, commander of a tank battalion on the Golan Heights during the Yom Kippur War, describes this experience in The Heights of Courage. Beginning with a description of the initial Syrian offensive, he recounts the personal endeavors of his men, their fears and their ambitions, as well as their emotional and physical hardships. His stark account traces the efforts of the Israel Armored Corps as they struggle to overcome extreme difficulties and setbacks. The author describes their ultimate penetration into enemy territory and their approach to within forty kilometers of Damascus.

Review Quotes

?A gripping tale of battlefield action on the Golan Heights during the early days of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, told by an Israeli tank battalion commander. The book originally appeared in Israel and was well received. It is an essential contribution to the study of military leadership, the combat situation, and the military history of the 1973 conflict. The author describes in great detail the containment action by Israeli armor, which led to offensive action against Syrian forces. The description is augmented by daily accounts that include conversations, orders, etc., which help to place the reader in the thick of things. More than a simple war story, this is recommended for a wide audience.?-Library Journal

"A gripping tale of battlefield action on the Golan Heights during the early days of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, told by an Israeli tank battalion commander. The book originally appeared in Israel and was well received. It is an essential contribution to the study of military leadership, the combat situation, and the military history of the 1973 conflict. The author describes in great detail the containment action by Israeli armor, which led to offensive action against Syrian forces. The description is augmented by daily accounts that include conversations, orders, etc., which help to place the reader in the thick of things. More than a simple war story, this is recommended for a wide audience."-Library Journal

About the Author

AVIGDOR KAHALANI, a war hero, commanded the 7th Brigade, an Israeli tank battalion, during the Yom Kippur War. Now retired and serving in the reserve forces, he headed Israel's General Staff College until recently. He now oversees the Amal Network of 93 vocational schools, enrolling 13,000 Israeli youths and adults.