Customer Reviews

AVENGING EAGLES: Forbidden tales of the 101st Airborne Division in World War 2

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Mark Bando is one of America's foremost historian/authors focused on the 101st Airborne Division of the Second World War. Unlike his previous works, which fall into more typical veins of WWII historiography (research and synthesis by the historian/authors), "Avenging Eagles: Forbidden Tales of the 101st Airborne Division in World War 2" is less about what Bando the writer can achieve versus what Bando the researcher/interviewer/friend can achieve in bringing long hidden stories from the men he so admires and dedicates his time to, to life. "Avenging Eagles" represents a collection of reminiscences by 101st veterans that Bando had collected over the years based on literally thousands of interviews. Bando's synthesis and presentation presents a raw, less sanitized and processed for the masses story of war than most readers have ever gotten. The good, bad and ugly is here - and lots of the latter too. Much of the book is downright disturbing in its honesty and frankness - shattering many myths about the 'white as snow American paratrooper'. This is not to say that these men were not valiant, courageous and heroic - they were; rather Bando presents and honest view from the horse's mouth that shows how war changes boys to men and men to near animals. As Bando himself points out in his acknowledgements, many respected historians and veterans had mixed feelings about him even tackling such a project since it would be controversial to say the least. Bando forged ahead with these fears in mind and created a respectful and fitting tribute to the men who told their stories. This book may not be easy to get (Bando self published it - I believe he still has copies) but it is worth finding!! 4.5 stars.