Fragments of My Life with Company A, 116th Infantry Regiment [Paperback]

John J. Barnes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 2000

The story of a young boy, growiing up in the 1930-40's - and how he and the nation became involved in WW II without any idea of what they were getting into. Joining the 29th Inf. Div. just before D-Day, he chronicles the incredible story of Co. A, 116th Inf. from the assault on Omaha Beach- Dog Green- as depicted in the movie, "Saving Private Ryan" to VE Day on the Elbe River

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A graduate of Niagara Univ. 35 year hs teacher at Holland Patent Cental School (NY) Past Legion commmander, mayor of Village and Toen councilman

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: John J. Barnes (May 30, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 0967981018
• ISBN-13: 978-0967981017
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,738,849 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Preparing for Service, January 8, 2001

By 

David J. Pitkin (Chestertown, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fragments of My Life with Company A, 116th Infantry Regiment (Paperback)

John Barnes may have left the classroom but he still is teaching Americans about their history. From the industrial town of Utica, NY to the mire of France and on to Germany, his saga will set straight young and old alike who believe that war is glamorous. His insights into his Irish Catholic childhood during the Depression make this a poignant tale, helping us realize how much was lost in order to gain victory. He also makes one confront the deep loss in so many small American towns such as Bedford, VA, where the flower of manhood simply vanished into the military cemeteries of France. I'm proud to have known him thirty years ago. I wish he'd included more detail on his inner faith formation as a result of war, but his service to comrades, school and community since war's end speak eloquently on his behalf. One suspects he was saved so many times during that war in order to assist so many since 1945.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is every enjoyable!, August 31, 2000

By 

Scott Brockett (Newark, Delaware USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fragments of My Life with Company A, 116th Infantry Regiment (Paperback)

This short book (152 pages) is very enjoyable and enlightening reading. Having read several other books on WWII in the European theater, this book is very refreshing. While it does not have the scope of Stephen Ambrose's "Citizen Soldiers" or "D-Day", it tells of an average, reluctant soldiers involvement in many of the same operations as those covered by Mr. Ambrose.

The primary focus of the book is the author's involvement in WWII. But childhood memories by the author are covered in chronological order and particularly focus on memories of his peers and their thoughts on the impending World War. In their innocent teenage years, personal involvement in this war seemed to be surreal.

While Mr. Barnes is not involved in any singular heroic action, this is, I think, one of the more subtle aspects to this book. It shows that WWII was a team effort, involving the heroes as well as the average Joe.

A memorable aspect of this book to me is how Mr. Barnes expresses his fear of combat. As someone who luckily has never had to face combat, thanks in large part to John Barnes and his generation, I often wondered how I would react in similar circumstances. I believe Barnes reaction is similar to that of most anyone.