Lightning in the Storm

Book excerpt: This account delivers a gripping portrayal of the 1991 conflict with Iraq. As the only air assault division in the world, the 101st Airborne Division -- The Screaming Eagles -- flew off to Saudi Arabia in 1990 to join Operation Desert Shield. Its 18,000 soldiers (including 700 women) and 400 helicopters played a crucial role in the resulting Desert Storm. This is their story, based on dozens of interviews and hundreds of army videos. This compelling account of modern warfare delivers suspenseful battle scenes, clear explanations of strategy, and fully developed portraits of many of the combatants.