The Dead and Those about to Die : D-Day: the Big Red One at Omaha Beach by John

Description: The Dead and those about To Die: D-Day: The Big Red One at Omaha Beach by John C. McManus (2014) Editorial Reviews Book Description From the author of Fire and Fortitude, a white-knuckle account of the 1st Infantry Division’s harrowing D-Day assault on the eastern sector of Omaha Beach—acclaimed historian John C. McManus has written a gripping history that will stand as the last word on this titanic World War II battle. Nicknamed the Big Red One, 1st Division had fought from North Africa to Sicily, earning a reputation as stalwart warriors on the front lines and rabble-rousers in the rear. Yet on D-Day, these jaded combat veterans melded with fresh-faced replacements to accomplish one of the most challenging and deadly missions ever. As the men hit the beach, their equipment destroyed or washed away, soldiers cut down by the dozens, courageous heroes emerged: men such as Sergeant Raymond Strojny, who grabbed a bazooka and engaged in a death duel with a fortified German antitank gun; T/5 Joe Pinder, a former minor-league pitcher who braved enemy fire to save a vital radio; Lieutenant John Spalding, a former sportswriter, and Sergeant Phil Streczyk, a truck driver, who together demolished a German strong point overlooking Easy Red, where hundreds of Americans had landed. Along the way, McManus explores the Gap Assault Team engineers who dealt with the extensive mines and obstacles, suffering nearly a fifty percent casualty rate; highlights officers such as Brigadier General Willard Wyman and Colonel George Taylor, who led the way to victory; and punctures scores of myths surrounding this long-misunderstood battle. The Dead and Those About to Die draws on a rich array of new or recently unearthed sources, including interviews with veterans. The result is history at its finest, the unforgettable story of the Big Red One’s nineteen hours of hell—and their ultimate triumph—on June 6, 1944. Review: Up close and personal !!! Wow! Could not put it down. Amazing 1st count interviews of what it was like to be at bloody Omaha. John paints the words into the minds eye so the reader can envision the sights and sounds of what it must have been like. Many individual heroics are depicted - individuals turn into groups/squads/platoons and so on. The training kicks in and the soldiers begin to dthings for the good of the cause. To use a well touted phrase - uncommon valor was common on Omaha. The author uses the KISS principle in breaking down the invasion of the Big Red One. He uses easily understood maps to let the reader follow the process of an absolutely chaotic day. A great book to add to one's library. The author touches on all facets of the invasion plan - training, D-day, reinforcements, support and weaves them into a cohesive read that lets the reader know all the things that went into the invasion plus all the things that went wrong - but more importantly how a few men brought order to a precarious situation. The book is in a good used condition. The dust cover have only general wear on. · Please be serious about your bids. Checkout must be completed within 7 days of the close of auction. If payment is not received within this time period and you do not contact me to explain the reason, a dispute will be opened with eBay. If the dispute is not resolved within 5 business days, the order will be revoked and you may receive a strike from eBay. · Returns are only accepted IF: the description was inaccurate and you contact me within 3 days of receiving the item. Item must be returned in the condition at the time of shipping. Only the Bid amount will be refunded, as ALL shipping fees will be paid by the buyer. Check out my other items! N8 15/06/23 Track Page Views WithAuctiva's Counter

Price: 9.99 USD

Location: Plano, Texas

End Time: 2024-12-15T21:45:46.000Z

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