The Command Is Forward

Rating:
Summary: From the Foreword to the Book
Review: Anthony Kemp, author and military historian, wrote the Foreword to "The Command is Forward." He called the book "- - an immensely detailed and honest - -" work on WW II and the role of the infantryman. Kemp's works include several books on the Lorraine Campaign, particularly those on the battle for Metz in late 1944.

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Summary: A Treasury Of Information On The WW2 Lorraine Campaign
Review: I expected to find this book interesting because I fought in this campaign. I was a sniper in the 26th Division of Patton's Third Army. But I never dreamed I would find so much information. Information I had been searching for. Like, for instance, what happened to my squad leader and the remnants of my squad after they left me wounded on the foot of Hill 310. I found that information, and lots more, in "The Command Is Forward."
I not only found a daily diary kept by our regiment for every day of the campaign. I found similar records kept by the German outfits we were fighting. And I found comments from the German commanders as to what they had expected from our division. And what they got.
I have filled my book with highlighting marks, and I often just go back and review those highlighted parts. Most are very personal. Anyone who fought in Europe, especially in the 26th Division or the Third Army should have this book, and so should any relatives or descendants of such veterans.
Try it. You will be as pleased as I was.

Rating:
Summary: My dad's war
Review: The book "The Command Is Forward" has been an incredible journey for me to take back through those days with my father. He and I each have a book and we are reading and discussing it over the phone. Last weekend he told me that the book made him cry. I have never seen my father cry. The division make-up was an incredible construct of college students, National Guard cadre and filler personnel. If you want to know what it feels like to go into combat as a green private lead by green officers and NCOs and facing a seasoned Panzer division you will never come any closer to the real experience then this book. Read it or miss one of the most important pieces of literature to come out of WWII. This book is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received and I owe Jim a debt that I will never be able to pay.

Rating:
Summary: From the Foreword to the Book
Review: The book "The Command Is Forward" has been an incredible journey for me to take back through those days with my father. He and I each have a book and we are reading and discussing it over the phone. Last weekend he told me that the book made him cry. I have never seen my father cry. The division make-up was an incredible construct of college students, National Guard cadre and filler personnel. If you want to know what it feels like to go into combat as a green private lead by green officers and NCOs and facing a seasoned Panzer division you will never come any closer to the real experience then this book. Read it or miss one of the most important pieces of literature to come out of WWII. This book is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received and I owe Jim a debt that I will never be able to pay.