War Stories of the Infantry (Tim Stoltz)

Outside Reading Assignment
Title: War Stories of the Infantry
Authors: Michael Green and James D. Brown
Pages: 320
Why I read the book: My favorite books are war novels and this particular one features combat stories from World War 1 up to the present day Iraq war. And with the diversity of the book, it’s sure to have something everyone could like.
Summary: This book tells stories of the infantry from the muddy trenches of France to the arid terrain of Iraq and immerses the reader in the drama and intense action of combat and the live of an American infantryman. Featuring stories from Army and Marine personnel, they tell their struggles with the terrain, weather and the enemy, along with their own personal fears and struggles. From the bone chilling climate in the Korean mountains, to the humidity of distant jungles, this book tells the stories of unheard heroes and their commitment to their country and their cause.
Audience: Everyone could enjoy this book, but people interested in the military or military history will enjoy it even more.
Author’s style: The author’s style is straightforward because they are simply collecting the facts and stories from the veterans and showing people what it’s like.
2 Passages: “I got out my trench knife and cut the suspension lines on my chute. I was fifty feet from the barn when I was finally cut free. I spent the rest of the night lying in the hedgerows doubting I would live much longer. I even heard the sound of a machine gun bolt being pulled back but the German Patrol moved on right past me.” (Page 64”
Explanation: This passage really struck me for two reasons. First, it must have been extremely scary for the paratrooper to be behind enemy lines and alone evading German patrols. And secondly, as he was able to act calmly and keep his cover, he showed great determination to live another day.
“During this time, small arms fire and RPG fire continued to come into the company position. At one point, the Somalis fired hand held illumination flares and shortly after we had received several mortar rounds that injured several soldiers. We received Two to three RPG rounds followed by helicopter attacks and heavy small arms fire. This cycle would continue until morning. During the morning a few more were wounded and we were finally able to load the injured on trucks for extraction” (Page 260)
Explanation: This quote is meaningful for several reasons. First, the soldiers showed great skill and tactics while under heavy enemy fire and artillery rounds. Secondly even though each man was under enemy fire and sleep deprivation, they helped their wounded friends and soldiers and remained calm through the entire night.
Theme: although the book is a collection of diary entries and stories, the main themes are great determination in the face of a difficult enemy and overcoming personal fears, nature and other obstacles.
Letter Grade: I give the book an A because I really enjoyed it. I was able to be put in the footsteps of hard fighting infantry of each major war and conflicts and for a short while and think about how hard it must have been. With obstacles at every turn including nature, personal fears and sometimes even leadership problems I have gained more respect for the men of every generation to put their lives on the line to ensure freedom for the United States.