Customer Reviews

Bootprints

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Without reservation, "Bootprints: An Infantryman's Walk Through World War II" is one of the best memoirs out there by a front-line soldier! Co-authored by Hobert Winebrenner [former Staff Sgt. in the 3rd Bat., 358th Inf., 90th Div.] and Michael McCoy [a much younger freelance writer and publisher], "Bootprints" takes the reader on a journey from the entrance of Winebrenner into the US Army as a 'citizen soldier' in 1942 to post-V-day occupation duty, and beyond (ca. 2005 when the book was published). In short, "Bootprints" is a gripping story of humanity and sacrifice during a time when civilization seemed doomed by the forces of tyranny and fascism.

The military history literature is crowded with memoirs of WWII veterans from all echelons of service, but very few are truly worthy of the highest praise. Still fewer memoirs present war from the perspective of the frontline soldier and are capable of emoting considerable shock, empathy, anger and awe from a 21st Century reader. "My Brother, Hail and Farewell!" by Edward J. Zebrowski (another former US Army footslogger) and "Black Edelweiss: A Memoir of Combat and Conscience by a Soldier of the Waffen-SS" by Johann Voss (obviously a story told from 'the other side of the hill') represent two examples of books that fit this latter category of WWII memoirs. Add to these two books "Bootprints" and one has a trilogy of outstanding memoirs from the foxholes, fields and rumble of the Second World War. It is unfortunate but true that none of these books is a bestseller in the traditional sense. Each of these three books is fast-paced and full of emotion; each tells a unique story worth reading; and none glorifies war or is self-aggrandizing. So why aren't they bestsellers? Simply put each is published by a small publishing house and their importance as historical literature is spread not by big money marketing as much as by grass-roots word of mouth. So from this reviewer to each of you who reads this, pick up a copy of each of these books!

Clocking in at 283 pages (seventeen chapters and an Afterward), "Bootprints" exudes character and emotion that engages the visceral senses of the reader start to finish. In fact, the reader feels as if they are alongside Winebrenner as the 358th lands on the Normandy beaches as part of second wave of grunts of the First US Army; then participates in the breakout from the bocage and subsequent headlong rush across France to the German border as part of Patton's Third US Army; to breach of the West Wall and retrograde movement back to the Bulge; and the bounce of the Rhine and final drive to V-E Day and beyond. Needless to say "Bootprints" is highly readable prose and at no point should a reader feel 'tired' with the book. This is a 'sit down and read it cover-to-cover' book. Do yourself a favor, find a copy of "Bootprints" and enrich your life with a story from a man who paints a self-effacing picture and gives all of his buddies from the war full credit for successes. While everything written in "Bootprints" suggests Mr. Winebrenner would humbly and firmly disagree, this reviewer feels that, based in what is written in "Bootprints", Winebrenner could have been a prototype man on which the ideal of "The Greatest Generation" was based.

"Bootprints" is a 5 star book that should be read by adults who wish to gain perspective on life, freedom, happiness and humility!!

Before ever knowing of his book, I'd first heard of Mr. Winebrenner from my brother Jeff, who had purchased some real estate across the road from his home. Jeff had told me about meeting Hobert, and standing in the yard talking to him. Hobert had shared some of his experiences in WW2, and knowing my interest in the subject, passed them on to me. I was amazed at the sacrifices he and others made for America. I finally met him at my cousin's funeral, and talked to him briefly. It was after that when my brother gave me a copy of his book to read. I think i read it in a day, unable to put it down. Since reading it, I was fortunate to meet Hobert, his wife, and daughter, at a book signing in Fort Wayne, IN. They are very nice people, and Hobert took the time to share more memories of his service in WW2. I appreciate what he's done, and I recommend this book highly. Thanks for sharing your memories!

Bootprints by Hobert Winebrenner and Michael McCoy

Bootprints is Hobert Winebrenner's story (Michael McCoy wrote for him) of his experience in WWII. In telling his tale, Mr. Winebrenner opens before the war and tells about being drafted into the army. Interestingly, once he'd completed training he was asked to train the next batch with the promise that he'd go to officer training school. Fortunately (or not), Mr. Winebrenner was given the option to become a sergeant at Ft. Sill working with forward observers and training them on basic infantry weapons. After doing this for awhile, Mr. Winebrenner was assigned to the M Company (the heavy weapons company), 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division and sent to Europe.

After spending short period of time training in England, the 90th ID was to fight in the hedgerows of Normandy. It is in this time period that Mr. Winebrenner's tale picks the pace that he follows throughout the book, chapters about a series of battles, with sub-chapter that tell of particular parts of the battle (interestingly, more often than not Mr.Winebrenner tells the exploits of others). Chapters include the battles thru the hedgerows of Normandy, recovering from wounds, Operation Cobra and the race across France, breaking into Germany, the Battle of the Bulge, and the battle for Germany. To close things out, Mr. Winebrenner closed out by telling us about the men he served with and what happened to them after the war.

Reading this book I was torn many times between four and five stars. By the end of the book it had become a strong 4.5 star book. If there are weakness's in it, they're very few and far between. The strengths are many; Mr. Winebrenner paying tribute to his mates, many of the stories are exciting, and the details are exact. Because the strength's, I have to give this book the nod to 5 stars! Mr. Winebrenner, thank you for your service!

Bootprints: An Infantryman's Walk Through World War II tells Hobert Winebrenner's personal story of life and death as an American infantryman who fought against the best that Germany had to offer on Northern Europe's front lines during. Winebrenner served as a young sergeant with the 358th Regiment, 90th Infantry Division; his wartime citations included a bronze arrowhead medal, a silver star, a POW medal, and a purple heart with bronze cluster, yet his achievements came at no small cost. From vivid passages describing character and temperament of those who bravely served alongside him, to when he had importance of the strict rules of war driven in to him when a German sergeant rescued him from being slain by German troops, to day he learned that the war was over and didn't know how to react, Bootprints reveals an up-close and personal view of the war that transformed a century, and the ordinary people who risked and sometimes gave up their lives.

I am an avid mystery reader but have never read a book before about American war heroes. My husband reads a lot of war stories but told me this was the most interesting and true-to-life book that he has ever read. That spiked my interest and I decided to give it a try. From the very first chapter, it was indeed a book I could not put down. To read the day to day experiences from someone who has been through the horrors of war has enlightened me as to what our brave soldiers have gone through and the sacrifices they have made for my freedom. This is indeed a book that needs to be read by everyone. The author deserves a gold star for putting the book together in such an interesting and easy to read format. The book comes alive with pictures and vivid details of living in combat conditions fighting just to live another day. This is indeed a book I will long remember and recommend to everyone.

This is a tremendous personal account of the horrors of war experienced first-hand by an infantry Soldier in WWII. Hobert Winebrenner served with the 90th Infantry Division as it moved from Normandy across France and Germany and ending up in Czechoslovakia on V-E Day in May, 1945. Mike McCoy does a masterful job of writing and all the while helping Hobert tell his story through the words and pictures of this book. It is a historically accurate, compelling story of heroic actions, tremendous struggles and heart-wrenching sacrifices. Personal experiences and anecdotes of those with whom Hobert served along with the many personal photographs help the reader to sense the intensely personal nature of this work. This is an outstanding read!!

Reading this book is as close as you can get to sitting down and hearing a first hand account of one man's adventures during WWII. I've read numerous historical accounts of great military conflicts for personal (leisure) reading and required through educational (school). Never have I read a book that combines these two styles as well as "Bootprints". The story told in this book attaches historical facts (dates, battles, etc) to a very descriptive personal experience reminding my (younger generation) that those involved in this great war experienced a very real & life changing adventure. The amazing story, numerous pictures, and slightly larger print make this book a page turner that you won't be able to put down. This book tells a story as graphic and exciting as the very popular HBO TV show "Band of Brothers". I highly recommend to all interested in a historically accurate account told through one man's personal journey.

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who wants to know about the everyday life and experiences of an infantry soldier (who experienced it all) during WWII. This book comes straight from the source, in an easy to read and exciting format. I must have flipped through it in about 2 days, glued to every word and page! Major congratulations go out to both my grandfather and Michael McCoy for a job well done!

My name is Erik Winebrenner and I am the son of Steve Winebrenner. I am currently the youngest male Winebrenner from this wonderful family headed by my two great grandparents.

I read the book a few months back when it first became available...signed and shipped right from my grandfather's door. I began reading it the day after it got to me, and like I said...I couldn't put it down until I was done. Reading the stories that my grandfather told in this book, made me truly appreciate what he had gone through and experienced. It has made me so proud to be his grandson.

In the last 25 years of my life, I have spent many years away from both sides of my family as my parents moved to the Washington, DC area. It has been hard seeing the Winebrenner side of the family throughout my life as they reside just outside of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. I have spent MANY hours on planes and in the car traveling from Maryland to Indiana and back.

Unfortunately, because of the distance between us, I had never really had the chance to have a real conversation with my grandfather and get to know him, until recently. As a young boy growing up, I only knew him as a very quiet man, focused on memories from WWII and other issues. I remember many occasions as he spoke of WWII stories and memories to my father and uncle, as I just sat back and listened. Thankfully, over the past several years, he has opened up more and I think that this book has truly helped him communicate and relieve himself of all of these experiences that have been bottled up inside of him.

After reading this book, I have gained many things. But most importantly, I have gained an understanding of who my grandfather truly is. I now know what he has gone through and sacrificed in his life. I now know that he truly is a great person and one dedicated to his family and friends that he has loved, served with, and lost over the years. I now know that he has finally written a book that truly means the world to him...one that shares the stories of his days during WWII and truly depicts his everyday experiences.

I love my grandfather, and I loved reading this book. I will cherish this book forever and will pass it down to my son and to his son to share with them who their great grandfather was...a great person.

Erik Steven Winebrenner

I have traveled with the military for the past three years to the Pacific Theater and the European Theater. I have heard many firsthand experiences from the veterans with whom I have traveled and become friends. "Bootprints" exemplifies the ultimate accounting of WWII as told by Hobert Winebrenner. Mike McCoy has done a superb job of combining the raw horrors of war with the pride and brotherhood of the men who fought for our freedom. It is written in such a way that I felt all the emotions so graphically portrayed. I am privileged to own this book.

Bootprints is the finest WW 2 book I have ever read. You feel as though you are right there with Hobert during the battles. He also pays tribute to many of his fallen comrades throughout the book. This is a very fine book.