LIFE The Power and the Glory

Army. Navy. Marine Corps. Air Force. From the founding of the nation to the march through Afghanistan, they have preserved, protected and defended American liberty. Their gallantry is stirring to behold, as the pictures and stories in this book prove. George Washington and John Paul Jones are here, as are Grant, Lee, Farragut, Pershing, Patton, Schwarzkopf. There are surprises (Washington led the Army into battle even as President) and stunning stories of bravery (including chronicles of Medal of Honor heroism). The great war photographers-Brady, Capa, LIFE's David Douglas Duncan and Larry Burrows-are represented in The Power and the Glory, accompanied by a dramatic narrative of American valor. In a special section, the bicentennial of West Point is celebrated.