Customer Reviews

A Corporal Once

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When I first saw that this was a WWII memoir, I had my doubts. As a baby boomer, I had grown up with stories about the war, and loads of people who thought "they could write a book about it." Only writing a book takes more than good stories. So when I read an excerpt of "A Corporal Once," I was pleasantly surprised, and decided to order it.

Inglesby's style is simple and concise. There is no great drama. There are no bloody battle scenes, nothing to tell us that "war is hell," except for the dedication, written in memory of a fallen friend he obviously still thinks about some 60 years later. It's a simple memoir of one man's experiences during WW II. It contains lots of humor, and little of the cliche.

I strongly recommend this book not just to those interested in the war, but to anyone who enjoys a well-written memoir.

The fellows who fought in the early days of WWII as this nation built up it's great military strength, when the odds were even between us and the enemy, are the great American heros of this century. I cannot imagine what the author and the others in his battalion must have been thinking aboard their C47s as they were winging towards North Africa, in advance of the invasion force, to be the first American troops to fight and be bloodied by the enemy. I found the story about the botched parachute drop on Avelino to be very interesting, what goes through a paratroopers head when he realizes after he lands that he has no idea where he is, he can find only one other guy from his outfit, and he must make it back to his lines wherever they might be. The author relates it much like a Boy Scout hike in the country and sprinkles in a little Sgt. York American hero in as well -- capturing a couple of Germans along the way. Mr. Inglesby relates his story with charm and dry wit, I was very sad when I finished his book, I enjoyed it very much and hope that he will write more. I wholeheartedly recommend the book to all.

first off i was intrigued by the title because my father was 'a corporal once' in the 8th armored division--this couple with the fact we are native philadelphians added to my eagerness to get and read the book

this book is written without maps,strategy or political reprecussions --it is a GI book written plan and simple and yet it carries the GI cynicism,wit and utimate GI pride that got these guys and their families thru the war and into the twilight of what we now know as the greatest generation

it flowed well in earnest language and offered a day to day insight to the daily grind of service yet was able to bring attention to seemingly small points of interest that only someone who was there could articulate

if i can offer a criticism it would be that the author should have kept writing. At the end i wanted to keep reading and given the breadth of his experience i would bet there is more to say

I am very excited to read this book. My 97 year old Grandpa, Thomas Dunlavey also served in the 509th, Company C.

He recalls Leo very well and claims he was the smartest guy in the whole outfit. I plan to read this account to him very soon and I am eager to hear what memories may come. I am currently recording talks with grandpa although his memory is understandably foggy. Thank you Leo for writing this down for posterity.

Thank you for this account! The writing is a clear and colorful, image-driven tale from another era. The account is bolstered by the witty sense of humor that prevails throughout keeping a tempo that is just golden. So funny and so honest about how the military really was and how wiseguys will always figure out a way to keep optimistic.

On top of that, it was remarkable to read real history about Grandpa Tom in the War. Moreso, it has been absolutely incredible to witness the nostalgia floods that poured in; his eyes just lit up over and over! So much laughter and huge grins ensued and numerous "Ohhh yeahhhhh!" moments as priceless memories were rekindled.

Grandpa had told us the story of capturing the Germans, but it was just beautiful to read it on the page. This chapter also cleared up why all the confusion in Tom's memory especially about where the heck they were in Italy in the first place. I know that I will never be able to get his account solid since he has waited so long to talk about it. Grandpa's own history of the events are very foggy now, but this written source will be treasured by me and our family forever. Thank you Leo and to his posterity for the history lesson.

I cannot accurately state the the brevity of why they survived while others did not. We would not be here today and I won't forget that anytime soon.

I wish all vet's would write a similar book. A first hand account of the personal recollections of wartime service of the average enlisted man, a paratrooper no less! You'll find a lot of great little gems in here you might not get in a traditional history. It only suffers from a lack of photos and additional background on the Heroes that the men of the 509th were. Well worth the price, you wont be able to put it down untill your done.

Of the variety of WWII books I have read, this one stands out. For a real insight into what it was like -- read this book.

With this memorable memoir of World War Two, it was as if I was really there. I highly recomend this book for children of veterans, and for our honored veterans themselves. Leo C Inglesby has a way for words and I hope that he will share his gift with the public in an exciting sequel. Read this book!!!