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Summary: Praise for Patrick O'Donnell's BEYOND VALOR
Review: "Mr. O'Donnell has performed a singularly distinctive service on behalf of these great patriots. This book is also a fitting tribute to all of their valiant comrades who perished over a half century ago while fighting to save their country, and indeed the entire world, from tyranny. Mr. O'Donnell has captured for posterity the incredible deeds of some of America's bravest men. As an Airborne Ranger and member of the Special Forces myself, the first-person accounts of these noble men are particularly moving. . . . The theme that comes through loud and clear is the unbreakable bond that exists between men in combat, and persists despite the passing of decades." --Henry H. Shelton, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff"John Burke's generation doesn't go on Oprah to 'tell all.'. . . But now, thanks in part to films like Saving Private Ryan and books like The Greatest Generation, Mr. Burke and other veterans who for years kept their memories to themselves have begun to share their wartime experiences. Mr. Burke is one of several Washington-area veterans featured in Beyond Valor, a collection of the firsthand remembrances of more than 700 U. S. Army Ranger and Airborne veterans of World War II. . . 'Now I don't mind talking about [the war]. I just don't know where to begin,' Mr. Burke said. . . '[Patrick O'Donnell] has done a wonderful job. I got emotional.'" --The Washington Times "Before there were superheroes, there were these guys: the wild, wooly, and implausibly brave GIs of WWII, who here give us their version of the conflict in newcomer O'Donnell's oral history of the war.... There is plenty of scary material... plus some chilling insights into the reality of combat technique.... Raw and dramatic stuff. Readers will likely experience a better-them-than-me feeling." --Kirkus Reviews (starred) "A natural reticence to express their experiences characterizes survivors of combat, which makes the more remarkable this set of remembrances the author has induced from American veterans of airborne and Ranger units that fought in Europe.... However ineffable to those who weren't there, the emotions of combat are at least understandable, thanks to O'Donnell's ability to draw out his interviewees. A potent addition to World War II memoir literature." --Booklist
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Summary: Beyond Valor gives personal sacrafice a voice.
Review: I'm pleased that the author was able to finally give these veterans the recognition they're due. Their stories are truly unbelievable to a someone like me who is not a military history buff and who has been sheltered from the reality of war. I can't possibly relate to the personal sacrafices and horrors depicted in Beyond Valor but I was deeply moved by the veterans stories and I hope more readers open their hearts in gratitude to these fine soldiers and their immeasurable contributions.
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Summary: Great Book
Review: This book is, simply put, the best WWII book ever. Pat is the most knowledgeable person I know regarding America's specialty units. A great book from cover to cover. This one belongs on everyone's bookshelf, as a poignant memory of America's young men and all that they sacrificed for the world.
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Summary: A Book You Can't Put Down
Review: Beyond Valor is a testament to the slowly-disappearing heroes that were part of that generation that helped make this country what it is today. The book compiles easy-to-read, first-person narratives as personally experienced by these heroes, describing in their own words the brotherhood they felt for one another ("You just can't let the guy that you are with down, that's all" -- Herman Stein, 2nd Ranger Batallion), the anguish on Omaha Beach ("They were floating all over the place, there was blood in the water -- it was just dark" -- Ray Alm, 2d Ranger Batallion), the frustation of seeing your men wiped out ("One of the [German] 88s saw them and blew them apart . . . they were literally blown all to pieces" -- Don Burgett, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division), the pride in accomplishing the mission ("They never hesitated for a minute. When they didn't have an officer, a noncom took over. Nobody ever stopped. They took the railroad and Nijmegen bridges." -- Chaplain Delbert Kuehl, 504th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division), and the joy of being back home ("Oh, God, I can put my head down, the sheets in the bed, there's no bugs on them, there's no rain falling on you, your feet are warm, your hands are warm, you're gonna get a hot meal, there's nobody shooting at you . . . ." -- John Burke, 5th Ranger Battalion). I highly recommend this book to anyone.
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Summary: My thoughts on Beyond Valor
Review: Pat (author) Must tell you "Beyond Valor" one of the finest WW 2 epics to date. Must recommend to any combat veteran. A true unbiased record from the combat soldier himself! All the best. Al Hassenzahl C/506 101st A/B Division
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Summary: A Book to be Read and Re-read
Review: Patrick O'Donnell has put together an incredible book. His dexterous interweaving of oral history with the technical and organizational aspects of various military campaigns is a testament to his ardent determination to understand the experience of the American World War II veteran, and bring it to the reader. O'Donnell has really done his homework, and it shows in his powerful, honest writing. Everyone should read, and re-read this book. It will stand the test of time.
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Summary: The Best I've Seen
Review: This book is the best I've seen on the subject of Rangers and Special Forces-type units of WWII, and the best history of the war from the point of view of the average soldier. The individual stories of these soldiers surprised me with their frankness, making me realize how much we owed to the sacrifice of our men. Pat O'Donnell did a great job as well with his historic set-ups, and went beyond the usual overview of these battles. Definitely a "Must Have" for any serious military historian, or anyone just interested in the last "Good" war.
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Summary: First-Rate Oral History
Review: An excellent oral history. Patrick O'Donnell does a great job of setting the stage for each chapter. Through detailed maps and concise prose he charts the progress of the war, beginning in North Africa and ending in Germany. The histories themselves are brutally honest and moving. There are no false notes; the book is as much a testimony to the dignity and heroism of its subjects as it is to the horror of war.
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Summary: Anzio, Normany, Holland and The Bulge
Review: Patrick O'Donnell has provided WWII enthusiasts with an enticing look at the combat experiences of Allied and Axis soldiers in North Africa, Italy and Western Europe -- and all in their own words. As a compliment to his website, www.thedropzone.org., this book presents a selection of oral histories, taken largely from veterans of US airborne and ranger units, that is designed to shatter myths about the honor and glory of American involvement in the liberation of Western Europe. O'Donnell spares no punches. Highly recommended for those who would like a glimpse of the desperate fighting at Anzio, Normandy, Holland and the Bulge.
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Summary: Beyond Valor
Review: Mr O'Donnell brings the feelings of sorrow, anguish, and loneliness of the WWII soldier to the printed page as one one else has ever done.You feel like you are on the front lines with the men. Their stories are so moving I was in tears as I read them. Beyond Valor is outstanding and should be read by all.
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