101st Airborne: The Screaming Eagles in World War II (Hardcover)

by Mark Bando (Author)
Key Phrases: parachute school, airborne command, coffin corner, Airborne Division, Drop Zone, World War (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Military Heritage, February 2008
“This is author Mark Bando’s fourth contribution to memorializing the service of the 101st Airborne Division and its tremendous combat record in World War II. The coffee table-size book is full of photographs that depict the division’s distinguished service from D-Day until war’s end the following May.
 
“[Bando] does a nice job of illuminating the official history of the unit with vignettes from the soldiers themselves. These personal stories add a touch of realism and bring the action to life for the reader, who comes away with a much better understanding of what the men endured. The author has paid a lasting tribute to the ‘epic warriors’ of the 101st Airborne who, like so many others, were the ‘vanguard of freedom’ for the United States during World War II.”
                   
The
“Military historian Mark Bando wrote the text to this coffee-table-style book that is filled with photographs. The most moving were taken aboard an airplane en route to Normandy and on the ground during the Normandy invasion. More than anything, the black and white photos – of men chest-deep in snow, of men in battle on Christmas Day, of men deep in trenches – starkly show the tremendous hardships of war.”
Tampa Tribune, November 2007

Airborne Quarterly Magazine, Winter 2007
“There have been many books about the 101st, but this one is truly unique. Cocktail table-sized, it is equally big in content. All the more so since many of the numerous photos are, at least for this reviewer, first time viewings and collectively, tell a pictorial story well accompanied by text … It is rare for this reviewer to come across a book that truly tells it like it was and the photographic support to give life to the text. But that’s what this book does … I recommend it for those who share my interest in our airborne history. In reviewing this book my horizons were expanded! So too will be yours!”

Product Description

The legendary “band of brothers” in WWII in stirring words and pictures, from their historic landing in Normandy to the Allied victory in Europe.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Zenith Press; 1st edition (September 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760329842
• ISBN-13: 978-0760329849
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #164,272 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another exceptional Bando book on the 101st Airborne, September 20, 2007

By	W. Wienke "just a reader" (Malta, MT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is not my favorite Mark Bando book, but I guess I'm a bit spoiled in that it's the fifth Mark Bando authored book I own, and two of them are long out of print.

That said, 101st Airborne, The Screaming Eagles in World War II is an excellent addition to the history of the 101st Airborne.

The chronological narrative, from inception and training, through Berchtesgaden and the end of World War II, is classic Bando; chock full of anecdotes, historical tid-bits, and many previously unpublished photos.

While there are many troopers who have written first-person accounts, and many individuals who have interviewed 101st Airborne troopers and written books featuring those interviews, no one has known and interviewed more troopers than Bando.

The flavor and feeling Bando pulls from those interviews sets his work well apart from other books about the 101st Airborne. No matter how much you think you know about the 101st Airborne, there will undoubtedly be parts of this book that have you saying to yourself, "wow, I didn't know that!".

And that is part of the great joy of any Mark Bando book; the fresh perspective on a subject that many would claim has already been dealt with overwhelmingly.

All of Mark Bando's books on the 101st Airborne are treasures. Whether you're a long-time fan of the 101st Airborne, or someone who's picking up a book on the Screaming Eagles for the first time, this volume certainly warrants a spot in your book collection.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stand Up, Hook Up! A WWII 101st Airborne Classic!!!, September 7, 2007

By	Rich Riley "WWII 101st Screaming Eagles" (Strongsville, Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It is easy to be an admirer of Mark Bando, a former Detroit Police Officer and a man who has devoted the better part of his life learning first-hand the history of the 101st Airborne Division in WWII from the Men who made it.

This unbridled passion, admiration and unparalleled repect for the Screaming Eagles has led Bando to write what is nothing short of a classic. While I have always enjoyed Mr. Bando's books, his 7th, in my opinion, is the best to date. An absolute historical masterpiece. This book claims the distinction of 'can't put down' status, that is, once you start reading and viewing it, you won't stop until you reach the last word and the last picture on the last page. Once you reach this point, unquestionably, you will start all over again - it is truly that good!

This book will be enjoyed by those who have a thirst to learn about the history of the 101st for the first time, yet will be equally satisfying and thoroughly enjoyed by those who have studied this great Airborne Division for several years.

The 101st Airborne: The Screaming Eagles in WWII, masterfully weaves together the history of this elite Division, from it's inception to its deactivation. By utilizing unforgettable and widely published images of the 101st during WWII, and by introducing a plethora of photographs that have never been published before, the author truly has delivered a pictorial history of the 101st Airborne that is a classic.

But what this book it not, is simply a pictorial history. It is much more. What really brings this book home is the author's unparalleled and truly humbling knowledge of the history of the 101st in WWII, and the men who made it. The author has been interviewing these Great Americans since 1968, and through his life's dedication, he has enabled himself to unquestionably be the world's leading and most knowledgeable WWII 101st Airborne historian - and deservedly so. Just when you think Mr. Bando has revealed all he has learned about the 101st, he skillfully delivers a booked packed with a voluminous amount of riveting and historically important information about the Screaming Eagles. His amazing ability to recall and recite the history of the 101st is laden with such precise detail, that one would think the author actually lived out these events during the war. I couldn't help but feel while I was reading this book that I, the reader, was experiencing these events as well, as the precise detail delivered by the author, and the first-hand accounts from the Veterans truly deliver an exhilarating reading experience. The last time a book made me feel this way was Philip Caputo's "A Rumor of War." This book will make you laugh (`packing a parachute is like making love to a porcupine.. both are done very carefully) and will make you cry. It will inspire you. It will humble you.

A nice touch is the section on collecting 101st Airborne artifacts, which to the unassuming and uninformed, is a treacherous and unforgiving minefield. This section is packed full of photographs of prized Airborne artifacts, and delivers extremely helpful information to the collector. Mr. Bando might one day think about publishing a book on collecting Airborne, as again, he is truly one of the world's leading authorities on this subject matter, and his prized collection deserves to be chronicled and memorialized in a book. Bando last words on collecting are quite prophetic: preserve history to honor the troopers who wore and liberated the artifacts in question - that is the number one objective. If only more people collected for this reason.

All you need to know about the 101st is here. Mr. Bando has truly delivered a classic, one that is a fitting and lasting tribute to the men he admires so much. It will stand the test of time, and will take its deserved place amongst the classics.

It is high time that Bando is recognized and respected as the world's leading, and preeminent WWII 101st Airborne Historian. Truly and unquestionably, NOBODY knows more. His depth of knowledge and understanding is awe-inspiring. If you don't believe it, after reading this book, you'll be convinced.

Currahee!

Rich Riley
Strongsville, Ohio, USA

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bando brings WWII 101st oral history to life in this marvelous photo-documented study., November 15, 2007

By	Rodney Roycroft "WWII Airborne Demonstration ... (Pensacola, Fl United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Mark Bando, a name synonymous with the history of the 101st Airborne Division in World War II, has delivered his finest work to date. Having just completed this masterpiece, 101st Airborne - The Screaming Eagles In World War II, I must admit that I was disappointed by one thing, that it came to an END! For those of you who have already read it, what more can I say? And for those of you who will read it, you had better set aside a good amount of time because you won't put it down once you start. For Bando, this represents the pinnacle of a lifetime devoted to gathering and preserving WWII Screaming Eagle history. You will not be disappointed.

This book is special. In the past, Bando has produced outstanding works. His distinct style, that of basing his work primarily on first hand oral accounts, has brought to us the history of the 101st Division in a manner typically lacking in other books. It is this personal account approach that sets Bando's books apart from the rest and where 101st Airborne... excels. By combining these accounts with hundreds of incredible, never before seen photographs, Bando brings the story to life. This book delivers both in a large format with top quality photo reproduction and is the reason 101st Airborne... stands apart from the rest of his books. It is a gorgeous book that sets a new standard for preserving history.

From unit formation and stateside training, to the end of the war, 101st Airborne... spans the entire history of the 101st during WWII. The story starts with a fitting tribute to Dick Winters for his courageous leadership, exemplifying the 101st paratrooper, and ends with a unique chapter detailing the good and the bad of collecting Airborne related artifacts in today's challenging environment. In between, besides utilizing first hand accounts to explain the history of the 101st, the reader is treated to unique side-stories [personal vignettes] that are highlighted in grey shaded boxes. These stories alone are some of the best parts of the book. Of special note are five accounts related to Don Hettrick's incredible experiences. Other stories, such as the ones with Reg Davies and Guy Whidden deliver equally remarkable combat accounts. But just as enjoyable are the hundreds of fascinating photos, carefully selected by Bando, to illuminate the history of the Screaming Eagles. These photos demonstrate the trials and tribulations of the veterans who accomplished so much. The sources for these photos are manifold but especially noteworthy are the ones provided by Jim Bigley, Don Hettrick, Al Krochka, Joe Pangerl, John Reeder, Nadine Wierzbowski-Field and Don Zahn. Utilized extensively throughout the book, these photographs capture the true essence of life and death for the 101st soldier. They are the heartbeat of the book. Other special goodies such as a copy of Gen.Maxwell Taylor's typed message to the troops prior to Market-Garden combine to make this a great read.

After over thirty years of documenting personal interviews, collecting photographs and memorabilia, performing battlefield surveys and studying countless written sources, Mark Bando has DELIVERED! 101st Airborne - The Screaming Eagles In World War II may not be his last book on the subject but I consider it to be the definitive account of the history of the 101st Airborne Division during WWII. Perhaps the large format of this book along with numerous high quality photos and accompanying history explained through personal accounts should become the standard of the industry for such works. Could Bando's upcoming Avenging Eagles II be done in a similar format? Well, Bando will have to figure that one out but if you are like me you've got to be wondering where he will go next with his work. Could it be time for the first Bando produced documentary or feature film? (It's way overdue.)

Thanks for getting it RIGHT Mr. Bando and teaching us so much! No one could ever repay you for the work you've done to preserve such a vital part of American history.

Rodney Roycroft