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 The
Longest Day
Often the term "classic" is thrown around in the literary field without
much regard to the real breadth of genre and writings, and is thus
cheapened in use. When one describes Cornelius Ryan's "The Longest Day"
as a classic piece in the WWII genre believe it. Such a term is NOT hype
when used in the same sentence with this book. So many things about the
"The Longest Day" make it truly a classic: First, Cornelius Ryan is a
Master storyteller. Certainly it helps that Ryan was a war correspondent
who experienced life in the combat zones of the ETO! Ryan's writing
style is lilting and fun, his writings are easy reads yet full of
historical depth. Sure his books are "popular" reading not simply deep
academic works, but they ARE important contributions to the historical
literature. Second, the story is simply one so compelling that even the
best novelist would have a hard time toping. By combining writing talent
with a great human story, "The Longest Day" represents literature at its
best - in any genre. Third, historical content - the story told in "The
Longest Day" - as just mentioned - is so compelling that it need not be,
and was not, embellished to make it readable. Ryan has done the hard
work of culling documents and interviewing numerous sources to gain
factual clarity. Again, it is clear that his time spent as a
correspondent helped his fact gathering abilities and thus contributed
greatly to the success of this book.
If you want a story of D-Day that covers THE DAY (and a few proceeding
and following in much less detail) from both sides of the fence, Allied
and Axis; from the air, sea and land; from perspective of Coastguard
Coxswain to rifleman on any one of the beachheads to a German artillery
officer caught in the midst of the greatest show of democracy to
Generals running the show, this is the book to start with. Great depth
and broad breadth! As the 60th Anniversary of D-Day approaches why not
pick up a "classic" to get a feel for what the Greatest Generation gave
to the world on June 6, 1944. Five stars, two big thumbs up.
 The
D-Day Landing Beaches
I found this book to be an excellent resource for understanding the
obstacles the Allied forces faced when storming the beaches. There are
two pages devoted to various beach obstacles. There are also two pages
devoted to St-Mere-Englis, including a map. Modellers of World War II
will definately find this book useful. It is a quick and enjoyable read.
This spectacular, large format, full color, new book is quite simply the
most impressive book of its type we have seen. Packed with over 200
photographs, maps and charts, the book is divided into the sectors
associated with the Normandy landings in 1944. What's more it is
extremely reasonably priced.
 Omaha
Beach
Joseph Balkoski has crafted an amazing piece of literary history with
"Omaha Beach". "Omaha Beach" delivers on two major counts: First, this
is one of the only books to tackle in such a scholarly fashion the
critical events of June 6, 1944 that took place on that surprisingly
well defended strip of Norman coast. Second, Balkoski does his scholarly
work with literary flair oft missing in such serious works. This book is
plain fun to read. Balkoski doesn't write like C. Ryan, J. Toland, or S.
Ambrose, but his writes in a readable style that quickly endears him to
the reader. I found his use of replicated first-hand accounts (after
action reports, personal letters, and diary entries) - and to a lesser
extent, second-hand after-action Army Historical Division interviews -
to supplement his own story-telling quite effective. It is clear upon
reading this book that Balkoski has put his heart and soul into this
work, and has done so not with speculation, but by sifting through
literally thousands of pieces official historical documents and personal
recollections of survivors who were there.
If the aforementioned properties of "Omaha Beach" were not enough,
Balkoski's book is also steeped with amazingly detailed and useful maps
of action - these have been generated from the research undertaken and
present the reader with a very nice picture of where units were over the
24 hour period that was the 6th of June. I found these maps (there are
27 in total) indispensible! The Appendices of the book are also to be
cherished by the reader. Not simply long lists of references, but also:
descriptions of the actions of Medal of Honor awardees on Omaha Beach
and names of all the Distinguished Service Cross awardees; lists of
total casualties suffered (by unit); a listing of first wave units and
commanders to hit Omaha Beach; composition (personnel), uniform and
equipments of average units serving on Omaha; detailed notes about the
Balkoski's approach to writing "Omaha Beach"; and finally the
appropriate citations of the many works used to produce this wonderful
text. Of particular note in the Appendices is Balkoski's plea to have
the US Military to re-review the actions of Gen. N. Cota and Col. G.
Taylor on Omaha that were deemed valorous enough for the DSC but not for
the Medal of Honor. Balkoski makes a VERY compelling case that both Cota
and Taylor performed in a fashion consistent with that expected of Medal
of Honor awardee's. This reader sincerely hopes that members of the US
Army in a position to rattle appropriate chains read "Omaha Beach" and
in fact re-consider these DSC's for MH's.
In the end I can't recommend "Omaha Beach" highly enough. This book is
an important addition to the D-Day historical literature - one not
previously out there, that should be read by armchair and professional
hostorians alike.
 The
D-Day Atlas
I used this book as my bible during a multi-day tour of the Normandy
battlefields. The level of detail and first rate analysis really set
this book apart. I carried this book the entire time I was in Northern
France and referred to it constantly.
The maps as some of the most beautiful historical maps I have ever seen.
They are clear, well designed, and contain a wealth of information. The
level of detail is down to small roads and individual building in many
maps. So many military history books skimp on maps. The full-color works
of art in this book are almost worthy of framing. The author provides
great commentary on the strategy and tactics of the invasion. Crisp line
drawings of important weaponry are used throughout the book. I wish
every major historical battlefield had such a great guide.
 Utah
Beach
This is an excellent book on the "Day of Days" as coined by the film
"Band of Brothers". This book fills out what the rest of American
paratroops and Utah beach landing beach troops did on this day. Only one
page is provided on Easy Company. And, what a story it is! General Teddy
Roosevelt walking Utah Beach with a cane and leading the troops ashore,
thereby winning a Medal of Honor. The officers and troopers of the 82nd
airborne taking Ste. Mere Eglise and holding it against numerous German
counterattacks. The holding of the bridges over Meridet River (shades of
Saving Private Ryan although this story is accurate), stopping a tank
attack with a bazooka. The capturing of the four causeways from Utah
Beach by the 101st airborne allowing the Utah beach landing troops of
the 4th Division to break through. There are many fascinating stories
supporting this outline of the events. Yes, this was the Day of Days and
this is a great book describing it. A great addition to the author's
other great book on Omaha Beach. |
