Customer Reviews

The Fool Lieutenant

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It was fifty five years ago that the fate of our world was determined by the Allied victories over Hitler and over Japan. While most of us who are even vaguely interested in history know the overall details involving WWII, it is only recently that the personal stories of the men who fought the war have been told!

"The Fool Lieutenant" is a most interesting and informative book which fills in so many of the details lacking in "war stories" that are available. Not only does Bob Edlin (The Fool Lieutenant) tell us about his personal efforts involved with some of the pivotal victories in France from June 6, 1944 until VE day but he lets us take a look at the more personal aspects of the GI's life that took place both during and between battles.

Bob Edlin's capture of 850 German soldiers at Brest is at once heroic, amusing and downright far-fetched. Edlin's narrative is humble and unassuming and at the same time authoritative. His desire to fight for his country regardless of wounds and other circumstances that could have kept him out of harm's way is one of the finer examples of dogged patriotism told in any book or movie. His wish to remain with "A" company, 2nd Ranger BN, is his way of saying that the elite Rangers were the finest fighting force and the finest men in this global armed conflict.

Authors Heinen and Moen do a most professional and inciteful exposition of this personal account of the experience of this amazing Ranger. This is the authors' second foray into the field of military historical narrative; their first book, "Reflections of Courage, an account of D-day and the days that followed" was the story of the commander of Co. A of the 5th Ranger BN and this book has seen a huge acceptance by the general public. Heinen and Moen have earned much accolade for their telling of the story of the Rangers who helped to defeat Hitler in Europe. I hope that we hear more about the Rangers from these talented authors.

If you like personal narratives of life in front line combat, you should read "The Fool Lieutenant," the story of Bob Edlin vs the Germany Army. I have read a dozen or more, but this one is something special. In the first place, this guy really had some adventures - some funny some hair-raising. One reason it's special to me is that I served with Bob for 18 months in the 112th Regiment. But he was in a hurry to get into combat and so he volunteered for the Rangers - and became a legend. I hope you read this excellent account of Bob's story, told in his special straight-talking style, and I hope he sells a million copies. Anybody who would turn down the Medal of Honor (because if he accepted it, he would have to leave his Ranger comrades and return to the States) deserves to have his story known after all these years.

He also tells of his life before and after the war, which adds interest to his combat story.

Reviewer, Gordon E Mercer Ph.D. Professor of Political Science and Public Affairs and Director of the Public Policy Institute, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina I couldn't put it down! Have you ever heard of someone turning down the Congressional Medal of Honor? This is exactly what Bob Edlin did during WWII after it was explained to him that accepting the honor would mean he would have to leave his unit and return home. As the war progresses, Lt. Edlin's small unit of four is assigned to gather intelligence on the Graff Spree Battery on the Brest peninsula, a major German Fort of strategic importance to the Germans. The Fort needed to be taken since the guns from the Fort could fire in any direction with devestating consequences. How does Lt. Edlin lead a small unit to capture over 850 Germans? Lt. Edlins unit of four reached the area of Graff Spree Batery and.......well, the rest as they say is history! It is also an exciting story about a real American hero! Bob Edlin earned his nickname "Fool Lieutenant" for daring, courage and risk taking. One cannot fail to notice however Edlin's voice of reason and hope throughout WWII as well. He saves the lives of men, gets mine blasted in the process and then proceeds to break orders by leaving the hospital early. This is a story of greatness and courage while victory and defeat hang in the balance. Edlin continues his fight for freedom on the home front when the war ends and he returns to civilian life. Captain Edlin, now in the Reserve, tries to integrate the Army Reserve and is fought up and down the line by bureaucracy and high ranking officers. Throughout the book you will read about raw courage! The author's Marcia Moen and Margo Heinen are to be commended for telling this story. They did an excellent job of capturing the spirit of Bob Edlin! It is only a matter of time before this book is made into a movie and in reading this book as a Professor, I think you are probably reading a book that is headed for a major movie!

The book was well written and kept you with that " I hate to put it down" feeling. I rate it right there along with Band of Brothers and Curahee. Don't miss this one.

From an armchair, I experienced being with the 2nd Ranger Battalion, from Weymouth, England to the Hurtgen Forest in Germany. Great insight into who the Rangers really were and the incredible price they paid for freedom. I hope America has not lost the ability to produce men like Lt. Bob Edlin. Great book! Thanks to authors Moen and Heinen.

This book was so interesting! I couldn't put it down. Bob Edlin is a true American Hero - with a sense of humor.

A very important insight into the life of a soldier in WW2. Lieutenant Edlin saw and lived to tell about some absolutely amazing things. From being wounded twice on D-day to accepting the surrender of the Graf Spee battery, Lt. Edlin's story keeps you riveted!

AUG 26, 2001, Ranger GOD: Robert Edlin This is one of the finest books I have ever read. Mr. (Ranger) Robert Edlin's story is one of true heroics. This personal account of D-Day and WWII through the eyes of a well decorated 2nd Battalion Army Ranger is one that should be read by any one that wants to know what it means to be a Ranger and how these men fought with strength and nerve through one of America's defining wars. Mr. Edlin, is what all Ranger's aspire to be and along with the men and women of this era, they are what America should love. RLTW

I recently had the honor of meeting Lt Edlin at a show in Orlando. He and the other 2nd Rangers that attended were complete gentleman who answered all questions about there heroic exploits in the ETO. I honestly was in awe of these living legends and feel very fortunate to have met them. I really enjoyed my conversations withem all especially "Halftrack" Burmaster. I am a living historian(reanactor) and perhaps am a bit biased towards these men. To actually have met them and realized they really were/are just "ordianary" American citizens who gave all was incredible. I think this book will appeal to all on many levels. Written from the platoon/squad level point of view makes this interesting, in the trench's reading. I especially liked the detailed "appendix" near end of book that describes in detail the basic element of WW2 Ranger life. I really enjoyed the account of the bloody Hill 400 battle right before the Bulge exploded that goes little noticed in many books, The Rangers slugging it out with top notch German paratroopers and coming out on top. If the movie Saving Private Ryan sparked your interest in the WW2 Rangers then this book is a must read. This book has inspired me on many differant levels and I look forward to the day I can get to meet these hero's again.