On the Battlefield: A Memoir of an Ethiopian Airborne Soldier tells the incredible story of one of Ethiopia’s most celebrated combat generals. Brigadier General Tesfaye Habtemariam is one of Ethiopia’s greatest military leaders.

General Tesfaye Habtemariam’s career spanned three decades and survived three different Ethiopian governments. From 1964 to 1991, he commanded troops in nearly every engagement in which the Ethiopian military saw action.

Drawing on his wartime journals, notes, letters, and memories, Habtemariam discusses his childhood and career. From working with Israeli commandos to form a new “Special Forces” unit to establishing the anti-hijacking office and several Ethiopian airborne battalions, Habtemariam served his country as only a true patriot would.

This fascinating memoir details the military actions on the battlefield, as well as covert operations behind enemy lines. The author shares details of the heroic escape in which he and his men, prepared to fight to the death, suddenly find themselves struggling to cross a dangerous desert wasteland and surviving to fight another day.

Tesfaye Habtemariam took part in eight major battles and went on to command a battalion in the Special Forces, the 18th Mountaineer Division, the Airborne Training School, and finally, to become the army commander of the Tewodros Force. Brigadier General Tesfaye Habtemariam received the “Hero of Ethiopia” medal from a grateful nation after 30 years of selfless sacrifice and service to his country. 

If you enjoy military history, this is one book you will want to listen to!