Civil War Commando

William Cushing and the Daring Raid to Sink the Ironclad CSS Albemarle

By: Jerome Preisler

Narrated by: Pete Bradbury

"I recommend that Lieutenant William B. Cushing, US Navy, receive a vote of thanks from Congress for his important, gallant and perilous achievement in destroying the rebel ironclad steamer Albemarle." (Abraham Lincoln to Congress, December 18, 1864)

Civil War Commando is the incredible tale of two giants on a historic collision course: Will Cushing, the United States Navy's first naval commando, and the unsinkable Confederate ironclad Albemarle, Terror of the Roanoke, an innovative war machine that seized control of the Roanoke River Valley and threatened to cost the Union the war.

Cushing has been cited by historians as the inspiration for Star Wars' Luke Skywalker character, and his attack on the Albemarle has been called the "greatest feat of arms in American military history". Yet the full story of the man - and his daring mission of personal revenge against an iron monster - has never been told. Using primary source materials, contemporaneous journals, and archival military records, Civil War Commando will reveal the dramatic story of the Albemarle's creation, Will Cushing's colorful life and career, and the groundbreaking naval tactics he developed - tactics that not only saved Abraham Lincoln's presidency, but were the foundation of the modern-day Navy SEALs.

©2020 Jerome Preisler (P)2020 Recorded Books

Amazing story about a less widely known American Civil War hero and very well presented

The story is almost Forest Gump like in the amazing number of people Will Cushill would meet and acts he would command. Multiple times I was forced to verify the deeds, his experiences during the civil war were just that outstanding. When you outshine in someways the acts of heroism of his Medal of Honor winning brother in the same war, you have lived an amazing life. The author crafted a book which allows these exploits to leap from the page and compels you to steam through the book.

What an outstanding story!

A great story of warfare outside of the conventional norms for the time. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in civil war history as well as those interested in outside of the box tactical thinking.

Incredible Personality

Will Cushing is a complete flesh and blood man and not a caricature, as what happens with so many historical biographies. Hot tempered and brash, he’s the consummate naval man. Jerome Preisler creates a complete picture the amazing commander and leaves the reader wanting more. What a story.