On to Berlin: Battles of an Airborne Commander 1943-1946 [Hardcover]

James M. Gavin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 17, 1978

An account of the planning, fighting, and dying of World War II discusses Eisenhower, Patton, and Montgomery's strengths and weaknesses, the initiated airdrop seizure of Rome, the plan to wrest Berlin from the Soviets, and more.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Viking; 1st edition (September 17, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670525170
• ISBN-13: 978-0670525171
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #546,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Memoirs of a True American Hero of WWII, February 6, 2003

By 

D. Keating (Bristow, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On to Berlin: Battles of an Airborne Commander 1943-1946 (Paperback)

In this book, General Gavin tells the story of the "All-American" 82d Airborne Division during WWII. He is best suited to provide this history since he served with the Division during its entire participation in the European Campaign, starting as a Regimental Commander with the 505th to eventually commanding the unit.

General Gavin gives a detailed description of all the operations the 82d participated in during WWII, and adds his analysis of why certain things went well for his unit, while other things were a struggle. I found his analysis of the German's lack of will to particpate in hand-to-hand combat fascinating. Especially since I have not seen this perspective in other WWII books that I have read. Additionally, he provides insight into the Allied command structure and the challenges it faced.

I really enjoyed this book because General Gavin provides a unique perspective of the war, much different than other general officers. Due to the nature of airborne operations, Gavin personally experienced the harshness and challenges of WWII combat. Additionally, he participated in numerous high-level planning sessions with other well-known leaders of the Allied Command. Thus, he can connect the cause and effect of how strategic decisions influenced the actual combat operations in the ETO. General Gavin also gives his analysis of the Allied decision to concede Berlin to the Russians - pretty interesting stuff, especially given the long-term impact that this decision had on world events.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in WWII history. For those wanting to learn more about the 82d, or airborne operation - this is required reading. If General Bradley is known as the Soldier's General, then General Gavin should be known as the Paratroopers General. No one knew airborne operations better, and no general had a greater influence on his men and the battles they fought than "Jumping Jim" Gavin.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real American Hero, June 4, 2002

By 

Christopher L. Webb (Fort Mill, SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On to Berlin: Battles of an Airborne Commander 1943-1946 (Paperback)

On to Berlin is possibly the best autobiography on WWII, right up there with Hans von Luck's Panzer Commander. Gavin was with the 82nd Airborne during all of the war, from Sicily, to Salerno, D-Day, Holland, the "Bulge" and the Hurtgen forest. He is excellent in describing the operations of the 82nd as it fought it's way through Normandy and Operation Market Garden, and tells the forgotten story of the 82nd during the Battle of the Bulge, for which the 101st usually gets the glory. Gavin also discusses the development of Airborne warfare, from early troubles in Sicily to the massive drop over Holland. He also talks about his disagreements with Eisenhower for playing politics with the British and thus prolonging the war. As the youngest general of the war, he was bold, decisive and brilliant in his tactics. Known as the "Jumpin' General", Gavin always accompanied his troops into battle and always was at the front line. I highly recommend this book. The reader will get to know one the real great heroes of World War Two, who doesn't get nearly enough credit for all he accomplished.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Best of The Airbornes, July 19, 2000

By 

DONALD R. NAPIER - See all my reviews

This review is from: On to Berlin: Battles of an Airborne Commander 1943-1946 (Paperback)

Gavin tells the story of the 82 Airborne and what a story! He confirms what was so clear in the biography, Paratrooper, that a general needs to be on the battlefield to see first hand what the situation and terrain are like before he can establish and direct a good battle plan. His wisdom about this and his talent in leadership is what made the 82 Airborne arguably the most successful fighting unit of the war. He was in fact the nation's best battlefield general.. Not only does he describe what actually happened in some of the Wars greatest battles but he critiques and evaluates the major events and decisions in a way that convinces most of us that his reputation is well deserved. By the way, he takes Eisenhower to task for his affair with Kay Summersby but piously says nothing about his liaisons with Marlene Dietrich and other women.