Book Suggestion
Looking for new content on the History of the Army Rangers tied in with great stories on Prisoner of War Escapes? We highly suggest this book!
“Rangers, Resistance, and ‘The Houdini Club”
Mir Bahmanyar is a military historian and former U.S. Army Ranger who served with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He has authored several acclaimed titles including Shadow Warriors and SEALs: The US Navy’s Elite Fighting Force, known for their meticulous detail and vivid storytelling.
Mir Bahmanyar’s The Houdini Club offers a compelling chronicle of the U.S. Army’s first Ranger battalions, known as “Darby’s Rangers,” during World War II. Under the leadership of Colonel William O. Darby, these elite soldiers were modeled after British Commandos and undertook perilous missions across North Africa, Sicily, France, and mainland Italy. The book delves into their rigorous training, daring amphibious assaults, and pivotal roles in key battles, highlighting both their strategic successes and the heavy toll they endured
A significant focus of the narrative is the extraordinary escapes from German POW camps that earned the Rangers the nickname “The Houdini Club.” Bahmanyar, drawing from exclusive interviews and personal correspondence with surviving Rangers, recounts harrowing tales of survival and resilience. These stories not only showcase the Rangers’ indomitable spirit but also shed light on the profound bonds formed amidst the horrors of war . Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, The Houdini Club pays tribute to these unsung heroes, ensuring their legacy endures.
