I'm one of those guys who watches the credits after the movie is over. I want to see things like where the movie was shot and who's on the soundtrack. DVD's are even better. I watch all the special features. I like to know what makes a movie tick.
I'm interested in historical events in the same way and that's why I was so pleasantly surprised yesterday to find some additional information.
Since the end of "official hostilities" in the Iraq War I've been on the lookout for accounts that give a closer look at the actions of our soldiers. Books like, Boots on The Ground by Karl Zinsmeister, are good, but I'd have to say the definitive book on battles during the Iraq War has yet to be written.
Yesterday, I came across a link on Blackfive that pointed to an incredible arcticle at the LA Times on The Thunder Run into Baghdad. You may have to register to get to the article but it's worth it. This is the best narrative I've seen yet that seems to capture the essence of that conflict, including the story of heroic actions under fire by US Soldiers.
There are several accounts of the battle. The LA Times' is the best one, but the others help to provide some perspective and as a junkie for this sort of thing, I like getting the extra detail. This article from The Telegraph is excellent. The articles here and here. Finally, there is this article that provides some understanding of the tactics behind The Thunder Run.
Sitting behind my computer all safe and secure in the Midwest, it's sometimes difficult to imagine the bravery of those in uniform. In the stories above, the bravery of the supply units who literally drove gasoline tankers through a hail of bullets, is the most impressive.