Easy Company Soldier: The Legendary Battles of a Sergeant from World War II's "Band of Brothers"

by Don Malarkey, Bob Welch

Elite paratrooper Sgt. Don Malarkey takes us not only into the World War II battles fought from Normandy to Germany, but into the heart and mind of a soldier who lost his best friend during the nightmarish engagement at Bastogne.

Drafted in 1942, Malarkey arrived at Camp Toccoa in Georgia and was one of the one in six soldiers who earned their Eagle wings. He went to England in 1943 to provide cover on the ground for the largest amphibious military attack in history: Operation Overlord. In the darkness of D-day morning, Malarkey parachuted into France and within days was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroism in battle. He fought for twenty-three days in Normandy, nearly eighty in Holland, thirty-nine in Bastogne, and nearly thirty more in and near Haugenau, France, and the Ruhr pocket in Germany.

Easy Company Soldier is his dramatic tale of those bloody days fighting his way from the shores of France to the heartland of Germany, and the epic story of how an adventurous kid from Oregon became a leader of men.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction, War, Biography, Military Fiction, Military History

276 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2008

About the author

Technical Sergeant Donald G. Malarkey is a former non-commissioned officer with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army during World War II.

Reviews

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book by a soldier of Easy Company. Malarkey tells his story honestly, and it flows of the pages. His memoir is not a "gung ho" story, but very personal as he shares all his hopes and fears and how it was bottled up back then as grown men was not expected to cry. His friendship with Skip Muck is also at the center of the book and the book in itself is a tribute to his fallen friend. He also tells in the book where real-life and Hollywood differ in the miniseries which I found quite funny and shares his difference of opinion with that of Ambrose's "Band of Brothers". Good read, though not as good as Parachute Infantry by David Webster which also covers Easy Company from a personal viewpoint. Recommended as another Greatest Generation memoir.

[Jason Koivu · Rating 4 out of 5]

What fascinating insight to an incredible, horrible time in recent history. Don Malarkey, a regular guy from Oregon, has written quite an impressive autobiography about his extraordinary WWII experiences.



And believe it or not, as of this day Sept 26, 2016, he's still alive.

His service is well documented here, but you may also know him from the engrossing Spielberg/Hank tv series Band of Brothers. If you've seen the series, you know much of Malarkey's wartime story. If you're intrigued enough to learn more, Easy Company Soldier is an excellent way to discover the backstory of one of the men on the frontline.

Consider all that this man has done: his heroism and courage in the face of death; his youth devoted to a career in soldiering; and yet, he is also able to write a better bio than a few professional writers I've read. Amazing. Simply amazing.

[Doug Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

After listening to the unabridged audio book version of this work, I was surprised that I had not earlier read the story of Don Malarkey. The co-author, Bob Welch, works and lives in my same community and we have met socially a few times. Malarkey's story, and his Oregon connection, are a natural for Welch, who continues to be a features (general interest) writer for The Register-Guard here in Eugene/Springfield.

With that said, I can report that it was a very interesting autobiography that many times spotlights the differences in perspective as recalled by Sgt. Malarkey, Stephen Ambrose, and the Hollywood treatment for "Band of Brothers" in 2002. As has been noted by other reviewers, the book is a mixture of actual battle details and a generous dose of Malarkey's connection with the homefront.

I now have particular interest in reading more about Malarkey's life after the publishing of this book in 2009. Even after reading countless memoirs of World War II, I have an unending appreciation for the generation we call the "greatest". Sgt. Malarkey is noted for fighting on the front lines in combat for more than six-months straight without leave.

Thanks to Bob Welch for reporting on this important hero who has his heart in Oregon -- even when the man, the patriot, was suffering incredible mental and physical hardships thousands of miles away during a significant portion of the 1940s.

[mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I regret not finishing it sooner (I fell into a reading slump, unfortunately). It was an emotional read and every time he mentioned Skip Muck, it nearly brought me to tears.

If you liked Malarkey in Band of Brothers, you will love this. Definitely give it a read. It is worth it. r.i.p Donald Malarkey 🖤

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to critic memoirs or autobiographies because this is someone's life. Who am I to say what did and didn't happen. That being said, this is an interesting read, especially if you have seen the Band of Brother's HBO miniseries. Not only do you get a background of one of the Easy Company, where he came from and his life before the war, but you also get a closer look at the emotional toll. Malarkey acknowledges the difference between the series and what really happened, while also showcasing the horror and unfairness of war.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa. I have no words...no words to express how incredible this book is. I fell in love with 'Band of Brothers,' back in early September. I had found out about the series through watching a music video someone made that compiled clips from Saving Private Ryan, and many other WWII movies. I took a screenshot of that list of movies, and chose 'Band of Brothers' out of all of them; found a set on eBay for around $7.00. Little did I know that that would be the best seven bucks I've ever spent. My love for the miniseries developed my love for history and WWII. I've learned so much over the past three months time.

I loved the book, 'Band of Brothers', love Bill Guarnere's and Babe Heffron's book, love 'We Who Are Alive and Remain,' by Marcus Brotherton. All excellent reads, giving glimpses into the horrors of war. But Don Malarkey's book is probably my favorite. He has such a moving way with words. He's not a writer, but the way he can weave a set of words together is amazing. He describes so well the bond between these men, the bond that made them closer than brothers. He describes the atrocities seen in war. War ain't no picnic. We all know it, but still can we really ever understand it? I truly believe that only one who has been there, experienced such pain and horror, can understand it. Sure, we can come close, but at the end of the day, they're the heroes, the soldiers who faced it all for us.

Don Malarkey's friendship with Warren H. "Skip" Muck, was deeper than I knew. In fact, before starting this book, I really didn't know they were like brothers, best of friends. Reading about how Malarkey dealt with Muck's death was heartbreaking. I almost couldn't keep reading. To lose someone that close, just like that, is beyond comprehension. And Malarkey buried it deep for sixty years, never crying about Skip until visiting his grave one day in 2004, and letting it all out. Thinking of the pain he must have endured for all those years breaks my heart. I just can't imagine.

My respect for Don Malarkey deepened after reading this book. I know him so much better. If you were a fan of him in the miniseries, please pick up this book. It's an incredible read. One of my favorite books. This man was a hero, and he should be remembered.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't remember the last time a book so moved me that it made me cry - but this book did just that. Mr. Malarkey has written about many of the same things I've read about in other books about the 101st Airborne (specifically Easy Company), but he also tells of the impact these events had on him personally in the years after the war. He was an amazing soldier - a brave, tough man. But he's not afraid to let us see the scars left behind by the fierce battles he fought - physical battles, as well as emotional ones. This is just one truly wonderful book!!!

[K.M. Weiland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the Band of Brothers biographies (Guarnere and Humphries retain that honor for the sheer bodacity of their personalities), but Malarkey brings to life the suffering that the soldiers came home with. As always, it’s a pleasure to get another perspective on the overall story.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a compelling life, a moving story, and a reminder of why I love books. A little background. I was lucky enough to meet Don and Irene Malarkey at a Phoenix reunion of E. Co.
I pinched myself knowing I was sitting across from him at an outdoor restaurant, the patio of which had as its backdrop the mountains around town. He was eager to sit down and talk with relatives of Warren 'Skip' Muck; after reading this book I understand why. What makes a battle hardened WWII Vet who saw the worst in the European theater cry, after 60+ years? Having Eugene 'Doc' Roe come to his foxhole in Bastogne and say "Malark, it's Muck; he's gone."

I was quite moved by this book. I wish he would have gone on and on; as a young boy in rural Oregon he stayed out until midnight fighting the great Tillamook fire of the 1930's. He worked so hard that the pail handles cut his hands horribly. Years later, after the war, a neighbor thanked him for his small, but important part, in the bucket brigade that had saved his business.

I could go on and on but must stop before I give more away. How he met Irene--she had a sweetness and warmth about her for total strangers that was common in vet's wives, is a great story and made for a well-rounded book. Loved it!

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible. What's most telling and interesting about this book is that only 5% of it is spent describing battle itself. He spends most of the book describing the relationships he forged with the men in his company and how the things he experienced affected him both during and after the war.

I'm currently re-watching the Band of Brothers mini-series for the ump-teenth time, paying special attention to Malarkey's character this time. Most interesting after reading the book is noticing the closeness between Don and Skip Muck (as played by their actors). I had never really caught it before reading the book, but they captured it well in the mini-series.

Great book

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Also really liked this memoir. I love reading all the different points of views and personal stories of the men from the 101st Airborne Division Easy Company. Sgt Don Malarkey has the most continuous days of combat than anyone else in the company and the memories to prove it. I liked reading his opinions of the other men he served with and the differences from the HBO miniseries and the real thing. Recommend to fans of the show.

[Sariya · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We never talked about not making it home. We only talked about what it would be like when we did, how we'd visit each other and he'd show me where he'd swum the Niagara and I'd take him fishing on the Nehalem, maybe out in the ocean for salmon..."

An exceptional firsthand account of Don Malarkey's time spent in Easy Company. What was most poignant for me was his relationship with Warren "Skip" Muck. The two were like brothers. When Skip is killed in Bastogne it's a shock - Malarkey describes how he carries that loss with him, and how he only allowed himself to really grieve years down the line. His PSTD and struggles post-war are talked about, he describes how veterans were expected to "get on with it", which is so heartbreaking.

Having read Ambrose's book, it was fascinating to hear the sole opinion of Malarkey and get to know the adventurous, Irish Astoria native better - it made for a different spin on the well-known story of Easy Company. I also found it very interesting hearing Malarkey's perspective on the various Easy Company reunions over the years, as well as his opinions and contributions on the HBO miniseries.

Brave doesn't even seem to cover it.
Thank you and Currahee, Don.

[Alex Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know what to say, this book was the best war memoire I think I’ve ever read. Malarkey is one of the main soldiers focused on in Band of Brothers, so a natural segue into reading his book, it did not disappoint. A vivid account of his 177 days on the frontline during ww2. I teared up many times reading this, just a man haunted by his experience. A must read for those who like ww2 memoirs.

[John Somerlott · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 - Of the Band of Brothers offshoots I have read (which is now ~2~) I would say this is my favorite. Dick Winters "Beyond Band of Brothers" was a solid book and gave good insight into who he was and what he thought good soldiers, and men generally, ought to be. Malarkey delivers a very real view of what people are though and it is very refreshing. This perspective, I think, pairs better with the HBO miniseries than Winters book or the book the show was based on even. Malarkey's title hits the nail on the head and delivers what it's like to have such strong bonds in combat and the difficulties that come with those bonds. I appreciate the openness to struggles with PTSD both during combat and once relieved of duty. Many of those stories are the most profound and not represented enough. I also enjoyed Malarkey's candor about how the show didn't represent some of the events or individuals in a way he preferred, but understood why certain things had been told the way they were.

[Ashley Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant and brutally honest memoir about the experiences of war as seen through the eyes of one of the most recognizable members of Easy Company. Sergeant Don Malarkey's story is an engrossing tale that forgoes the technical aspect that can leave a clinical taste in the mouth of the reader and instead focuses on what many of us can relate to: the heart and emotion of the matter. It returns a sense of humanity and humility to the legend that is the 506th's "Band of Brothers," and reminds the reader just how, for lack of a better word, normal these brave young men were, not mythological figures, but boys fresh out of school, still looking for their purpose in life before WWII gave them one. The heart-rending honesty about both his and other members' personal struggles with emotional and mental trauma, both during and after the war, is a particular aspect I commend, and I highly recommend anyone interested in "Band of Brothers" or WWII history in general take some time to read this book.

[Joanne Fate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 3rd Easy Company/Band of Brothers book and I cannot say enough good things about it. I really like Sargeant Don Malarkey and his account of his life and being a World War II paratrooper. Before I listened to Band of Brothers I never realized just how long the paratroopers might be on the ground after they parachute into dangerous battles and situations. I remember seeing the movie "The Longest Day" about D-Day where paratroopers were such an integral part of the offensive, but I didn't make that connection.

I like the way this is written and narrated. I'll be listening to more books about Easy Company, D-Day, and World War II. I plan to watch the "Band of Brothers" miniseries as well as "Saving Private Ryan", neither of which I've seen.

I would highly recommend this, but maybe you should read or listen to "Band of Brothers" first.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mirror's all the events that this true humble American hero went through in the biggest cataclysmic occurance of the 20th century.
All stated first hand.
Truly the greatest generation.

[Maggie Huggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I… developing a parasocial relationship with a dead veteran?

(yes)

I’m so emotional. This was beautifully written and so very painful.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I get cold in December, even though Oregon rarely gets below thirty-five degrees. And I remember the guys we left behind. Every day, I remember."

This is probably my new favorite book from the men of Easy Company. Don Malarkey's story and voice just flow so well. I'm always humbled reading anything by Easy Company men, but I'd be lying if i said I wasn't shedding tears in parts, especially him speaking of Warren "Skip" Muck.

May we never forget these man and what they did.

[Mono · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an honest book!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I "read" this book in its audio CD form, and as such, it is very well performed, as the actor doing the narration captures not only the action taking place but seems to enable us to get to know the real person behind the story, which is very important in a first person narrative. As someone with about 25 yrs of active duty Army experience, I can attest to the verisimilitude with which Sgt. Malarkey has infused his memoir. What is particularly engaging about this story is that it is about a real person in a very real situation which affected a very large proportion of the world and its people; that is to say, it is not just about U.S. military involvement in Europe before, during, and after the D-day invasion at Normandy, it is about the common American people who had to persevere, fight on, and survive or die because of the war. Sgt. Don Malarkey was one of those Americans sent to fight the war, and this is his story -- history! Don Malarkey seems to have a keen memory, not only for the events pertaining directly to his service, but also to his early days and growing up, the influences that molded him into the person he was, and how that all played out when he had to go to war. Because he is so open with his thoughts and feelings, Sgt. Malarkey comes across as a real person and someone we would like to know, as we share not only his battlefield struggles but his personal challenges. Through his story we gain much greater insight into the sacrifices and contributions that he and so many other Americans made when they, as ordinary citizens, answered the call to duty. I would heartily recommend this audio experience to anyone of any age, but especially to today's teenagers and the babyboomers as well as those who lived through those dark years. In these days when so many people apparently feel that the United States of America has to profusely apologize for its past actions, you won't find Sgt. Malarkey (or me!) among them.

[keving chaupiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back then, I was known as Sgt. Simpson, and I commanded the Flying
Hellfish, the fightingest squad in the fightingest company in the
third-fightingest battalion in the army.

[Littlefox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great book, I've read "Band of Brothers" by Stephen E. Ambrose. I read "Beyond Band of Brothers" by Dick Winters. As well as Babe Heffron, Bill Guarnere's book "Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends". All of which where good, hell better then good... a must read. That being said, I don't know something about the way Donald G Malarkey tales this story, the honesty about wanting to put a bullet into his foot to just get the hell out of the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium made me respect him and this book, not more than the others, but just differently I guess. In the end, a Must Read and when Malarkey writes BANG BANG... BANG to describe the shelling in Bastogne... umm yea You'll see what I mean !!!

To Easy Company 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and everyone else that just did what they had to do... thank you.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up having read Ambrose's book and Babe and Bill's, and seen the miniseries, but I wholeheartedly agree with those who have said that Don Malarkey's tale really adds to the narrative. He seems like an incredibly perceptive person, and his insights into the personality of men like Sobel and Winters are very nuanced, and not necessarily what you would see in other memoirs. His story is richly embellished with details about life in Oregon, and his friends and family back home, and I really think the most valuable part of the book is his willingness to address emotion. That's not something you typically get from a man of this generation, but Malarkey openly discusses the difficulty he had at certain moments, the cultural attitude surrounding soldiers' emotional lives, and the flaws in his own perspectives. It was a really excellent, well-developed narrative.

[Lunamessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

After watching the show I got to love the men from Easy company. My favorite was Skip Muck. I watched the show approximately once a year for 13 years now. I learned about this book a couple of days ago... I read it in two days... I cried every few pages, it was so emotional. I'm glad I read it and got to now my favorite soldier from the eyes of his best friend. But every sentence about Skip brought me pain, every plan they had for after the war... I new it was in vain... If I loved Skip less it would be easier. I have huge admiration for Sgt. Malarkey now. I recommend this book to anyone, especially who has watched the show, but if Skip Muck is your favorite guy from E company you're in for a large dose of pain and tears. Amazing book, amazing story, amazing people. The best heroes in the world.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best war memoirs I've ever read. Why? Because I read it in two sittings and because it reads like fiction. Bravo to Malarkey and Welch for telling a great story. I'm definitely adding this book to my school collection.[return][return]We've all seen Band of Brothers and Saving Private Ryan. Malarkey tells his story--from a childhood in Oregon to barely making it into the service to receiving an Bronze star. Malarkey was one of the paratroopers in Operation Overlord and saw horrific battles. But his tale isn't too gritty. It's a testament to the friendships forged in war and the differing personalities that are forced to cooperate. Some of his officers just plain stink. But others are worth following. And this book is really worth reading.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a HUGE fan of Band of Brothers, it was expected that I would pick up this book. Donald Malarkey is a soldier who stuck out to me in the miniseries, and in Ambrose's book of the same title to me. Malarkey gives a heartfelt and honest view of life as a paratrooper during his service in the European campaign with the famous Easy Company. Although he doesn't focus too much on the battle aspects of the war, the book still paints a vivid picture of the experience. He speaks of the brotherhood amongst the men in his company, and of facing the death and mental trauma that was endured afterward.

An excellent book told by an extraordinary person.

For anyone who is a fan of biographies or war history, I highly recommend this book!

[Janell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving this book five stars was a no-brainer for me, a huge fan of the miniseries "Band of Brothers." I tore through this book in two sittings, eager to read more in-depth about the various battles of Normandy, Operation Market Garden, Bastogne, etc as depicted in the miniseries.

Beyond that, I enjoyed reading more about the background and friendships of these men, and also about a couple of facts that the miniseries changed from the truth (nothing big, but interesting all the same.)

I'm looking forward to reading about Major Dick Winters, the "Biggest Brother" of the Band, and learning more about the "who" behind the "what". A great read for any fan of WW2.

[Lexie__a · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. This is the 4th one I read about Easy Company and I still learn so many things. Malarkey's book is really touching, he may have less combat description but much more information about the soldiers' feelings and emotions. I learned more about Joe Toye, Skip Muck (of course, he was Malarkey's best friend) and Buck Compton. I think this book can be dedicated to Muck because Malarkey is talking about him so many time and you can feel how close they were and how devastated Malarkey was when he was killed.
I really recommand you this book. if you want to know more about the Easy soldiers.

[Ann Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had seen Band of Brothers, I knew Don Malarkey was from Oregon (where I live) and I knew his co-author Bob Welch is a wonderful writer, so I picked up this book.

I was not disappointed. The story delves into the emotions of being in a war, the personalities and the personal struggles dealing with fighting and death. There are plenty of books that provide the timeline, names of battles, strategies, types of weapons, statistics etc. of WWII, but fewer that show the humanity involved.

Highly recommended.