NO BETTER PLACE TO DIE: Ste-Mere Eglise, June 1944-The Battle for la Fiere Bridge

Product Description

The you-are-there story of one of the most ferocious small-unit combats in US history . . .

As part of the massive Allied invasion of Normandy, three airborne divisions were dropped behind enemy lines to sew confusion in the German rear and prevent panzer reinforcements from reaching the beaches. In the dark early hours of D-Day, this confusion was achieved well enough, as nearly every airborne unit missed its drop zone, creating a kaleidoscope of small-unit combat.

Fortunately for the Allies, the 505th Regimental Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division hit on or near its drop zone. Its task was to seize the vital crossroads of Ste Me're Eglise, and to hold the bridge over the Merderet River at nearby La Fie're. Benefiting from dynamic battlefield leadership, the paratroopers reached the bridge, only to be met by wave after wave of German tanks and infantry desperate to force the crossing.

Reinforced by glider troops, who suffered terribly in their landings from the now-alert Germans, the 505th not only held the vital bridge for three days but launched a counterattack in the teeth of enemy fire to secure their objective once and for all, albeit at gruesome cost. In No Better Place to Die, Robert M. Murphy provides an objective narrative of countless acts of heroism, almost breathtaking in its "you are there" detail.

No World War II veteran is better known in 82nd Airborne circles than Robert M. ("Bob") Murphy. A Pathfinder and member of A Company, 505th PIR, Bob was wounded three times in action, and made all four combat jumps with his regiment, fighting in Sicily, Italy, Normandy, and Holland. He was decorated for valor for his role at La Fie're, and is a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. After the war, he was instrumental in establishing the 505th RCT Association, of which he is the current president.

A selection of the Military Book Club

REVIEWS

"outstanding memior...accounts and memoirs from many of his comrades plus supporting documents that give a fuller picture of what the 82nd accomplished on D-Day and the days after." WWII History, Winter 2009

0

Displaying 1 to 5 of 8 total reviews (Page 1 of 2):

WW II battle

I found this account of the battle very well done. I found the facts concerning this battle for a bridge very interesting, especially as I personaly know three of the soilders who were in the battle.

Not just your average war story

An incredible story of heroism and accomplishment which happens to be true. The book is very well written and presents troop movements, strategy and the details of battle in a highly readable and enjoyable manner. It proves what the American soldier is capable of in the most adverse circumstances. A very interesting addition to all of the books written about the Normandy invasion.

no better place to die

this book is awesome..makes you feel like you you were there.. the best ww11 book I have read in a long time

No Better Place to Die

Excellent historical account of the fight by 1/505 PIR, 82d Airborne Division at the La Fiere Causeway by a paratrooper who was there. Highly recommended and an easy read compared to other World War II historical writings. All the way - H-Minus!

More Customer Reviews:
Next Page

• Books > Refinements > Binding (binding) > Hardcover
• Books > Refinements > Format (feature_browse-bin) > Printed Books
• Books > Specialty Stores > Textbooks Trade-In & Buyback
• Books > Subjects > History > Military > General
• Books > Subjects > History > Military > United States > General
• Books > Subjects > History > Military > World War II > General

Search books:  

	Web XMLwriter.net