Stephen E. Ambrose's non-fiction book, “Band of Brothers”, describes the historical journey of America’s Easy Company, the 506th Regiment, and the 101st airborne units as together they face the difficult challenges World War II has to offer. This book contains tons of historical information and provides an unforgettable, jaw dropping experience that will make you asking for more.
The members of Easy Company came from all over the United States in the summer of 1942. As they arrive, the company is put through the most brutal training any soldier could face. Their physical condition and highly intelligent knowledge of the battle field was unmatched to any other American company. Thus the reason Easy became know as the best rifle company in the world during World War II. Therefore, if it was not for Easy Companies atrocious training, the members would have never been able to accomplish the monumental tasks these men completed.
Every soldier had a designated job in their squad, but the hardest job is being the commander of a company. Commander Winters led Easy into many victorious battles. He used his sharp thinking, intelligence, and strength to gain the respect of his comrades and kill the lives of his enemies. One aspect of Commander Winters that stood out was his ability to deal with the incredibly strong mental insanity that would overcome many leaders on the battle field. Soldiers that could not acquire this ability of mental toughness would freeze up during battle. It took a mentally tough soldier to withstand World War II, and “Band of Brothers” accurately details that.
The significant change in the way wars are fought changed dramatically in World War II. Stephen E. Ambrose includes every use of technology the soldiers used and defended against throughout their journey. Technology such as anti-aircraft guns, heavy machine guns, armored tanks, and artillery posed huge threats for Easy Company. One example of the power of artillery is when Easy Company was moving toward woods overlooking the city of Foy. German artillery zeroed in on them and shot away. Shrapnel and explosions killed many instantly. Others could not hear for hours after the earsplitting explosions.
The most monumental battle in the beginning of the book is when Easy Company first parachutes onto Normandy beach and have to immediately regroup with their squad. Tragically, many soldiers get stuck in trees and are helplessly killed by passing German troops. Once together, the company took out multiple anti-aircraft guns, a fifty or more man platoon of elite German soldiers, acquired prisoners, and scattered gun crews. It was all for the price of losing four men and wounding two for Easy Company. All in all, Easy Company was an extremely good rifle company that could withstand the hardest of battles and come out on top.
Deciding to read “Band of Brothers” by Stephen E. Ambrose is an excellent choice because it is filled with incredible knowledge of World War II along with the exciting entertainment of feeling like you are in the battle. Stephen E. Ambrose captures the true essence of Easy Company. His thorough research and organization provide an easily read historical World War II book.
“The stress in training was followed by the stress in Normandy of drawing the key combat mission for gaining control of Utah Beach. In combat your reward for a good job done is that you get the next tough mission. E company kept right on getting the job done through Holland-Bastogne-Germany. The result of sharing all that stress throughout training and combat has created a bond between the men of E Company that will last forever.”