Rifle 2: Back to the Battlefield

by Andrew Biggio, Vincent J. Speranza (Foreword), Gerhard Femppel (Foreword)

In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Rifle , Andrew Biggio brings to light more untold stories from the quickly vanishing ranks of the veterans of World War II.

Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Purpose

They are called the Greatest Generation, but they were also ordinary men, sharing in all of humanity’s weaknesses and flaws while responding to the call of duty. These are their unforgettable stories—first-person accounts from the last of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who fought the most dreadful war in history, all collected by a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The idea was travel across the country with a 1945 M1 Garand, the basic U.S. fighting rifle of World War II, ask combat veterans of that war to sign it, and listen carefully as the sight, touch, and feel of that rifle evoke a flood of memories and emotions. In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Rifle , Andrew Biggio once again reveals the astonishing effect his M1 Garand had on the old warriors who held it.

The passage of time is swiftly snatching from us the last of those men, but the memories of those who remain are vivid and strong. It’s astonishing to see how grasping that rifle brings out those memories—good, bad, terrifying, and heroic.

In Biggio’s riveting account, you will

• What it was like to fight for freedom in the various theaters of World War II

• The obstacles these world-conquerors faced on returning home and how they overcame them

• The special meaning these recollections hold for later combat vets, confirming the brotherhood of warriors

• The importance to veterans of memory and respect

War and the weapons with which it is waged shape men forever. Biggio’s inspirational second collection is a must-read for anyone interested in the service and sacrifices of our veterans.

Genres: History, World War II, Audiobook, Nonfiction

336 pages, Hardcover

Published September 19, 2023

Reviews

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows on the earlier one from the author where he interviewed veterans from World War 2 and had them sign their names on a M1 Garand rifle. So the book is in the same mould as the first one, but for me it was not as good.

The stories is very varied again and covers a wide variety of experiences from the veterans in the latter stages of the war, some stories are better than others as can be expected from a book like this. Just feels like the better mix of stories was used in the first book, but still worth the read in the end.

[James Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely outstanding, just like it's predecessor. 100% recommend.

[Court Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down. Andrew Biggio surpassed his original story telling in his newest edition. Not shying from the less scrupulous stories that haunt our nation’s WW2 vets, Biggio was able to craft another masterpiece. I ended up reading an entire chapter aloud to my wife because it was so enthralling.

[Jesse Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biggio, a local police officer, USMC vet, and historian, brings a second book of World War 2 veterans stories. An excellent read, even better than his first. I was honored to know my Grandpa, a WWII vet, and hear his stories of fighting in the ETO. Biggios books shed light on those who shared the experience of combat on a foreign land at such a young age. Highly recommended for lovers of history or anyone who wants to know more about one of our nations and worlds greatest conflicts.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Biggio has done with this book and it’s wonderful predecessor is give voices (through the vehicle of an M1 Garand rifle) to the often overlooked or silent WW2 war vets who have held stories of amazing bravery, valor and abject horror to themselves over decades. It’s incredible to see the catharsis experienced by these men as they are given the opportunity to tell their stories. I also applaud Biggio for being thorough, and for not being afraid to expose his own vulnerabilities in bringing these stories to the pages, including stolen valor and the “uglier” side of some who served in this greatest generation. It is sad to see these men and women vanish more and more by the day until the last, but what a wonderful testament to our fighting men (and women) from this era of history. I highly recommend both books and commend Biggio for his extraordinary efforts to get them committed to the written page. For many different reasons, these men and women and the sacrifices they made should never, ever be forgotten. Five stars!!!

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic novel that I would recommend to anyone. The first book is a masterpiece, but I actually think the sequel is an even better book. The first book focuses on stories of valor and men of lesser known divisions, while also discussing the story of the Author’s uncle. The sequel, while still including stories of valor, also includes stories that show the not so great side of the greatest generation. Stories of stolen valor, poverty, cowardice, drunkenness, and crime are included in the novel, opening up a view into world war 2 and the lives of veterans that aren’t popularly shown. I believe this is the books greatest strength, and it gives the reader a much more honest and realistic look at what war is and how it affects those involved. This book is amazing and I hope readers everywhere enjoy it as much as I did.

[Holly Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I didn’t know if this book could possibly be as good as the first one, but it was. Once again, Biggio tells the stories of these WWII vets with all the grit, honor and respect that they should be told. My grandfather was in WWII and oh how I wish someone would have recorded his stories. As Americans, we should all listen to these stories with a grateful heart. The things that they sacrificed for us can never be repaid. I hope every single American reads this book. These men deserve to have their stories retold over and over. Thank you. Thank you veterans, Thank you to the author, thank you to anyone who has fought and sacrificed for my freedoms.

[Matthew Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding novel by Andrew Biggio, such a great way to wrap up “The Rifle Project”. He has really done an amazing job on interviewing almost three hundred of the greatest generation. Overall congratulations on an amazing book and wish you the best in future projects!

[Steven Grandinetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

People seriously need to read both the Rifle and the Rifle 2.

Not many books truly evoke physical emotion out of me but both of these (the 2nd probably even more so) brought me to tears multiple times. Each chapter is its own story explains the life and service of one hero of the greatest generations.

These men are truly remarkable and these stories are necessary for any American. The brutality of war and the scenes of sacrifice and patriotism will stay with me forever. Will probably make my kids read this when they are old enough.

This country owes so much to the veterans of WW2 and I cannot wait for Biggio’s Vietnam Rifle project.

[David Cordero · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was hard to top the first Rifle book, but this met the challenge. Fascinating stories on our last living World War veterans, their experiences, their reflections, the awful memories that endure more than three quarters of a century later.

A great chronicle of our heroes — and some who don’t meet the definition of heroes, but whose stories deserve to be heard, nevertheless.

[Jerome Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Andrew in his second edition. Was a sad ending of what seemingly will be his last for this series. I had the privilege of purchasing The Rifle 2 while meeting him at the SOS. Luckily, I got his signature along with a WWII veteran, Jack Moran. I will never forget these hero’s as they pass on into their next lives.

[Derek O’Rourke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book and an even greater dedication to the greatest generation. Andrew Biggio does a fantastic job yet again.

[Robby Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another flawless novel by Andrew. Greatest Generation ever.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is still an important book that highlights many of our greatest generation who are almost all gone at this point. This version was more difficult to read as opposed to volume 1.

[Emilie Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book (and the first). I read on audio and it had a great narrator. The stories were real, raw and varied. 100% recommend.

[Marie Mcentire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interview of WWII everyday soliders

[Andrew Biggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great easy read ! Interesting veterans

[Randall Swecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read book about our Country’s greatest generation.