The Sky Men: A Parachute Rifle Company's Story of the Battle of the Bulge and the Jump Across the Rhine

by Kirk B. Ross

The Sky Men is the story of F Company of the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th U.S. Airborne Division. They were all volunteers to a new, dangerous, and elite corps - Airborne. In the midst of the hardest European winter in forty years, the 17th Airborne Division was committed to action against the German Army west of Bastogne, Belgium. From their first day in action, the green paratroopers - caught up in the toughest fighting of the Bulge when the American Army stood up and began slugging its way back to the start line - attacking through knee deep snow and over bald terrain, demonstrated exceptional courage in closing with the enemy. In March 1945, Operation Varsity sends F Company parachuting across the Rhine and into the final battle for the conquest of Nazi Germany. The Sky Men includes many never before used documents, with the personal accounts of nearly one hundred men of F Company and other associated organizations.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764311727
• ISBN13: 9780764311727
• Release Date: September 2000
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 2.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Death from Above

As a frequent reader of all material relating to paratroopers during World War II, I was extremely happy with this book. I think what impressed me most, was the depth of detail from training, through embarkation to the ETO, life in England, deployment for combat, and combat actions. Since the 17th Airborne did not see combat until the Battle of the Bulge, there was much more detailed emphasis on training in the states, and life in England, than I have read in other material. It is a very honest "tell it like it was" book from the men who got down and dirty with the enemy. Schiffer always publishes high quality books, so the reader will not be disappointed adding this book to their collection. Many nice b-w photos included as well. I do recommend the reader have at least some interest in Paratroopers and basic knowledge of World War II in the ETO to be able to absorb this material and truly appreciate the sacrifices made by these brave men. This is NOT another Band Of Brothers book. It is much more detailed.