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Summary: real war
Review: A great read for anyone interested in history and combat at the grunt level. A good book for anyone trying to understand the culture of America and Europe from a soldiers point of view. Did Europe love the United States for being there? Maybe after a few more books I might have some idea of what world war ii was really about. Read this book.
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Summary: A hero's words.
Review: A hero relates his experiences from start to finish. My Grandfather was a decorated Paratrooper in the 517th, Company I, and while reading Maggie's book, I couldn't help but envision my Grandfather being in the next foxhole over. Thanks to these brave men, I'll never know the true sacrifices that a world war requires.
I met Maggie at the Oshkosh, WI EAA AirVenture this last summer (2004), and thanked him personally for what he went through. His book, while not the most PC book, shouldn't be... it was written about a different time, about horrific things, and about real men. If you'd like to read a real hero's perspective on the Airborne in WWII, try this book.
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Summary: So enjoyable...it deserves a second read
Review: A mile a minute account of the 82nd airborne in combat. Filled with stunning combat scenes that leave you on the edge of your seat. His feelings for the German civilians and reflections on higher command give a unique perspective not scene in the war movies. This is the kind of book that you will call in sick to work just to stay home and read...its that good! WARNING, this book will get you hooked on war memoirs
Rating:
Summary: So enjoyable...it deserves a second read
Review: A mile a minute account of the 82nd airborne in combat. Filled with stunning combat scenes that leave you on the edge of your seat. His feelings for the German civilians and reflections on higher command give a unique perspective not scene in the war movies. This is the kind of book that you will call in sick to work just to stay home and read...its that good! WARNING, this book will get you hooked on war memoirs
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Summary: A True Story of What Happen to Our WWII Airborne Soldiers.
Review: Absolutely a great read! The narrative that Lt. Megellas uses keeps the reader's wanting to know what happens next. A truly overwhelming autobiography that tells us what our All-American airborne soldiers had to do to keep alive. James Megellas has revealed to the reader the mindset that develops in combat over time, when life becomes rather cheap.During the years that my father-in-law -- Lt. Richard "Rivers" LaRiviere (see this book's dedication) -- was alive, he shared several stories about his life in "H" Company of the 504th. James Megellas versions were true to form and exciting to re-hear in his All the Way to Berlin. Having been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart, Lt. Megellas has the expertise to deliver a real picture of WWII combat; a reality that he successfully brings home to the reader. (by Gary Zimmermann, Marine veteran of Vietnam, Nov.67 - Dec.68 & Jul.69 - Feb.70)
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Summary: A true history lesson
Review: After reading this book, I feel that my knowledge and respect for the soldiers of World War II has grown tremendously. I have always enjoyed history. This book provides great insight to the real aspects of war that we typically do not see in our history class. The author, James Megellas, provides a very unique viewpoint that keeps in mind the history of the war from a global stance, yet provides a meaningful account of what is was like to be in the frontline. Unlike the author, my specific generation did not have to deal with war in our life. It is only through accounts like this that I learn about and earn respect for the efforts and challenges of the generations before me. The book is a first hand account of history. It is presented in a way that I wanted to keep reading and learn more. The level of detail is tremendous while not using violence unnecessarily. The story of each account transcended the immediate violence of the battle while providing a vivid picture of life on the frontline. The quantity of first hand accounts and input that Megellas worked into the story impressed me. This showed accuracy and effort to make this a factual account. It also keeps it very personal. We should all read this and learn from it. Great Book, Well Told, & Highly Recommended.
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Summary: Outstanding new book
Review: All the Way to Berlin by James Megellas, needs to be in the library of every WWII history buff. If you are interested in WWII airborne and what it was like to be a 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment line officer this is the book for you. Fast reading and a good histroy of the 504th PIR during WWII. I highly recommend it.
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Summary: This is the one you need to read.
Review: All the Way to Berlin is a must read for anyone who wants to understand WWII from an up close and personal vantage point. This book is not Hollywood turning George C. Scott into General Patton. This is a "real as it gets" account by a guy who actually did what most others just talked about. Let "Maggie" tell you what it was really like. If you buy one "I was there" book on WWII, buy this one! You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: This is the one you need to read.
Review: All the Way to Berlin is a must read for anyone who wants to understand WWII from an up close and personal vantage point. This book is not Hollywood turning George C. Scott into General Patton. This is a "real as it gets" account by a guy who actually did what most others just talked about. Let "Maggie" tell you what it was really like. If you buy one "I was there" book on WWII, buy this one! You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Bold and Enlightening
Review: All The Way to Berlin is an extraordinary account of a soldier's attempt to stay alive under impossible conditions and yet place his duty as a soldier above all else.The author's account of the battles fought and the conditions under which they were undertaken make us all realize what the term War Hero really means.This book is a documentary of a WWII soldier's day to day life,his relationships with his fellow soldiers,and the overall struggle to make sense of an almost impossible situation which the author dealt with constantly.One of the book's greatest messages concerns the value of life and the way differrent countries appeared to value the lives of their "grunts".Without a lot of political influence the author makes a great case for war being a losing proposition for all unless it is a last resort.It is written with such wit,charm,and compassion that for all of those that want to feel as if they were on the battlefield themselves this is a must read.
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