Customer Reviews

War Stories III: The Heroes Who Defeated Hitler (with DVD)

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As in North's other books on the history of war and warfare he continues here to focus on the lives of the people living it and this brings the history home in a way that simple dates and battles can't. This kind of history writing seems especially relevant in light of the huge number of Americans now fighting in Iraq - our neighbors, sons, daughters, etc. I also like North's books since he approaches the subject as a soldier who has seen combat. This gives him a perspective that other more academic writers don't have. He has other biases too - you won't find anything close to a hint of a question about war and I don't think he's much of a fan of the French. The book will be richer, I think, if you have a decent understanding of the timelines and conflicts of WWII as this will fill in the more personal gaps. An excellent addition to WWII histories.

I am enthusiastic about the book and want the book read generally rather than on special merit. Why do I want the book read? Well, there is a whole rising generation for whom WWII is so old and far gone that they really know NOTHING about it. This book is a fine quick overview and quite readable. It doesn't get bogged down in the details of tactics, strategies, or troop movements.

What it does offer that is very inviting is what makes the TV show a success and is suggested by the title. It has the war stories of many individuals to flesh out the brief summaries of aspects of the war. These stories include regular soldiers, people who have since become famous like Senators (and Presidential hopefuls) Dole and McGovern, and Chuck Yeager. There are also stories from women, people who were children at the time, several women including a Russian woman who fought against the German, and a German pilot. As you can tell, these are not the political leader, the generals, or important commanders in the war. The events they participated in were not the key turning points of the war, generally. However, they help us understand how the war was experienced by some of the millions of individuals whose participation in it made the defeat of Hitler possible.

My hope is that young people will read this book and not only learn about the war, but will also become interested enough to move on to other books on World War II and American History. This material is easy to read and is far from being comprehensive or complete, but it does tell its stories well and can be the springboard to something more.

The book also comes with a DVD with three of the episodes of the TV show that inspired this book. Several of the stories in the book are included on the DVD. So, maybe the DVD will spark someone to then read the book.

We are reaching a time when the members of the greatest generation, those that fought against the Nazi's and the Japanese are rapidly leaving us. It is good to see this series of stories from individuals who were there. By capturing their stories it may be possible for us to catch just a glimpse of what it must have been like to live when the country was more together than at any time before or since.

As with the other books in this series, this book presents a rather eclectic collection of stories. All services are represented. And the story tellers are as different as they can be. Bob Dole relates the day he was wounded with the 10th Mountain Division. One of the Tuskegee Airman relates the story of a 'colored' pilot during the war. Chuck Yeager tells of being hit by German cannon fire and the propeller of his airplane coming off.

This is a series of personal stories. It does not ahve the broad expanse of an integrated history, it's about real people.

Oliver North has a great affection for the men and women who fought to keep our country free. This book covers the European theater of World War II, and contains a multitude of stories told by those who fought in it. Sometimes it's difficult to imagine what these folks had to go through to defeat a very determined emeny, and those of us who are the inheritors of that legacy of freedom should always honor them. My own father was one of these people (although he died many years ago), and I thank him, and these others, every day for the life of liberty I, and my family, enjoy because of their sacrifices.

I am a history fanatic and I really like Military history. I enjoy history so much that I have 2 History degrees, just because I kept taking history classes.
This book not only tells stories of American fighting men, but it also has stories of the men that fought against the Allies.
These are the words of men and women that lived and saw friends die during those bloody battles. No actors or TV script here, dead and wounded, did not get up when someone yelled cut, this is the real thing. I am glad these heroes were able to finally tell us what it was like and how proud they are that they defeated Hitler, as each day more of them go to the "roll call" in the sky.
Start with this book and then go on to the War Stories from the Pacific and finish up with War Stories from Iraq and Special Forces Stories. You will understand what it takes to defend FREEDOM.

Col. North does a great job of intermixing strait facts of history with the first hand accounts of the men and women who were there. It really helps bring the historical facts to life.

I think this should be required reading for WW2 history classes, and is great reading for any history buff.

Added bonus- it comes with a great DVD.

This book does, for the war in Europe, what 'War Stories II' did for the war in the Pacific. It is an excellent,complete account. Of course, the input of actual participants only enhance this great read. Don't miss reading this one.