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Beyond Valor: World War II's Ranger and Airborne Veterans Reveal the Heart of Combat
Previous books have promised to describe the combat experience of the World War II GI, but there has never been a book like Patrick O'Donnell's "Beyond Valor." Here is the first combat history of the war in Europe in the words of the men themselves, and perhaps the most honest and brutal account of combat possible on the printed page. For more than fifty years the individual stories that make up this narrative -- shockingly frank reflections of sacrifice and courage -- have been bottled up, buried, or circulated privately. Now, nearing the ends of their lives, our WWII soldiers have at last unburdened themselves. "Beyond Valor" recaptures their hidden history. A pioneering oral historian, Patrick O'Donnell used his award-winning website, The Drop Zone, to solicit oral- and "e-histories" from individual soldiers. Gradually, working from within the community, O'Donnell convinced some of the war's most battle-hardened soldiers to tell their stories. The result is WWII seen through the eyes of the men who saw the most intense of its action. O'Donnell focuses on the elite units of the war -- the Rangers, Airborne, and 1st Special Service Force -- troops that spearheaded the most dangerous operations and often made the difference between victory and defeat.
From more than 650 interviews O'Donnell has chosen oral- and e-histories that form a seamless story line, a pointillistic history of the war in Europe from the first parachute drops in North Africa through the final battles in Germany and the long trip home. It is the story of the war not discussed in polite company. O'Donnell presents the wreckage of entire battalions nearly annihilated, invisible personal scars, and hauntingrevelations of wartime atrocities. But more important are the men who recount lives risked without hesitation for comrades and cause, and those who did not return: the friends who died in their arms. Their stories remind all of us that victory came only at the highest price.
Remembering the infamous cliffs at Pointe-du-Hoc, bloody Omaha Beach, the bitter fighting at the Battle of the Bulge, and Hill 400 in the Hurtgen Forest, the soldiers reveal war as seen, heard, and smelled by the GIs on the front line. Also included is the unique story of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, and the trailblazing African-American "Experimental" Test Platoon that had to fight its own battle behind the lines.
"Beyond Valor" captures the truths that exist among soldiers. It is one of the most inspiring accounts of the war ever produced.
From more than 650 interviews O'Donnell has chosen oral- and e-histories that form a seamless story line, a pointillistic history of the war in Europe from the first parachute drops in North Africa through the final battles in Germany and the long trip home. It is the story of the war not discussed in polite company. O'Donnell presents the wreckage of entire battalions nearly annihilated, invisible personal scars, and hauntingrevelations of wartime atrocities. But more important are the men who recount lives risked without hesitation for comrades and cause, and those who did not return: the friends who died in their arms. Their stories remind all of us that victory came only at the highest price.
Remembering the infamous cliffs at Pointe-du-Hoc, bloody Omaha Beach, the bitter fighting at the Battle of the Bulge, and Hill 400 in the Hurtgen Forest, the soldiers reveal war as seen, heard, and smelled by the GIs on the front line. Also included is the unique story of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, and the trailblazing African-American "Experimental" Test Platoon that had to fight its own battle behind the lines.
"Beyond Valor" captures the truths that exist among soldiers. It is one of the most inspiring accounts of the war ever produced.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2001
31 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Patrick K. O'Donnell
14 books270 followersO’Donnell is a bestselling author, critically acclaimed military historian and an expert on elite units. The author of twelve books, including: Washington’s Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution, The Unknowns, First SEALs, Give Me Tomorrow, The Brenner Assignment, We Were One, Beyond Valor, and Dog Company, he has also served as a combat historian in a Marine rifle platoon during the Battle of Fallujah and speaks often on espionage, special operations, and counterinsurgency. He has provided historical consulting for DreamWorks’ award-winning miniseries Band of Brothers and for scores of documentaries produced by the BBC, the History Channel, and Discovery and is the recipient of several national awards. He also regularly contributes to several national publications and shows.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 30, 2016
If you ask a history buff on what they have on World War I and II, it may shock you on the list of books that they have in their library regarding these events. There is a subculture among us that seek out every books that has been written on the World Wars. It's more than a genre or a hobby for many of us. Our fascination on these wars are almost like an addiction that we can't stop. We are always looking for next read to please our minds with infinite information.
For example, many of us wished that we can time travel back during that era on what it was like to live through the war.
"Beyond Valor" is another book that has been cataloged in my library for future reference on U.S. Army Ranger Battalions and Airborne. Personal stories from the men who fought in the air and the ground is some of the most excellent interviews that has been documented. Some might say that their stories lack in details. This is true for many of our Veterans that have fought in all wars. They only gives us snippets of their past on what it was like to be on the battlegrounds. This is my favorite part of this genre because we will never know the full scope in depth on what it is like to go to war, unless we are on the front lines.
No matter how much I read on this subject, there is always a personal mystery left behind at every last page. That is why I keep reading on the World Wars. Modern wars bores me because we are all connected and the information is available during the actual combat. There is no style of writing when reading about any modern wars. It's reproduction from news outlets and social media.
No war can compares to these World Wars because each novels, books, interviews and articles that I have read has compassion for their comrades.
For example, many of us wished that we can time travel back during that era on what it was like to live through the war.
"Beyond Valor" is another book that has been cataloged in my library for future reference on U.S. Army Ranger Battalions and Airborne. Personal stories from the men who fought in the air and the ground is some of the most excellent interviews that has been documented. Some might say that their stories lack in details. This is true for many of our Veterans that have fought in all wars. They only gives us snippets of their past on what it was like to be on the battlegrounds. This is my favorite part of this genre because we will never know the full scope in depth on what it is like to go to war, unless we are on the front lines.
No matter how much I read on this subject, there is always a personal mystery left behind at every last page. That is why I keep reading on the World Wars. Modern wars bores me because we are all connected and the information is available during the actual combat. There is no style of writing when reading about any modern wars. It's reproduction from news outlets and social media.
No war can compares to these World Wars because each novels, books, interviews and articles that I have read has compassion for their comrades.
May 31, 2019
A really interesting and very compelling book. Patrick O'Donnell used his "Drop Zone" website to collect oral and written histories from the real vets themselves, some whose stories have been told before(I read a lot of memoirs) but many whose tales have not been exposed yet. Best of all, O'Donnall is great at giving you CONTEXT- often with Maps and Diagrams - that make this an excellent work for history buff , wargamer and novice alike. But warning, it can be both graphic and gut-wrenching, as many adult emotions are shared. Well worth the time spent.
O'Donnell has chosen to give us the stories of the elite infantry of the European Theater, the Rangers, the Airborne and Glider Infantry, and the 1st Special Service Force, the Joint Canadian American force immortalized in the classic war flick "The Devils' Brigade". These were America's best- and their stories are riveting. But they also tell you about how hard to was to go home. Every story is compelling in its own way- and O'Donnell, rightly, only intrudes to give context. By the end you understand how men of this mettle broke the back of the Third Reich, with their allied brethren, learning the hard lessons of war- so that by the end they have the advantage over their foe. I loved turning the pages.
This book is graphic in all ways- and occasionally profane, so I'd say 12-13 is about the time this book would make sense for the Junior reader. For the Military Enthusiast/Modeller/Gamer, this book is a Treasure Trove. O'Donnell's fabulous use of Maps and Diagrams lets you understand which corners of the battlefield made the difference. And thus each story can be a resource for Dioramas/Scenarios aplenty. There;s that much detail, especially if you meld it with other Ranger and PIR histories (Band Of Brothers, say, or any number of other sources). The stories can also be used for a travel guide- although I'd suggest using with a more travel oriented guide- and this for the colour on the trip. Whatever your reason- well worth it.
O'Donnell has chosen to give us the stories of the elite infantry of the European Theater, the Rangers, the Airborne and Glider Infantry, and the 1st Special Service Force, the Joint Canadian American force immortalized in the classic war flick "The Devils' Brigade". These were America's best- and their stories are riveting. But they also tell you about how hard to was to go home. Every story is compelling in its own way- and O'Donnell, rightly, only intrudes to give context. By the end you understand how men of this mettle broke the back of the Third Reich, with their allied brethren, learning the hard lessons of war- so that by the end they have the advantage over their foe. I loved turning the pages.
This book is graphic in all ways- and occasionally profane, so I'd say 12-13 is about the time this book would make sense for the Junior reader. For the Military Enthusiast/Modeller/Gamer, this book is a Treasure Trove. O'Donnell's fabulous use of Maps and Diagrams lets you understand which corners of the battlefield made the difference. And thus each story can be a resource for Dioramas/Scenarios aplenty. There;s that much detail, especially if you meld it with other Ranger and PIR histories (Band Of Brothers, say, or any number of other sources). The stories can also be used for a travel guide- although I'd suggest using with a more travel oriented guide- and this for the colour on the trip. Whatever your reason- well worth it.
May 9, 2019
The thing I like about this book it is a collection of stories of the Rangers & Airborne troops in WWII. Individual events that actually happened are more riveting to read because they tell the story of what the war meant to the actual soldier fighting in Europe.
I’ve read a lot of WWII books, so I know what happened & where. Sometimes, the why is the most important part to be told. This one is more of an emotional journey of what the soldiers went through.
I’ve read a lot of WWII books, so I know what happened & where. Sometimes, the why is the most important part to be told. This one is more of an emotional journey of what the soldiers went through.
July 4, 2023
I have read several of O'Donnell's books and enjoyed all of them. Like his oral history style of writing. I am well acquainted with the events he shares, but what makes this book so good are the personal stories. For example, I understand what happened at Anzio, but every person has a unique story to tell and those personal stories are fascinating.
April 19, 2023
I have been reading quite a few World War II books from the views of soldiers lately. I think it is important to hear what these soldiers went through and how it affected them. I don't feel like I could ever possibly understand what they went through. The soldiers deserve 5 stars!
June 23, 2017
Great book. Heartbreaking stories.
October 17, 2021
I had the pleasure of learning more about the journey my Grandfather went through as a paratrooper in the 555th. The book is priceless.
Read
March 17, 2025great account of the WWII action
June 17, 2025
This book is an excellent history of the elite Rangers and Airborne troops experiences in the European Theatre until the end of the war in Europe. Much of it is told in the first person from interviews by the author of survivors that experienced it, including their emotions and the effects on them.
The last few chapters deal with history of WWII that I had not known much about. I thought, and many people think, that WWII was virtually over when the Allies defeated the Germans in the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945. It wasn't as this book explains. There were many battles in which both sides lost thousands of lives after the Battle of the Bulge until the war ended as the Allies invaded Germany.
The last few chapters deal with history of WWII that I had not known much about. I thought, and many people think, that WWII was virtually over when the Allies defeated the Germans in the Battle of the Bulge in January 1945. It wasn't as this book explains. There were many battles in which both sides lost thousands of lives after the Battle of the Bulge until the war ended as the Allies invaded Germany.
February 21, 2016
Let's face it: D-day was chaos. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong even though it was planned in minute detail. At the same time, chaos sometimes saved lives. But because D-day and many military operations during WWII were utter chaos, a book about them, does not have to be utter chaos as well. I read Forgotten Voices D-day, before I read the long chapter about D-day, in this book, so I KNOW, that D-day can be described in a very good way. It CAN be described so that you get the feel of being there and so that you can understand even if you are not a soldier.
This particular book jumps from one thing to the next, you get no feel for who is talking and the main problem might actually be that it is the old men writing the stories themselves in a disorganized way, and not being interviewed as in the Forgotten Voices series, by the Imperial War Museum. In that book you are taken forward hour by hour on the five different beaches and beyond, in the case of the paratroopers and commandos. In this you are thrown back and forth, back and forth all over the Normandy area. It was a total waste of money and time, to read all the comments from the rangers and paratroopers. There must be something better out there! I will not even bother reading the other chapters on Market Garden, Bastogne etc. This book contributes nothing!
This particular book jumps from one thing to the next, you get no feel for who is talking and the main problem might actually be that it is the old men writing the stories themselves in a disorganized way, and not being interviewed as in the Forgotten Voices series, by the Imperial War Museum. In that book you are taken forward hour by hour on the five different beaches and beyond, in the case of the paratroopers and commandos. In this you are thrown back and forth, back and forth all over the Normandy area. It was a total waste of money and time, to read all the comments from the rangers and paratroopers. There must be something better out there! I will not even bother reading the other chapters on Market Garden, Bastogne etc. This book contributes nothing!
February 24, 2012
Outstanding account of America's best warrirors during World War II. This book contains first person accounts of paratroopers, Rangers and other special operations units. They were the tip of the spear and were given the tougest missions and assigmemts.
Patrick K. O'Donnell collected and selected these stories from hundreds of interviews and presented the most exciting, most adventerous and most tragic stories of them all.
Highly trained, physically fit and tremendously motivated young men and boys were sent out on sometimes impossible missions at the whilms of commanders who refused to undertand their capabilities and limitations. The results were some catastrophic engagements as well as some improbable victories.
Whatever successes achieved were not due to the commanders but to the grunts on the ground who acted bravely and Beyond Valor.
John E. Nevola - Author of The Last Jump - A Novel of World War II
Patrick K. O'Donnell collected and selected these stories from hundreds of interviews and presented the most exciting, most adventerous and most tragic stories of them all.
Highly trained, physically fit and tremendously motivated young men and boys were sent out on sometimes impossible missions at the whilms of commanders who refused to undertand their capabilities and limitations. The results were some catastrophic engagements as well as some improbable victories.
Whatever successes achieved were not due to the commanders but to the grunts on the ground who acted bravely and Beyond Valor.
John E. Nevola - Author of The Last Jump - A Novel of World War II
February 21, 2016
One of those books my dear father sent me years ago that I just got around to reading. An impressive compilation of first hand accounts by airborne veterans fighting from Africa to the final days in Germany. I've gotten to where these first hand accounts of life as a grunt soldier and all they went through are my favorite source of learning history. And each time I read one, the more I hate war. We look back and see these soldiers as men, but many of them were just boys, many just teenagers, never even getting a chance to get started when snuffed out on the battlefields in Europe. Some of the stories are thought provoking while others are just plain tragic. War, what is it good for? Read this and you'll be asking that question time and again while thanking these men through prayer and memory for their sacrifices.
September 4, 2009
Stories and experiences of airborne troops in WWII, in their own words. Reading their experiences will give you a first person experience that goes beyond, around and through the hollywood ideal of war....and how people react. At times horrifying, patriotic...and sometimes even funny....as close as you can come to being there....
I came away with a comforting realization of people's abilitites rise to the occassion....regardless of circumstance...do what needs to be done...and then return back to "normal existence".
I think everyone under 55 (the priviledged/overindulged generation) should read something like this to get an idea of how "the greatest generation" accomplished truly great things...on an individual basis...without expecting financial reward or fame.
I came away with a comforting realization of people's abilitites rise to the occassion....regardless of circumstance...do what needs to be done...and then return back to "normal existence".
I think everyone under 55 (the priviledged/overindulged generation) should read something like this to get an idea of how "the greatest generation" accomplished truly great things...on an individual basis...without expecting financial reward or fame.
May 27, 2012
I listened to the book on tape. I am always humbled by what these men did in fighting WWII. I have been to some of the places they talk about and as I view these landscapes and terrain and try to imagine what they did, it seems impossible. Yet, in hearing their stories they were just men, and just "did thier duty", and did the impossible.
Humans can do amazing things, both good and evil.
Humans can do amazing things, both good and evil.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews