Combat Medic World War II

by John A Kerner M D

Editorial Reviews From Booklist Called to active duty late in 1943, University of California-San Francisco surgical resident Kerner went to England with the Thirty-fifth Infantry Division in May 1944. Landing in Normandy shortly after D-Day, he was involved in combat for 264 days in France, the Low Countries, and Germany. He glorifies neither himself nor the military but, describing much individual and small-group heroism, shows how hard-pressed American forces, ill-informed about the enemy, often had to throw badly trained replacements into the front lines, where they naturally suffered many casualties. Kerner frequently describes personal highlights, such as diving for cover while assisting a patient and receiving the rarely given Combat Medic Award after riding the outside of a tank blasting its way through the siege at Bastogne. Kerner based the book on his letters that their recipients saved, and thereby writes with more immediacy than mere, perhaps clouded memories might allow. Giving his account unexpected depth is his knowledge of popular piano music and of European furniture and buildings, the latter thanks to his interior decorator mother. William Beatty Copyright (c) American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Product Description Over fifty years after the carnage at Normandy, Dr. John Kerner draws from his wartime journals and letters home to present an insightful portrait of war. Medical units under his charge pushed through western Europe, improving the treatment and transportation of the wounded during some of the most brutal fighting. Amidst the mud and blood of combat, this decorated medical officer shares a time and place when living beyond each day was in serious question. Kerner's account includes some of the greatest moments in World War the dramatic breakout of the Normandy hedgerow country, the thrilling dash across France in the summer of 1944, and the siege of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.

Genres: History

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is not only a Memoir about an aspect of the American WWII War Effort that I did not know much about, the medical war, but it is also about being a young man in a war environment, sex in the 40s, and being a Jewish soldier in the American Army. A lot of threads continue throughout the book, making it very engaging and compelling. I particularly liked learning about what it was like to held back in the Service when Demobilization was going on all around you. Kerner, the author has written a very interesting memoir, perhaps more honest, but always more forthcoming, than most I have read...

Kerner grew up in San Francisco, like I did, so many of his memories struck chords with me. the story picks up with him in Medical School- but knowing that a call up is coming. He's skilled, so he quickly moves into a position as the Battalion Level Triage Station Leader. As such, he became the leader of a ragamuffin band- with a goofy- but steady in action- cast of characters. Let's just say, you'll learn a lot about inter-Service Trading and the power of Booze and Cigarettes. Kerner also is quite honest about a few sexual encounters during the passage from the US to the UK to Normandy and into Germany Itself, so one gets a more complete sense of what life was like around so many young people in such density. There is a lot of medical content, too, -but never enough to turn the stomach.

The Sexual and Graphic Medical passages means this is really for Junior Readers 13 and over. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast, a mixed bag. Not much for gamers -unless you are ghoulish enough to go there with your games. But the Military Enthusiast will love the "slice of life"(pun semi-intended) about Military and Military-Medical life in the WWII US Army- and Modellers may get some cool diorama and modelling ideas for Medical Scenes. But any WWII history fan will appreciate Kerner's discussion of Medicine, Sex, Social interaction, the Military and even romance in the 1940s It's well worth the time spent.

[Benjamin Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and entertaining memoires about the service of a young MD that was drafted into the army and served through the landing in normandy till the end of the war.

There are not many books about the work of the medical personal during world war two. So this one was well worth the read.

[Jennifer Holik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had seen this book recommended by a couple of people on FaceBook and it caught my attention a couple of times when I was looking for books at Pritzker Military Museum and Library in Chicago. Finally I checked it out thinking it was something I should read. Ever get that feeling when a book keeps popping up? It almost screams READ ME!

The book was excellent. I admit to having gotten lost in it for several hours over two days while I read. John transported me to the battlefields of World War II and spoke of love, fighting, death, survival, the human spirit, and the ability of humans to care for each other.

I do not have any combat medics in my family (to my knowledge.) My family in World War II served in the Navy (Armed Guard), Army (Ordnance and infantry and engineers.) This book gave me an overview of what the war was like from the point of view of a man who was trying to save lives. I gained a better understanding of the type of wounds received, the type of care given, and what I assume is true no matter what job you held – the enormous difference between how you were trained versus what real war was like.

This book really opened my eyes to life in combat and I suggest it to anyone studying the WWII soldiers in their families. Open your mind to a new perspective. You will not be disappointed.

[Daryll Nailes]

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