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  • Behind Japanese Lines

  • With the OSS in Burma
  • By: Richard Dunlop
  • Narrated by: David Baker
  • Length: 13 hrs and 35 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (68 ratings)

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Behind Japanese Lines

By: Richard Dunlop
Narrated by: David Baker
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Summary

The extraordinary firsthand account of an American special forces unit in the jungles of southeast Asia and their guerilla operations against the Japanese during World War II!

In early 1942, with World War II going badly, President Roosevelt turned to General William "Wild Bill” Donovan, now known historically as the Father of Central Intelligence,” with orders to form a special unit whose primary mission was to prepare for the eventual reopening of the Burma Road linking Burma and China by performing guerilla operations behind the Japanese lines. Thus was born OSS Detachment 101, the first clandestine special force formed by Donovan and one that would play a highly dangerous but vital role in the reconquest of Burma by the Allies.

Behind Japanese Lines, originally published in 1979, is the exciting story of the men of Detachment 101, who, with their loyal native alliesthe Kachin headhunters fought a guerilla war for almost three years. It was a war not only against a tough and unyielding enemy, but against the jungle itself, one of the most difficult and dangerous patches of terrain in the world. Exposed to blistering heat and threatened by loathsome tropical diseases, the Western-raised OSS men also found themselves beset by unfriendly tribesmen and surrounded by the jungle’s unique perilsgiant leeches, cobras, and rogue tigers.

Not merely a war narrative, Behind Japanese Lines is an adventure story, the story of unconventional men with an almost impossible mission fighting an irregular war in supremely hostile territory.

Drawing upon the author’s own experiences as a member of Detachment 101, interviews with surviving 101 members, and classified documents, Dunlop’s tale unfolds with cinematic intensity, detailing the danger, tension, and drama of secret warfare. Never before have the activities of the OSS been recorded in such authentic firsthand detail.

©2014 Richard Dunlop (P)2013 Audible Inc.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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What listeners say about Behind Japanese Lines

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An amazing story that is seldom told

The bravery of the native people and their importance in helping small groups of American OSS forces in the Struggle against Japanese forces is told with dignity and flair.
It is simply a Tragedy of how these people were treated by their colonial masters, the British, when they asked for self determination of their own country post 1945.
Because of this reason only an American could have written this book, even if the Americans would become the new imperial master on the country's self liberation.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book

full of great stories and amazing acts of bravery and loyalty one of the best books I've listened to

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Well written and read (albiet at speed!)

Facinating to hear about this part of history, written in a manner that is easy to digest. The narrator is very good, but at times reads far too quickly not giving enough time for the listener to think about what is being said.

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Unsung Hero’s

The story of Military operations usually revolves around the exploits of army navy and airforce operations in a variety of theatres of war. This book however focus’s on the men and allies engaged in occupied territories facing not only a powerful enemy and tribal dangers but also that of the harsh terrain and a multitude of venomous and unpleasant deadly jungle creatures.
The narration is good but I’d have preferred more emphasis on the dramatic events to give it more punch in crediting these selfless brave souls in such a sacrifice.
Still very worthy of listening to.

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