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A Footsoldier for Patton: The Story of a "Red Diamond" Infantryman with the U.S. Third Army
A book by Michael Bilder in which his his father James G. Bilder recounts his combat experiences with the U.S. Army in Europe during the Second World War.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 17, 2008
About the author
Michael C. Bilder
2 books1 followerMichael C. Bilder was inducted into the 5th Infantry Division in April 1941 and in 2006 was awarded the Legion of Honor, France's highest decoration, for his WWII service. A retired carpenter, he lived in the house he built himself in 1960 and where he and his late wife raised five children, until his passing in the spring of 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 9, 2020
an absolutely astounding, profound, emotionally trying book that I had to stop reading a few times to absorb what we truly being described. I lump this work in with such greats as all quiet on the western Front, because although it at times comes off as immature or lacking in sincerity, telling of the main subjects antics and indiscretions, when taken as a whole, these are the actions of someone in the absolute worst of situations. He constantly lived with the threat of dying, losing his good friends in seeming pointless ways. His antics kept his humanity alive, they helped him come back from war with his psyche intact. I read this book with great enthusiasm and if given the time, could have probably read it in a single day...I can't say that about any other book I've read. Overall one of my favorites!
March 18, 2021
Chronicle teminiscing the various wartime experiences of an average Joe in This Man’s Army.
The author, not a professional writer, tells his story in a simple, unselfconscious style reflected in the honest, energetic, taken-at-face-value-few-deep-dark-spaces manner of American Army GIs caught occasionally in late night Audy Murphy movies about the Second World War.
I’m uncertain how much of this book was ghosted by the author’s son and how much can be put down to just a natural knack for communicating, as I believe that this is only book attributed to the man.
A well paced first person look at the horrors of war from trench-level by a soldier who would have probably have preferred to have been a civilian elsewhere but was going to make the best of it as long as he was there and lucky enough to be alive & kicking.
Good stuff.
The author, not a professional writer, tells his story in a simple, unselfconscious style reflected in the honest, energetic, taken-at-face-value-few-deep-dark-spaces manner of American Army GIs caught occasionally in late night Audy Murphy movies about the Second World War.
I’m uncertain how much of this book was ghosted by the author’s son and how much can be put down to just a natural knack for communicating, as I believe that this is only book attributed to the man.
A well paced first person look at the horrors of war from trench-level by a soldier who would have probably have preferred to have been a civilian elsewhere but was going to make the best of it as long as he was there and lucky enough to be alive & kicking.
Good stuff.
May 31, 2018
I enjoyed this book and recommend it. It provides perspectives and insights that most WWII in Europe material does not provide. I rated it a 4 rather than 5 because of the stream of consciousness style throughout the book.
Rather than reading, it often feels like you are sitting down with Mike Bilder listening to him tell you his story. At times, the transitions between stories are abrupt and their connection seem related by time period but little else. This style provides great insight into the soldier's experiences, thoughts and feelings but can be distracting. As a result, the story is choppy and does not always flow.
Rather than reading, it often feels like you are sitting down with Mike Bilder listening to him tell you his story. At times, the transitions between stories are abrupt and their connection seem related by time period but little else. This style provides great insight into the soldier's experiences, thoughts and feelings but can be distracting. As a result, the story is choppy and does not always flow.
April 24, 2021
Michael Bilder joined the US Army before Pearl Harbor and was in the initial group that entered Europe days after DDay when General Patton flew in to start his assault on the German Army. His diary is detailed and gives the reader a great feel for what it was like to win the war in Europe as a member of Patton's Army.
Michael Bilder makes a case (same as more credentialed historians) that had Patton been supplied with enough gasoline, he could have taken Berlin and ended the war earlier than it did.
Political considerations made it expedient to allow the Soviet Army take Vienna and Berlin to satisfy their generals and politicians. Good book. Must read for WWII buffs.
Michael Bilder makes a case (same as more credentialed historians) that had Patton been supplied with enough gasoline, he could have taken Berlin and ended the war earlier than it did.
Political considerations made it expedient to allow the Soviet Army take Vienna and Berlin to satisfy their generals and politicians. Good book. Must read for WWII buffs.
July 17, 2021
Very interesting and up front biography
I really enjoy reading military autobiographies and have even written my own. I also served in the 5th Infantry Division, although many years later. What's different about Mr. Builder's book from most is his willingness to expand on sensitive issues that most authors wouldn't mention. As an example, his willingness to describe the execution of POW's by fellow soldiers. In my opinion these types of details really open up a book to what really went on during combat.
I really enjoy reading military autobiographies and have even written my own. I also served in the 5th Infantry Division, although many years later. What's different about Mr. Builder's book from most is his willingness to expand on sensitive issues that most authors wouldn't mention. As an example, his willingness to describe the execution of POW's by fellow soldiers. In my opinion these types of details really open up a book to what really went on during combat.
February 4, 2019
Sincere memories showing americans were as bad as nazis/bolsheviks if not worse. It shows war crimes were common, discrimination based on religion or ethnicity were so huge americans were killing themselves. Also the infamous american massacre of millions anti bolsheviks by usa and soviets is described.
September 11, 2018
It touched my heart!!
I am moved. It reminds me of my grandfather who is veteran in korean war( i am korean)
I recommed this book
I am moved. It reminds me of my grandfather who is veteran in korean war( i am korean)
I recommed this book
Read
April 1, 2021Great narrative & a close to the ground view of the war
yes I recommend this book. Great view of the war from the ground grunts view. Well written and very intetesting
yes I recommend this book. Great view of the war from the ground grunts view. Well written and very intetesting
January 18, 2023
Good read
I'm an enlisted man's eyes what he saw and went through. A good read for anyone wants to learn about WW2
I'm an enlisted man's eyes what he saw and went through. A good read for anyone wants to learn about WW2
April 6, 2025
Good Read
February 15, 2016
A "Foot soldier for Patton" by Michael and James Bilder is an honest, fast paced account of a soldier's journey across the European theater of the Second World War with the famed 5th Infantry Division.
Michael Bilder's account is a fascinating one that shows both the horrors of that war, and the humor, courage, and resolve of the GIs that fought it. Bilder's Army career cuts across Europe and brings the reader to many different European nations and theaters ranging from the occupation of Iceland in early 1942, training in England and Northern Ireland in 1943, Bilder's participation in combat in Normandy and Metz in mid-late 1944, the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944, and the final push across Germany in early 1945.
The book's writing is very good, the style is like hearing a captivating story from an older family member or neighbor, and there are a few occasions in the book where Mr. Bilder gives his personal opinions of various historical figures, events, or units which I feel greatly enhances the account as we get the thoughts and feelings of someone who was present in the era.
Overall, this was a great read, and I give thanks and respect to Michael Bilder and his son James for writing such a great book, and to Michael for his service to this great nation. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a excellent first person account of a regular foot soldier serving in the European Theater of WWII.
Michael Bilder's account is a fascinating one that shows both the horrors of that war, and the humor, courage, and resolve of the GIs that fought it. Bilder's Army career cuts across Europe and brings the reader to many different European nations and theaters ranging from the occupation of Iceland in early 1942, training in England and Northern Ireland in 1943, Bilder's participation in combat in Normandy and Metz in mid-late 1944, the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944, and the final push across Germany in early 1945.
The book's writing is very good, the style is like hearing a captivating story from an older family member or neighbor, and there are a few occasions in the book where Mr. Bilder gives his personal opinions of various historical figures, events, or units which I feel greatly enhances the account as we get the thoughts and feelings of someone who was present in the era.
Overall, this was a great read, and I give thanks and respect to Michael Bilder and his son James for writing such a great book, and to Michael for his service to this great nation. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a excellent first person account of a regular foot soldier serving in the European Theater of WWII.
April 22, 2009
This is an excellent memoir written by one of the guys that was there. As this World War II veteran aged, his son decided it was time to get Dad to talk about his experiences in World War II, though his father was was always a little hestitant to say much without some prodding.
Bilder does a great job of describing the late entry of the United States into the Second World War. He describes life in the infantry, problems with various tanks, strategy, black-markets, and just about everything would expect from an author who was really there. I think that the thing I appreciated the most about this biographical work is that the author doesn't brag about his own accomplishments. Bilder mentions a few officers who were "jerks" but balances this with a lot of anecdotes about officers who were considerate and professional. He never comes across as a braggart. He attributes his survival of war in France, etc. to luck and learning survival skills as time went on. An excellent read.
One minor niggle.. this book had LOTS of typogrqaphical errors-- more than one would expect from any book. Still, it was worth wading throught the multiple goofs in order to read this one.
Bilder does a great job of describing the late entry of the United States into the Second World War. He describes life in the infantry, problems with various tanks, strategy, black-markets, and just about everything would expect from an author who was really there. I think that the thing I appreciated the most about this biographical work is that the author doesn't brag about his own accomplishments. Bilder mentions a few officers who were "jerks" but balances this with a lot of anecdotes about officers who were considerate and professional. He never comes across as a braggart. He attributes his survival of war in France, etc. to luck and learning survival skills as time went on. An excellent read.
One minor niggle.. this book had LOTS of typogrqaphical errors-- more than one would expect from any book. Still, it was worth wading throught the multiple goofs in order to read this one.
July 6, 2011
This was a good look at being a soldier in the European Theater. For the material and the impression it conveys, I rate it highly. It gives a very realistic picture of what the war was like from the individual soldier's point of view. There were a lot of unsavory details that he was very honest about. It was interesting to read his perspective of Patton. At the end, it really is hard to believe that he made it all the way through.
I want to thank the Bilders for sharing this war story. It really makes me appreciate what the average man did in the big war.
However, I rate it not so high from a story-telling point of view. The narrative feels a little dry at times, particularly in the beginning. It feels almost like a dispassionate journalistic unit history. It does progress as the book goes on, feeling more emotional and intimate.
For absolute gritty, realistic, what was the infantryman's war like writing, I would recommend 'With the Old Breed' by E.B. Sledge. I would also recommend Guy Sajer's 'Forgotten Soldier' for a perspective from a German Soldier in Europe. That was a fascinating book.
I want to thank the Bilders for sharing this war story. It really makes me appreciate what the average man did in the big war.
However, I rate it not so high from a story-telling point of view. The narrative feels a little dry at times, particularly in the beginning. It feels almost like a dispassionate journalistic unit history. It does progress as the book goes on, feeling more emotional and intimate.
For absolute gritty, realistic, what was the infantryman's war like writing, I would recommend 'With the Old Breed' by E.B. Sledge. I would also recommend Guy Sajer's 'Forgotten Soldier' for a perspective from a German Soldier in Europe. That was a fascinating book.
April 12, 2012
My father-in-law served in the 2nd Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, as did the author of this book, from Iceland on through the end of the war. He didn't talk much about his service, so this book helped to give me an idea of what he had experienced. The book is smoothly written, moving back and forth from Bilder's personal experiences to the overall actions of his regiment and division. Worthwhile reading for those who appreciated Band of Brothers and other firsthand accounts of World War II.
December 1, 2020
My absolute favorite book on WWII. Although he would not admit it, Michael Bilder is an American hero and his book helped me to understand how many/most soldiers probably felt as they marched and fought through France in 1944 and 1945. His story begins before he was drafted and ends along with the war.
I really loved this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in a soldier's viewpoint during WWII.
I really loved this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in a soldier's viewpoint during WWII.
June 10, 2011
The accounts of his movement through Normandy, France, and Germany were very well detailed. My father-in-law was with the 5th Division in their Europeon Campaign and this book helped be better understand what he was going through. This is a good read and well written.
August 23, 2011
It was okay. Too many typographical errors. Some of the factoids were neat to learn. Certainly not up to par with some others. With the Old Breed is still my favorite. Band of Brothers almost as great. Worth reading, but editing is poor.
May 12, 2015
Excellent!!!!
This book should be read by every student to show them what it means to give ones life so others can be free. Not only to die for but to live through such an experience
This book should be read by every student to show them what it means to give ones life so others can be free. Not only to die for but to live through such an experience
January 27, 2009
This is the story told first hand of GI level combat in WWII Europe, covers not just the battles but the daily occurences that those who weren't there don't ever hear(read about).
April 14, 2011
My uncle rolland dysinger is in this bok so if you read it look mfor his name or Rolland and Dysinger thats what they called him or BAR man srry M1918A2 B.A.R. man.
September 14, 2011
I though it was a well written excellent account of a Mr. Bilder's experience as a soldier during WW2.
June 23, 2012
Outstanding book written by a low ranking soldier, so it gives a different viewpoint.
July 13, 2013
3 1/2 stars
December 2, 2014
One of the best books I have read on a soldiers perspective of WW2. Reminds me of my old neighbor and what he went through and survived.
March 10, 2015
This is a great book. I believe it is as honest as Mr. Bilder's memory allows. It is a fine account of his experiences in his service during WW2. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
February 12, 2016
Really enjoyed this memoir and learned a lot about WW2. Very well told. I
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews