Stephen Ambrose's wonderful study of Easy Company (of the 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Div.) launched a great HBO series, and a number of follow-on books that illuminate the experiences of some of the individual members of E Co.
Beyond the bonds that grew between the men, these books show the hope and decency of the Americans who were part of our 'Greatest Generation". Many of these men are gone now, but their voices, and stories have been preserved...we are so fortunate to have them.
Stephen Ambrose highlighted Easy Co., but the stories extend to the experiences of every American who fought in the Second World War.
We are blessed to live in a world that these men made safe for us...there are so few left. When you see a WW2 veteran, thank him. He deserves it...and you owe it to him.
And please, read the stories they have left for us.
In no particular order...
"Beyond Band of Brothers" by Dick Winters
"Shifty's War" by Darrell "Shifty" Powers
"Easy Company Soldier" by Donald Malarkey
"Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends" by Edward "Babe" Heffron and William "Wild Bill" Guarnere
I will have to find Dick Winters book. I enjoyed the Band of Brothers. My husband's great uncle died in the Battle of the Bulge. I even got to celebrate life for what they did by going to the holocaust museum in D.C. It was a touching and beautiful sight to see all the veterans and holocaust survivors and family.
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