As good as it gets
Rating:
5 / 5
One of those books you can't put down. It's been awhile since I read one of these. A journal of incredible personal combat experiences. I'm going to find another book by this author. If you're a WWII buff I'd go to www.bookcrossing.com and look under Bill-S. Ask me to send this to you. Just pay shipping. You'll be missing an amazing diary if you don't. Mr. Burgett is lucky to be alive to write this. A salute to Donald R. Burgett.
Gripping
Rating:
5 / 5
A must read for anyone interested in actual combat conditions during WWII. The writer weaves a very personal tale that does not get bogged down in "the big picture" of The Bulge. The courage and fortitude of the writer and the many men who fought at Bastogne are vividly retold and this book will ensure that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
The battle for Bastogne
Rating:
4 / 5
"Seven Roads to Hell" refers to the seven key roads coming out of Bastogne, Belgium. This confluence of roads was a pivotal logistic point as armies could then move men and materials about the area. Understanding this, and seeing its declining position in the war, the Nazis were determined to take the road. Having difficulty holding in the onrush, the US Army sends the 101st Airborne to hold the area. This narrative discusses the Screaming Eagles part in the Battle of the Bulge.As mentioned before, this is a narrative. Donald Burgett was a private with the 101st during World War II and wrote his memories down soon after the war. Since this is not a diary, he establishes a flow and understanding of what is going on in the area. The narrative is very engaging. Having been to visit the battle site as well as read other books and seen movies about the battle, I always wondered why the American soldiers were not properly outfitted to fight a prolonged engagement in the snow. From this narrative, I learned that although they were short of some gear, the soldiers did have winter gear but were told to leave it behind because it would only slow them down. The soldier's perspective makes for a very good reading of the battle and its conditions. I would recommend this to any fan of military history.
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