Patton's Vanguard: The United States Army Fourth Armored Division

Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING!
Review: Every few years a book comes along that is truly impressive and this book is one of them. The author has written an excellent account of an armored division at war. It is very easy to read and understand and he is very descriptive of the battles and movement of the 4th Armored Division. The author talks about the big picture to help the reader understand why the division attacked in certain directions. He also peppers each chapter with small unit actions that conveys the terror and triumphs the men of the division experienced. The chapter on the relief of General Wood was well written and thought out. The author avoids trying to lay blame at one person's feet, but tries to show how certain factors (from COL Withers incompent handling of CCA to Wood's arguments with his corps commander, Eddy) may have lead to Wood's dismissal from command of his beloved division. The only "flaw" if you can call it that is at the beginning of each section he includes a map of the area of operations the chapter is describing. What would have been helpful would have been if the author showed the routes of CCA, CCB and CCR along with what units were on the flanks. It would have helped follow the action a little better. Nonetheless this book is worth every penny and If the author decides to write another book on "Patton's Best" I will be first in line to buy it.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling and descriptive look at the 4th Armored
Review: I am 32 and most books I have read about WWII have been overviews or concern a specific theatre or action. This is the 1st book I have read so specific within the subject. I found it to be somewhat easy to read and follow overall. Certain chapter descriptions I could easily make a mental picture of the battle. Some of it was overwhelming in detail, which is probably what some of the soldiers thought of the war. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in military history and especially the ETO. Would definitely read the next book by the same author. Thank you Mr. Fox

Rating:
Summary: 4th Armored Divsion rolls again
Review: One can hear the sound of the tank treads rumbling as one reads this very well written portrayal of the exploits of Patton's "crack" 4th Armored Division , from before "the beach" of Normandy , through the harrowing combat leading to Bastogne.
Long ago tank battles and house to house fighting again come alive as the reader only begins to feel the tension and suspense of men at war. What was it really like, fighting in the cold , in the snow, and at times, in the dark, against a cunning and desperate enemy? This book goes far in giving the reader some idea of what these soldiers experienced.
One day, all too soon, World War II will be as remote to most people as the American Civil War. This book preserves a much needed link to the past through the use of diligent research and vivid accounts of 4th Armored Division survivors. We can only hope for, and look forward to, a sequel.

Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING!
Review: One can hear the sound of the tank treads rumbling as one reads this very well written portrayal of the exploits of Patton's "crack" 4th Armored Division , from before "the beach" of Normandy , through the harrowing combat leading to Bastogne.
Long ago tank battles and house to house fighting again come alive as the reader only begins to feel the tension and suspense of men at war. What was it really like, fighting in the cold , in the snow, and at times, in the dark, against a cunning and desperate enemy? This book goes far in giving the reader some idea of what these soldiers experienced.
One day, all too soon, World War II will be as remote to most people as the American Civil War. This book preserves a much needed link to the past through the use of diligent research and vivid accounts of 4th Armored Division survivors. We can only hope for, and look forward to, a sequel.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding account of small unit action of the 4th Armored
Review: This book gives an outstanding account of the small unit action and individual efforts of the soldiers of the Fourth Armored Division. The details of the skirmishes and battles bring you back in time with the clarity of the Spielberg classic Saving Private Ryan. The movements of platoons and companies are as well detailed as those of the entire division. First hand accounts and unit histories were meticulously acquired and sifted through to compile a comprehensive, insightful novel that is both enjoyable and accurate. One of the most enjoyable, if not THE most enjoyable WWII book I've ever read.