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Snipers: The Unsung Heroes of Warfare

Esteban Cox

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Published in Out Of Nowhere: A History Of The Military Sniper From The Sharpshooter To Afghanistan (General Military)

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Snipers have been around for centuries, their existence predating the advent of gunpowder. At first, they were known as sharpshooters, and their weapons were simple muskets. However, over the centuries, snipers have evolved, developing new techniques and technologies to become the deadly precision shooters they are today.

The Sharpshooters

The first sharpshooters were civilian hunters who used their skills to stalk and kill game. Their abilities were quickly recognized by the military, and during the American Revolutionary War, sharpshooters were used to devastating effect against the British Army.

Out of Nowhere: A history of the military sniper, from the Sharpshooter to Afghanistan (General Military)

by Martin Pegler

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5155 KB
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Print length	:	328 pages

One of the most famous sharpshooters of this era was Timothy Murphy, who is credited with killing more than 100 British soldiers during the Battle of Saratoga. Murphy used a simple musket, but he was an expert shot, and he knew how to use the terrain to his advantage.

The Civil War

The Civil War saw the of new sniper technologies, including the telescopic sight. This allowed snipers to engage targets at much greater ranges, and it made them even more effective.

One of the most famous snipers of the Civil War was John Bell Hood, who was known as the "King of Sharpshooters." Hood was a Confederate general, and he used his sharpshooting skills to great effect against the Union Army.

The Boer War

The Boer War was the first conflict in which snipers were used on a large scale. The Boers were master marksmen, and they inflicted heavy casualties on the British Army.

One of the most famous Boer snipers was Koos de la Rey, who was known for his ability to hit targets at ranges of over 1,000 yards. De la Rey was a thorn in the side of the British, and he played a major role in the Boer victory.

World War I

World War I saw the further development of sniper technologies, including the bolt-action rifle and the machine gun. These new weapons allowed snipers to engage targets at even greater ranges, and they made them even more effective.

One of the most famous snipers of World War I was Francis Pegahmagabow, a Canadian Ojibwe. Pegahmagabow was a skilled marksman, and he is credited with killing more than 378 enemy soldiers.

World War II

World War II saw the widespread use of snipers, and it was during this conflict that the sniper became a truly professional soldier. Snipers were used to carry out a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, counter-sniping, and urban warfare.

One of the most famous snipers of World War II was Simo Häyhä, a Finnish farmer. Häyhä is credited with killing more than 500 Soviet soldiers during the Winter War.

The Cold War

The Cold War was a time of great tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Snipers were used by both sides to carry out a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, counter-sniping, and assassination.

One of the most famous snipers of the Cold War was Vasily Zaytsev, a Soviet sniper who is credited with killing more than 225 German soldiers during the Battle of Stalingrad.

The War in Afghanistan

The War in Afghanistan has seen the widespread use of snipers, and it is during this conflict that the sniper has become an indispensable asset to the military. Snipers are used to carry out a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, counter-sniping, and urban warfare.

One of the most famous snipers of the War in Afghanistan is Chris Kyle, a US Navy SEAL who is credited with killing more than 225 enemy soldiers.

Snipers have played a vital role in warfare for centuries. They are the unsung heroes of the battlefield, and their skills have helped to win wars. Today, snipers are more professional and more effective than ever before, and they continue to play a crucial role in the military.

Out of Nowhere: A history of the military sniper, from the Sharpshooter to Afghanistan (General Military)

by Martin Pegler

4.5 out of 5