Customer Reviews

1st Infantry Division: The "Big Red One" (Spearhead)

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My great-grandfather was a combat veteran with the "Big Red One" in World War I. I bought this book, and several others, because I wanted to learn more about what he experienced as a solider in the "Great War". This book is devoted almost exclusively to the First Division's history from World War II onward. Even the "clothing and equipment" sections are of WWII vintage. There are only a few pages devoted to the First Division's formulation in 1917 and their major campaigns of WWI. What content does appear for WWI is a high-level summation of events. I hope that the other books that I purchased about the "Big Red One" provide a more complete history "from day one". My rating of this book is lower than usual due to to absence of detailed information about the First Division prior to WWII.

This book discusses the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One) during its campaigns in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. It looks at unit organization, equipment, weapons, uniforms and even some personalities in and associated with the 1st Infantry Division. The writing is OK but the book is lavishly illustrated with photographs and drawings. Most of the photographs are period but some are of WWII reenactors and are acknowledged as such. The book also discusses the role of the 1st ID in WWI, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the Balkans. A good pictorial reference mostly.

A good overall look at the "Big Red One". Much better than the now dated Osprey Vanguard title on the 1st Infantry Division; some good photos and brief historical section, plus some nice surprises. The price is right as well. The Spearhead series is doing some good work, hope to see many more titles in future!