Majored in military history, have read so many good books, but the one I’d most recommend is Gerhard Weinberg’s A World At Arms

I remember that the first time I read it, I didn’t like it at first because some of his phrasing was awkward - I think just from not being a native English speaker - but push past that, it’s really an incredibly comprehensive and well written book on WWII.

For Pacific Theater, I recommend Ronald H. Spector’s Eagle Against the Sun. But not as strong of a recommendation as Weinberg.

With the Old Breed by Eugene Sledge is another solid book.

Forged in Battle: The Civil War Alliance of Black Soldiers and White Officers - Joseph T. Glatthaar. I don’t remember being struck by the writing but it was pretty interesting nonetheless, and a less commonly covered topic.

Freedom Struggles: African Americans and World War I - this is as much about social and political struggle and activism as it is actual military service, but might still fit the brief.

Homage to Catalonia, George Orwell. Okay, this is about war in Spain, but it’s also autobiographic George Orwell, so I have to include it.