Rating: 
Summary: Hurtgen Forect-22nd Infantry
Review: This new book is a super review of the 22nd Infantry Regiment's action in the Hurtgen Forest during WWII. It is extremely well documented. Having researched this unit in the National Archives Unit Records I can attest to the excellent documentation that he provides. His thoroughness includes having researched all of the morning reports for all of the units of the 22nd and comparing this with the casualty lists in the Unit Records. By doing this he was able to document 10 or 12 additional men who were lost but not included on the casualty list.He has done an excellent job with footnoting his references and has studied not only the American records but the German records for the units facing the 22nd Infantry.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting for even the casual reader
Review: When I first picked up Hell in Hürtgen Forest, I wasn't expecting to be able to read more than about 75 pages in a week; the first chapter, which outlined the geography of the forest, seemed to confirm my fears. However, the book pulled me in immediately afterwards. The chapters outlining the training of the American and German units are quite interesting, and Dr. Rush illustrates the intensity of the battle exceedingly well once the chapters on training have passed. At first, the number of names given is quite intimidating, until the reader realizes just how intense the fighting was: very few of the men named survive even a single chapter after being introduced, and the use of names ultimately helps to make the horrors of the battle come to life much more effectively than a simple list of numbers ever could. Of particular interest is Dr. Rush's thesis, which is that the organizational structure of the American Army gave the 22nd Regiment a distinct advantage over the Germans. This belief runs counter to the views of many historians, and Dr. Rush makes his point both eloquently and effectively. Finally, the index is a joy! Prepared by Dr. Rush's lovely daughter, Miriam, in its pages a careful reader can see her amazing potential. We can surely expect great things from her in the future.
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