Customer Reviews

The Story of a Soldier: Edward S. Mehosky, Col. (Ret.) U.S. Army, Infantry, from Private to Colonel: 1940-1971--WWII * Korea * Vietnam

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The Story Of A Soldier, by Ivan Paul Mehosky is a wonderful first person account of a heroic officer who knew how to fight and get the better of the enemy, and knew how to prepare men for war so they could fight as a team with the proper attitude, inflict great damage on the enemy, and have a chance to survive the hell of combat. Mehosky's creed, "you fight like you train, and repetition of tasks equal confidence," saw this echoed in his words countless times to his men, "in war, there is no simulation!" Like their leader, Mehosky's men were tough, motvated, confident, and smart, paratroop soldiers who were some of our best ever to fight in battle against well-trained foes. Some of the descriptions of his experiences and survival are astonishing as well as stirring and vivid. Lt. Mehosky's account of his heroic rescue of two wounded soldiers under intense enemy mortar and small arms fire in front of Carentan, France was bravery above and beyond the call of duty that truely merits our nation's highest honors. There are accounts I have never seen in other books, acounts I want to read again and again and ponder. This well written book should be read by all ages-young and old. It will stir your heart and imagination! You won't be disappointed.

The Story of a Soldier 1940-1971: The Airborne Spirit and Recollections of Colonel Edward S. Mehosky (Ret.) U.S. Army, Infantry is a true story that begins right in the middle of the action. It is 1944, World War II, and a parachute jump into German-held France has gone terribly wrong.

Edward is, by any definition, a hero. The son of Polish immigrants, he grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania during the Great Depression. When a broken leg ended his baseball career, he joined the Army. Two years later he joined the 506th Parachute Regiment and went overseas with the 101st Airborne Division.

A natural-born leader, his career spanned three decades and three wars. He was a platoon leader during the night drop on Normandy on D-Day. He was a company commander at the Battle of the Bulge during the defense against numerically superior enemy forces at Bastogne.

During the Korean War, he volunteered for the 40th Infantry Division and commanded a rifle company on a steep, frozen ridge facing Chinese positions. With the 502nd Airborne in Germany, his men caused quite a stir by capturing a Green Beret unit. He also served in Vietnam, and retired in 1971.

The prewar portion of the book is probably more interesting to a fellow veteran than to this reader, but by letting us know how Edward Mehosky was raised and trained, it sets the stage for what follows. The story definitely picks up when it moves to Europe. Once that happens, it never lets up.

My advice is, go visit the website and read the first three chapters free. If, like me, you get hooked, you'll buy the book.

If you enjoyed Ambrose's Band of Brothers and Webster's Parachute Infantry, you'll certainly enjoy this one! It gives a neat insight to Camp Toccoa b/f the enlisted men got there. It inspires anyone to stay the course, no matter what. Col. Mehosky shows that honor, duty and courage are time-honored.

This book follows the military career of a man who deserves a sincere thank you, not only for his heroic actions in WWII, Korea and Vietnam but more importantly for his steadfast committment to providing leadership and superb training for the men under his command. He taught his men to think and react and without a doubt his leadership saved countless lives. At whatever rank, Col. Ed Mehoskey, an original member of H Co. 506th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne (HBO's and Stephen Ambrose's epic Band of Brothers focused on E Co.)led by example and raised the "Bar" to heights that were attainable and necessary to prepare men for battle. War is hell but when the going got tough, the tough men under Mehosky's command got going! This true account of a soldier's military career spanning nearly 4 decades is testimony to the American Spirit. Mehosky is a great example of the "Greatest Generation" and he personally instilled in his men the desire to "Be the Best". Learn what it meant to go three up and three down and to be trained and ready for combat under any circumstance. This excellent book left me with a greater knowledge and understanding of the sacrifices and triumphs an officer in the US Army had on the men under his command while geting ready and fighting to defend the freedoms we Americans hold so dear. For any reader who wants to know more about the spirit and courage that has propelled America to become the leader of the Free World you must read this book. God Bless Col. Ed Mehosky and the men of his generation and above all else God Bless the USA.

The Story of a Soldier is definately worth reading. Ivan Mehosky has written a fantasic book in the style of Stephen Ambrose. Once you start reading you won't want to put it down til the end. Covering the period from 1940 to 1971 with a major focus on World War 2 Paratroopers in action.

Mr. Mehosky has done an excellant job of telling the story of his father's military career as handed down to him from his father. As you read the book you can't help but think of Mr. Mehosky of the 506th P.I.R. as having alot in common with Major Dick Winters of "Band of Brothers" fame.

If you're looking for an excellant book on World War 2 Paratroopers....This is it!

This is a super book for readers interested in real-life experiences of a soldier (Colonel Edward Mehosky), who dedicated his life to the service of his country during the period 1940-1971. The book is filled with captivating recounts of combat preparations and battlefield experiences in Normandy, Korea and Vietnam. I was particularly fascinated by the innovative spirit and leadership qualities which defined Colonel Mehosky throughout his career. The details of his jump into Normandy on D-Day and subsequent combat at Bastogne and Noville is a must read. As the title implies, this truely is a "Story of a Soldier", a book describing the soldiering life of one of the many heroes who gave their life to defending this country.

Ivan Mehosky writes a loving, detailed portrait of his father, Ed Mehosky, who grew strong on the sandlots of Reading, entered the peacetime Army before Pearl Harbor, became one of the first officers of the famed 101st Airborne, proved himself on D-Day and at Bastogne, where he helped lead an attack that successfully repulsed a German penetration of American lines that jeopardized the defense of Bastogne. Ed Mehosky, who never went to college, who believed that training saved lives, build morale and pride, and encouraged innovation among the troops he commanded, never asked his men to do anything he wouldn't do. In Germany after the war, in an exercise in which his position was to be penetrated by the Special Forces, Mehosky outfoxed them and set a trap that captured every infiltrator. It was the only time regular troops did so. In Korea, he not only whipped a slackard front-line outfit back into shape during the peacetalks ceasefire, he also ensured his men hot meals and hot showers, and his command was the only one on the line or held in reserve that managed to do so. No wonder he was the last non-college officer to make full colonel holding a regular army commission.His son, Ivan, does not only build a chronology of his father's successes, but also explains the whys and wherefores of building a successful command, and paints a vivid portrait of a tough kid who became an even tougher soldier, married an English war bride, and truly became an officer and a gentleman of the highest stature. No soldier could have put himself in harms way in better hands than Ed Mehosky's. With all the interest in World War II and the 101st, this book is a must-read.

I think everyone will find something to relate to in this book! For the generations of people who lived and fought during World War II, this book will bring back memories of that intense and brave time period. For younger generations, you will experience a sense of pride and patriotism as you read about those who fought for our country. Author Ivan Mehosky makes us feel as though we really know his father, Colonel Mehosky. I could not help but think of my own grandparents as I read this wonderful narrative.

A son has brought to light a father's deserved place in US military history! This book is a must read for anyone interested in the role of the Airborne in World War II or an interestingly detailed look at a successful military career from beginning training as an enlisted man to the rank of Colonel. The combination story lines of honor, country, bravery and love of family do not interfere with each other but instead compliment and come together in a book difficult to put down until the last page.

Excellent, easy reading. Pride in the father shown throughout the book. Excellent review of family history whereby we see the intense interest in father's profession as a soldier and person. Enjoy its expression of love for the father with a deep commitment to spread the word and educate the public about war and family life.