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Joseph Balkoski is the top living D-Day historian. --*USA Today* "An excellent example of what a unit history should be." --David Isby, author of *Afghanistan* * Continues Balkoski's acclaimed multivolume history of the U.S. 29th Infantry Division in World War II * Covers a period of brutal combat along the German border * Introduces readers to a colorful cast of American soldiers * Balkoski blends meticulous research with masterful storytelling * A must-read for all World War II fans ** ### Review The 3rd volume of Balkoski's history of the 29ID, this is a worthy follow-on to the previous books. It is an excellent example of what a unit history should be. It provides vivid descriptions both of combat and life out of action. Focusing on the 29th, this is an in-depth look at the GIs' lives at "the sharp end." --David Isby 5.0 out of 5 stars **A powerful and insightful look at the US Army in Combat** November 17, 2010 David C. Isby This volume continues with the division arriving on the German frontier as the northernmost division of the US Army. It covers the bitter fighting that resulted as the German Army managed to hold the line as allied logistics struggled to catch up from the advance. It is, like its predecessors, an excellent example of what a unit history should be. It provides vivid descriptions both of combat and of what the life was for Second World War GIs out of action. 5.0 out of 5 stars **More please** September 24, 2012 By Jonathan Gawne There is no one alive today that knowns the men and actions of the 29th Infantry Division better than Joe Balkoski. One day, his series on the division's trip through the war will be looked upon as one of, if not the, most important post war documents about the war. I eagerly await a final (sigh) volume, as well as a leather bound with gold embossed versionof the complete set one day. 4.0 out of 5 stars **Inspirational and extraordinarily sobering** January 5, 2011 Kay Gutknecht Joseph Balkoski has done it again in this third volume of his history of the 29th Infantry Division during WWII. A well written history, yes, but also a book for anyone who wants to understand what it was like on the front lines of this war. The series is captivating, the narrative easy to follow, and the key points easy to grasp. Although I have no military background, I can even understand what occurred during the battles described in this book! "What an achievement! The 29th Infantry Division, specifically, and the U.S. Army generally are lucky to have a historian of Joe Balkoski's stature and skill to tell the tale of combat in Western Europe from the perspective of both the ordinary GI and his leaders." -- Rick Atkinson, Pulitzer Prize winning author of "The Liberation Trilogy." ### From the Author My relationship with 29th Infantry Division veterans has now endured for thirty years. The division has become my second family, and I realize that my insights into the unique military organization that was the 29th Division are entirely due to the generosity of the veterans, who opened up their memories to me in ways I never thought possible. My friendships with the 29th Division veterans have been the greatest of my life.