Father of the Green Berets: General William Yarborough: The Man Who Forged the Green Berets and America’s Paratroopers - Couverture rigide

Christopher Eric 'Moon' Mullins,

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 1036195708 ISBN 13 : 9781036195700

Editeur : Pen & Sword Books Ltd, 2026

Synopsis

Lieutenant General William Pelham Yarborough stands as a titan of the United States’ military innovation in the twentieth-century. His name is synonymous with the development of America’s airborne and Special Forces capabilities. Yet, despite his monumental influence through a career spanning four decades of pivotal global conflict and Cold War maneuvering, Yarborough remains for many a historical enigma figure whose name graces institutions but whose full, complex story resonates with an intriguing blend of mystery, myth, and speculation.

 

Yarborough pioneered the modern American paratrooper, being instrumental in designing the iconic US Army parachutist badge, jump boots, and specialized airborne equipment (for which he held patents), effectively sculpting the image of America’s Second World War airborne soldier. He commanded the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion in key operations from North Africa (Operation Torch – America’s first combat parachute mission) through Italy (Anzio) and into Southern France (Operation Dragoon). Yarborough later led the 473rd Infantry Regiment in the final victorious offensives in Italy.

 

As Commander of the Special Warfare Center from 1961 to 1965, Yarborough tirelessly developed core Special Forces doctrine, established rigorous and innovative training programs (including the vital Language School), and spearheaded the expansion of the force. In this respect, Yarborough played the decisive role in securing President John F. Kennedy’s official authorization for the Green Beret as the distinctive headgear of Special Forces, cementing their unique identity.

 

Held also critical high-level roles, including as the U.N. Military Armistice Commission’s representative in Korea, Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence during a turbulent period, Commander of I Corps in Korea, and Deputy CINC/Chief of Staff of US Army Pacific.

 

William Yarborough was also an influential military writer, being the author of books and numerous articles on unconventional warfare, airborne operations, and military history throughout his career and active retirement.

 

Drawn extensively on Lieutenant General Yarborough’s personal and professional papers, in this meticulously researched account Christopher Mullins has produced the first biography of a remarkable man whose full, complex story has remained largely unchronicled – until now.

A propos du livre

À propos de l'auteur

CHRISTOPHER ERIC ‘MOON’ MULLINS, a former paratrooper with over 20 years of service in the 82nd Airborne Division, Long Range Recon (F/51st), and 5th Special Forces Group Comms Support, brings his passion for military history and thrilling action to life through his books. Weaving his real-world experience into gripping narratives, Moon transports readers to battlefields and hidden corners of the past. He has also served as editor for his friends’ books and a popular online magazine, further solidifying his dedication to storytelling. When not writing, Moon enjoys a quiet life with his wife, Bhavna, near Buford, Georgia.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
• Date d'édition: 2026
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 1036195708
• ISBN 13: 9781036195700
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 256
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible