One of the best histories of Operation Market Garden I have read. It has several impressive attributes. It focuses only on the American involvement in this in-conceived and failed campaign, mentioning just in passing the British 1st Airbourne Division's debacle at Arnhem. The narrative utilizes the actions of individuals and small units in compelling and vivid detail to tell the story of the operation's objectives. One is not lost in the esoteric tactical movements of units that can be confusing if you are not familiar with the region's topography. It is also quite well-written; the author's skillful prose makes the history come alive.

The bravery and aggressiveness of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions is recounted here. These elite soldiers fully deserve the hallowed reputation they have garnered. In contrast to the modern day ethos of (for public sensibility at least) tolerating a war with low casualty rates the willingness of American forces to sacrifice their lives to prevail is quite amazing.

My interest is stimulated by the 75th anniversary of the operations. I will be traveling to Nijmegen with family members to witness the commemorative ceremonies and events. My father was a member of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd and participated in the action, including the famous amphibious crossing of the Waal River to take the bridge from the north side. He never spoke much about it (he's now deceased) so the magnitude of the danger and the heroism of the paratroopers was never heard from him. The book portrays sharply the ferocity of the action and the courage of the troopers. A British general observing the crossing said it was the most gallant action he had ever seen.

Our family is of Dutch heritage. Dad was born in Holland but emigrated to the US when just a small boy. His first occasion to return to his native country came when jumping from an airplane to assist in the liberation of the country. There is a great snapshot of Dad and another trooper sitting on a jeep in a city street with a dozen or more smiling Dutch children climbed on board. Perhaps some of these are still alive and we will bump into them in September. ( )

For those interested in a detailed presentation and critical assessment of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions' involvement in and contribution to the autumn 1944 engagement, Operation Market Garden, I highly recommend this book. Most accounts focus on the British 1st Airborne Division's daring assault and subsequent trials 60 miles behind enemy lines in the Dutch city of Arnhem (most notably, Cornelius Ryan's "A Bridge Too Far"). However, the American's task of capturing and holding the bridges along what became known as "Hell's Highway", was integral to the plan of smashing through into Germany's industrial Ruhr valley. The author accurately depicts the heroism of the American Rangers in their desperate battles to hold the road open in the face of unexpected and numerous German SS forces fighting vigorously to defend their homeland from invasion.

The narrative makes clear, and it is no surprise, that the operation was doomed from the start. From the overly optimistic timeline to the tactical challenges presented by the distance, road and terrain to the unanticipated appearance of the II SS Panzer Corps, the 82nd and 101st troopers met and dealt with increasingly frustrating challenges; not least of which was the huge misunderstanding of the British column's halt for tea after the 82nd's bloody taking Nijmegen.

This book is a notable addition to the history of Operation Market Garden. (less) ( )