‘40 Thieves on Saipan’ wins 2020 Best Book Award for History Military Category

Midwest Authors Joseph Tachovsky and Cynthia Kraack are proud to announce that their World War II history book, “40 Thieves on Saipan – The Elite Scout-Snipers in One of WWII’s Bloodiest Battles” (Regnery History), is the Winner of the 2020 Best Book Awards in the History: Military Category and recognized and a “Finalist” in the History: United States Category. Just-in-time for the holidays, this “True War Classic” can be a great gift that also supports veteran charities.

With 212+ reviews on Amazon and an overall 4.7 rating, “40 Thieves on Saipan” has connected to readers of all ages with a “Flags of Our Fathers” type story about Joseph Tachovksy’s father, Lt. Frank Tachovksy, and his “40 Thieves” Platoon in the Pacific.

Reviewers have described “40 Thieves on Saipan” as “A Must-Read for Military History Enthusiasts,” "A realistic portrayal of war that neither sugar coats nor glorifies,” “A Gripping Story of Courage and Compassion,” “An Outstanding Read about Little-known WWII Heroes,” “A WW-II story, put together from the memories of the men who lived it” and “Reads like a movie, but these real men were true heroes.”

American Book Fest President and CEO Jeffrey Keen said this year’s Best Book Awards contest yielded over 2,000 entries from mainstream and independent publishers. Over 400 Winners and Finalists were announced in over 90 categories for titles published in 2018-2020. Winners and Finalists included books from across the publishing landscape, including entries from major publishers: HarperCollins, Penguin/Random House, John Wiley and Sons, Hay House, Oxford University Press, and hundreds of Independent Houses contribute to this year’s outstanding competition.

Author and Son Joseph Tachovsky was inspired to write this book after hearing a eulogy about his father, Lt Frank Tachovksy, in 2011 when he passed away at age 96. After opening his dad’s “off limits” footlocker in the family garage that was filled with personal letters, medals, photographs and the platoon roster, Joseph felt compelled to research and write the untold story that most men never spoke about while alive. For the past nine years, Joseph met with the four surviving members of the “40 Thieves” and family members of his father’s Special Operations Platoon to gather their untold stories.

With over 600+ pages of Oral Histories, Joseph worked with Award-Winning Author Cynthia Kraack to turn it into a 300-page bestselling, creative non-fiction narrative.

Readers are taken on a journey with this Elite Marine Corps’ Special Operations platoon in the Pacific Theater that were part of the “Greatest Generation”. “40 Thieves on Saipan” is a treasure trove of stories about the platoon’s early days during training in Hawaii to winning the Battle of Saipan (June 15 – July 9, 1944).

To give back, the authors are donating a significant portion of the proceeds to veteran charities. Joseph explains, “My co-author, Cindy and I, determined that when we would be fortunate enough to have this book published that we would honor my father’s sentiment that we don’t do enough for our veterans and give back to them. After collecting all of these stories from gentlemen in my father’s platoon, we believe this money deserves to go back to help veterans.”

Tachovsky’s book ends with respect for these WWII heroes with the Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fi”, “always faithful.”

“40 Thieves on Saipan” is available online via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, and Target, and in many book stores in hardback, ebook (Kindle and Nook) and audiobook formats.

*Book Review: US Military Small Arms of WWII

*Book Review: Awards of the German WWII Luftwaffe

*Kaiten: The Story of WWII Japanese Suicide Submarines

*As an Amazon Associate, Military Trader / Military Vehicles earns from qualifying purchases.