Customer Reviews

Dear Captain, et al. : The Agonies and the Ecstasies of War and Memory, a Memoir from World War II

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An absolute great work. Whether you're an historian or someone just wanting to read a good story this book has it. Mr. Howerton will take you with him, from the beginning at Camp Claiborne Louisiana where you will meet the infamous drill Sergeant Julius G. Phagan. He'll make a soldier out of your h'ass or else. You'll traverse the states by rail arriving at Camp Kilmer and then board the troop ship Stirling Castle. Once in Europe the 355th wastes little time before being thrown into action at the Seigfried line and their first major battle at Lindern Germany. The 84th infantry division played a major role in the European theater of WW2 and K Company of the 335th was in the thick of it. I highly recommend this book

In "Dear Captain, et al." an ex-sergeant tells us the story of his company during the final year of World War II in Northern Europe. This story of war is compelling because it is told by an eyewitness who complements his own remarkable and unflinching memory with documents from official sources, making a narrative which is by turns as intimate as a conversation with an uncle and as far ranging as a lesson from an historian.

There is no glory in the war described here. The waste, horror, madness, and despair of mankind's most desperate activity is chronicled here with the profound understanding of someone who lived it. Soldiers and civilians, all who were caught up in the past century's bloodiest war, are here portrayed by ex-sergeant Howerton with such uncommon honesty, wisdom and compassion, that the reader is left with both a renewed sense of the true tragedy of war, and a deeper repect for those who were called to sacrifice their lives.

Author Allan Wilford Howerton provides a searing, honest, and tearful portrayal which honors his comrades. He provides his readers a spell binding reminiscence which cannot be fogotten.

I have been conducting research on my grandfather's service in Germany during World War Two and this book describes the firsthand emotions of combat, then looks back in hindsight with notes that further explain how soldiers deal with the day-to-day of battle and life.

I would highly recommend this book.

Dear Captain, et al. Is a brilliantly written memoir of a young soldier during WWII. Mr. Howerton gives a very factual account of a highly distinguished infantry company during the war. His wonderful writing style allows you to see the war from day to day through his eyes. You will get to know the men of Company K, 335th Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division as if you were there with them. The love story intermingled with the historical content is an excellent touch. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

Dear Captain, et al. Is a brilliantly written memoir of a young soldier during WWII. Mr. Howerton gives a very factual account of a highly distinguished infantry company during the war. His wonderful writing style allows you to see the war from day to day through his eyes. You will get to know the men of Company K, 335th Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division as if you were there with them. The love story intermingled with the historical content is an excellent touch. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

I just finished reading Dear Captain, it is outstanding. Every person who was touched by World War II should read this book. Ted Johnson