A comprehensive historical account of the birth of parachute regiments and airborne assault troops. Mainly focusing on the American army’s 101st Airborne unit and the pivotal role in WW2, liberating Europe. I was drawn to this book as I absolutely loved the book and TV series Band of Brothers that covers much of the same ground. That focused on the memories and firsthand accounts of the men themselves. This book, American Eagles, is a more widely researched historical work with a cross-section of sources, detailing a wider perspective of the events. Placing the action of the unit in preparation, training and combat into context. Detailing the skirmishes, battles and deployments into the overall timeframe of the unfolding war. Drawing from wide research, documents, first-hand comments and memoirs often with facts checked back with sources and those who lived through these events. I really valued and appreciated the sections at the end of the piece that tell of the memorials and places where the gratitude to those that fought this war can be found. It is a chilling experience to stand and stare within an American cemetery adjacent to the D-Day beaches. To see the straight lines of crosses and the occasional Star of David. It is good to experience this in person and to visit the sites of battles, touch memorials and visit museum to gain an understanding and assist our remembrance. Good balanced historical accounts like this one help in our education of events before our personal memories and it was a moving experience to remember once. Especially so close to Memorial Day and the anniversary of the D-Day landings.

A comprehensive historical account of the birth of parachute regiments and airborne assault troops. Mainly focusing on the American army’s 101st Airborne unit and the pivotal role in WW2, liberating Europe. I was drawn to this book as I absolutely loved the book and TV series Band of Brothers that covers much of the same ground. That focused on the memories and firsthand accounts of the men themselves. This book, American Eagles, is a more widely researched historical work with a cross-section of sources, detailing a wider perspective of the events. Placing the action of the unit in preparation, training and combat into context. Detailing the skirmishes, battles and deployments into the overall timeframe of the unfolding war. Drawing from wide research, documents, first-hand comments and memoirs often with facts checked back with sources and those who lived through these events. I really valued and appreciated the sections at the end of the piece that tell of the memorials and places where the gratitude to those that fought this war can be found. It is a chilling experience to stand and stare within an American cemetery adjacent to the D-Day beaches. To see the straight lines of crosses and the occasional Star of David. It is good to experience this in person and to visit the sites of battles, touch memorials and visit museum to gain an understanding and assist our remembrance. Good balanced historical accounts like this one help in our education of events before our personal memories and it was a moving experience to remember once. Especially so close to Memorial Day and the anniversary of the D-Day landings.