Panzer Commander : The Memoirs of Colonel Hans von Luck

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Summary: Best World War II book ever from a German Bn/Regt Cdr.
Review: Hans Von Luck tells the story of the German Army at a lower tactical level than the other grand scheme books on World War II. Von Luck was in action in all theaters of the war from Poland to France to North Africa to the Eastern Front to the Western Front after D-Day and ultimately back to the Eastern Front where he was captured by the Russians. Von Luck does not seek to glorify war but explains the "esprit de corps" that his units had that made them want to do their best which meant fighting for their country. The book is truly inspirational that one officer so young could have so much effect in every major campaign of World War II in Europe. Von Luck is an officer and gentleman throughout the war and is an example of what a professional officer should be. Every Army officer or potential officer should read this book in order to better understand what they should seek to accomplish. World War II buffs not in the military will still find the book fascinating and an excellent addition to their library.

Rating:
Summary: Something Special
Review: In the many books that I have read over the course of my rather expensive period of collecting on WWII, I found this book to be one of the most interesting in the fact that it didnt just center on the war or the obvious, and went out of its way to tell a story that leaves you caring for the author. It is clearly not a book for the blood craving, however.

Rating:
Summary: Terrible. One of the worst military books I have read.
Review: This is a book about a guy patting himself on the shoulder, and showing how he was not like any other officers.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting but not what I expected
Review: While Von Luck's memoirs are an interesting account of his experiences, and do provide key insights to such vital figures as Rommel, the descriptions of combat and the tactics used are lacking. The unexpected highlights of this memoir were his discussion of his relationship with his fiance and his experiences in Russia after the war, not his exploits as the commander of the Rommel's Reconaissance Battalion.

Rating:
Summary: A curious book, better on events after the war
Review: This is a strange book, since there isn't much military action featured in what is supposed to be the memoirs of a Panzer commander. But for me the best section was the one which covered Luck's imprisonment in Soviet Georgia after the war, which was curiously moving and gave a very good idea of what it must have been like for the countless hundreds of thousands of defeated Germans packed off into the Soviet hinterland.

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Summary: historical memoir at its worst
Review: Don't be misled by the high ranking reviews. This book is a breezy read of a man going on a long vacation, sipping wines and smoking cigarettes with an enemy who is grateful for being "liberated". It is tragic that a German tank leader would leave such a trite legacy. I read Rommel's "Attacks" at the same time -- pity that Luck didn't learn from his mentor's literary style of detail and candor. I believe that Luck mentions that his orderly, Beck, kept a journal. Now that I would love to read.

Rating:
Summary: first class book
Review: this is my favorite military book

Rating:
Summary: Terrible- dont buy it.
Review: Terrible book. I returned for a refund i was so disgusted. For a guy who was always at the spearhead, he describes the war as a road trip where he met interesting people. Combat isnt even discussed. Avoid at all costs.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent War War II / Adventure book
Review: Hans Von Luck tells and excellent story of his life in the German Army during WWII and his time as a prisoner of war in Russia. I was fascinated by the first hand accounts of the battles and situations he found himself in. I had a hard time putting this book down since it has the excitement of a gripping adventure story. It is a must read for anyone interested in first person accounts of World War II!

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Summary: Tell the rest of the story, Hans.
Review: Bells went off in my head when I saw that the introduction to this book was by Stephen Ambrose. A sure sign that little but dates and names would be learned. Against my better judgement I bought this book because there are so few memoirs of the war from the German side. This entire book amounted to little more than a travel memoir. The war actually sounded like a hell of a good camping trip. Mr. von Luck managed to reveal nothing of himself. Did he even see anyone die? Is there not one iota of anger in his skull? Is this guy human? Come on Hans, why did you hold back? History wants to know. If you want the antidote to this book, read Paul Fussell's "Wartime".