If You Survive: From Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge to the End of World War II, One American Officer's Riveting True Story

by George Wilson and George Wilson

Book Overview

"If you survive your first day, I'll promote you." So promised George Wilson's World War II commanding officer in the hedgerows of Normandy -- and it was to be a promise dramatically fulfilled. From July, 1944, to the closing days of the war, from the first penetration of the Siegfried Line to the Nazis' last desperate charge in the Battle of the Bulge, Wilson fought in the thickest of the action, helping take the small towns of northern France and...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804100039
• ISBN13: 9780804100038
• Release Date: May 1987
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.1" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

True Story of Heroic Acts

Wonderful true story of a most difficult period in our history.

ONE OF THE BETTER FIRST HAND ACCOUNTS OF WWII

I did like this one. The writing was real and very well done. From the first page, I was hooked. This is one of the better first hand accounts of this war I have read. The author has wonderful recall of events and make them pop out and come alive with his narrative. I should think this would make a wonderful "how to" book for first person writers. The author is always quite realistic in his discriptions of events and places. Not only is his story inspiring, it is quite informative and I do recommend you add this one to your collection for a reread..I know I did. Highly recommend.

Unbelievable

If you are looking for an action packed, non-fiction story of front line combat during WWII then look no further. I have read quite a few personal histories written by former GI's describing their experience in Europe, but very few have been as explosive and action packed as this one. Wilson fought from the St.Lo breakout in July, through France to the Hurtgen, Held the edge of the Bulge in the Ardennes and fought his way across the Rhine into Germany. He was mainly a platoon leader and was therefore, out of necessity, on the front line most of the time. He doesn't write about his home life or even much about camp life seeming to stick to his experience of confronting the enemy and teaching his men to do the same. This book is very cheap and a very easy read so it would be a shame not to pick it up. You won't regret it!

Powerful account by a true survivor

This is the only book about WWII ground soldiers I've yet read. Suffice it to say, it was a good start. Three things really struck me about this book; 1. The author's uncanny memory of events, 2. The events themselves - offering glimpses into every aspect of being a ground soldier, including bravery, strategy, stupidity, cowardice and tragedy. 3. The shocking carnage. The book's title is derived from a comment a superior officer made to the author before sending him off to battle shortly after the Normandy D-day invasion; "As officers, I expect you to lead your men. Men will follow leaders and I expect my platoon leaders to be right up front. Losses could be very high. Use every skill you possess. If you survive your first battle, I'll promote you. Good luck." With that mortifying send-off, author George Wilson and his fellow officers were sent into battle. Out of all the officers and men starting out in his company, only Wilson finished. The book presents the author's brave, bloody journey in a straight-forward linear fashion. It is very well written, yet not burdened by attempts at literary greatness. The author, though clearly licensed to preach, spares us the sermon and simply tells it like it was. Not until the very end of the book does he tell you "Out of all this damned useless war I hope I am entitled to a few simple observations". What follows is a decidedly brief statement that may at first seem to be too brief. Only after reading the last line do you realize that you've already read the most important anti-war statement the author could make; his recollections in the previous 267 pages.

From Normandy to Berlin in the boots of an infantryman

George Wilson was one of the fellows that waded ashore at Normandy and fought his way up the slopes into France. Of his company, he was the only survivor that made it all the way to Berlin. As he fights his way across Europe, you'll witness heroism, cowardice, stupidity, and brilliance in the face of battle. This is singularly THE best infantry-level book I've ever read, and I don't normally read this subject area (I prefer air combat). Overall, a good book for reading on vacation, at home, or anytime when you have a moment to spare. But be warned - once you start you won't want to put it down.