Chasing the Shadow: Mickey Marcus's 200 Days of Destiny(American Military Experience)

The life of David “Mickey” Marcus has become the stuff of legends and myths (even fantasy), conspiracy, wild exaggeration, and untethered embellishment. The image of Marcus cast by the character portrayed by Kirk Douglas in the film version of his life still dominates most evocations of the man, for good or ill. And these days, reactions to the book or film rest mostly on the current headlines rather than the historical context of the struggle in which Marcus died, or the events that cast him as a real-life player in an event marked by destiny.  Chasing the Shadow: Mickey Marcus’s 200 Days of Destiny is the first comprehensive and balanced biography of David Daniel “Mickey” Marcus, a founder of American Civil Affairs and Military Government doctrine and practice and a seminal figure in early Israeli military history. Far from merely a tribute to Mickey Marcus's legacy, Ossad’s work serves as a critical tool for understanding the realities of mid-20th-century warfare in a Postwar colonial struggle and the dynamics of U.S.-Israeli military and political relations in 1948, the critical year for Israel’s struggle for independence. Indeed, Chasing the Shadow is a valuable read for those interested in Middle East history, Jewish military history, and a fascinating character whose story is told in an engaging, informative, and insightful narrative.

About the Author :
Steven L. Ossad is a biographer, historian, and retired Wall Street technology analyst, and 'writer for hire' focused on leadership and Operational level command in the U.S. military. He is the author of Omar Nelson Bradley: America's GI General (University of Missouri Press, 2017), winner of the 2018 Society for Military History Distinguished Book Award, and with Don R. Marsh, Major General Maurice Rose: WWII’s Greatest Forgotten Commander (2003).

Review :
"Is this book American or Israeli military history, or perhaps a good combination of the two? Author Ossad, a former Wall Street technology analyst turned award-winning historian, tells the intriguing story of a man who fit a great deal into a life that was tragically cut short."-Journal of America's Military Past "Anyone interested in understanding the early history of the IDF and its success in the 1948 conflict between Israel and its neighbors should read this important book." -Journal of Military History "Equal parts biography and historical meditation, Chasing the Shadow captures a man who stood at the crossroads of 20th Century history. Ossad deserves our thanks for this timely book."--Robert Citino, author of The Wehrmacht Retreats: Fighting a Lost War, 1943 "In an extremely well-written book, Steve Ossad captures the essence of the fascinating career of Mickey Marcus. It is required reading for anyone wishing to understand the origins of the modern Israeli-Palestinian conflict."--Stephen A. Bourque, Professor Emeritus, School of Advanced Military Studies, author of "Tubby," Raymond O. Barton and the US Army, 1889-1963 "Steve Ossad's treatment of Mickey Marcus addresses a huge gap in Israeli history. The story of the IDF's first general, his exploits in World War II, and his role in the establishment of Israel is not only a fascinating read but provides insights into post-war history often overshadowed. A must read for anyone looking to understand the issues, climate, and individuals associated with the end of World War II and the struggles of the nascent Jewish state."--Dr. John Curatola, Senior Historian, National WW2 Museum, author of Autumn of Our Discontent: Fall 1949 and the Crises in American National Security "The life of Mickey Marcus was an American success story, one Steve Ossad tells both passionately and faithfully in Chasing the Shadow. This remarkable biography is an important contribution to 20th Century U.S. history and that of the U.S. Army, the Israeli Defense Force, and the creation of the state of Israel."--Ricardo Herrera, US Army War College, author of Feeding Washington's Army: Surviving the Valley Forge Winter of 1778.