Picture a historian who brings the chaos and courage of World War II battlefields to life with gripping prose—meet John C. McManus! As an award-winning professor and one of America’s leading military historians, McManus crafts vivid narratives that honor the soldiers who shaped history. His books, like The Dead and Those About to Die and September Hope, blend meticulous research with storytelling that pulls you into the heart of combat.
From his classroom at Missouri University of Science and Technology to podcast stages worldwide, McManus’s passion for preserving the human side of war has made him a trusted voice in military history. Ready to march through his remarkable journey?
The Making of John C. McManus
Born in St. Louis in 1965, John C. McManus didn’t start as a historian. Initially, he chased a degree in sports journalism at the University of Missouri, dabbling in advertising and sports broadcasting. But history called, and he answered, earning a Master’s in American history from the same university and a Ph.D. in American and military history from the University of Tennessee. His time in the Normandy Scholars program, walking the D-Day battlefields, sparked a lifelong mission to tell soldiers’ stories with authenticity and heart.
John C. McManus’s Unforgettable Stories
McManus’s books are like time machines, dropping readers into the grit and glory of World War II. His 2014 masterpiece, The Dead and Those About to Die: D-Day: The Big Red One at Omaha Beach, chronicles the 1st Infantry Division’s brutal fight on June 6, 1944. Critics, including historian Carlo D’Este, praise its vivid detail, calling it a reminder that “freedom isn’t free.” Similarly, September Hope: The American Side of a Bridge Too Far (2012) dives into Operation Market Garden, capturing the daring and heartbreak of the largest airborne drop in history.
His Pacific War trilogy—Fire and Fortitude (2019), Island Infernos (2021), and To the End of the Earth (2023)—redefines the U.S. Army’s role in the Pacific, earning accolades like the Gilder Lehrman Prize for Military History. McManus’s style is immersive, weaving personal accounts from “grunts” with strategic insights, making battles feel both epic and intimate. His focus on the foot soldier’s experience, seen in Grunts: Inside the American Infantry Combat Experience, sets him apart as a historian who prioritizes humanity over headlines.
Whether he’s debunking myths about Omaha Beach or spotlighting unsung heroes, McManus writes with clarity and passion, earning praise from figures like General David Petraeus for his “first-rate scholarship.” His work doesn’t just inform—it inspires readers to reflect on courage and sacrifice.
Why John C. McManus Matters
McManus’s impact stretches beyond bookshelves. As Curators’ Distinguished Professor at Missouri S&T, he shapes future historians, while his media appearances on PBS, C-Span, and podcasts like We Have Ways of Making You Talk USA bring history to life for global audiences. His storytelling preserves the legacies of ordinary soldiers, ensuring their sacrifices aren’t forgotten. By blending academic rigor with accessible prose, he makes military history relatable, reminding us that wars are fought by people, not just strategies.
In a world quick to glorify or simplify war, McManus offers nuance, celebrating bravery while acknowledging its cost. His work challenges readers to understand the past to navigate the future.
- Born: 1965, St. Louis, Missouri
- Key Works: The Dead and Those About to Die, September Hope, Fire and Fortitude
- Awards: Gilder Lehrman Prize for Military History (2020), Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2012)
- Fun Fact: He’s the official historian for the 7th Infantry Regiment Association.
About John C. McManus
Snag The Dead and Those About to Die or dive into McManus’s Pacific trilogy for a front-row seat to history’s most gripping battles!