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The Rifle 2: Back to the Battlefield
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.
Biggio’s discovery of the astonishing effect his 1945 M1 Garand rifle had on the old warriors who held it sparked a unique personal mission to put it in the hands of as many veterans as possible and document the wartime memories it evoked.
In this second volume, he recounts more unforgettable stories from the last of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who fought the most dreadful war in history. They were the Greatest Generation, but they were also ordinary men, sharing in all of humanity’s weaknesses and flaws while trying to respond to the call of duty. That rifle brought out some dark and painful secrets.
These stories form a unique record of the heights and depths which the human spirit reaches in war.
Biggio’s discovery of the astonishing effect his 1945 M1 Garand rifle had on the old warriors who held it sparked a unique personal mission to put it in the hands of as many veterans as possible and document the wartime memories it evoked.
In this second volume, he recounts more unforgettable stories from the last of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who fought the most dreadful war in history. They were the Greatest Generation, but they were also ordinary men, sharing in all of humanity’s weaknesses and flaws while trying to respond to the call of duty. That rifle brought out some dark and painful secrets.
These stories form a unique record of the heights and depths which the human spirit reaches in war.
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 16, 2024
The Rifle 2 : Back to the Battlefield by Andrew Biggio @therifle_
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Once again we hear the action packed and heart wrenching reminiscences of our greatest generation during the Second World War, the most destructive conflict in human history, with author/veteran Andy Biggio doing the Lord’s work by compiling first person accounts of wartime service from a generation of brave men whose stories will soon be told only in books and not in person. “The Rifle” is not just a collection of stories, it accomplishes many feats; it serves as a way for the subjects of the book (WWII veterans) to connect with a fellow soldier (Andy), allowing both to cope with the emotional trauma that they both suffered in separate conflicts in service to our country. Also “The Rifle” highlights the human cost of war and makes one feel immense gratitude to the men and women who provide for our freedom and comfort, as well as immense gratitude to the author for preserving history for the rest of us as a reminder to that cost and sacrifice. So many moving stories are within these pages that make me proud to be an American, with such a diverse cross section of veterans that show a true picture of our country and those who fought for our freedom, even when our country didn’t always do its part to protect their rights at home. But as one quote from the book says, “America has a lot of problems, but Hitler ain’t gonna solve any of them” , paraphrasing why one black veteran served his country. The reader finishes the book having been thoroughly entertained, emotionally moved, and wanting to snap a salute to old glory 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸!!!
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#worldwar2 #wwii #therifle #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendations #history #ushistory #usa #grateful #godblessamerica #america #readmorebooks
.
.
Once again we hear the action packed and heart wrenching reminiscences of our greatest generation during the Second World War, the most destructive conflict in human history, with author/veteran Andy Biggio doing the Lord’s work by compiling first person accounts of wartime service from a generation of brave men whose stories will soon be told only in books and not in person. “The Rifle” is not just a collection of stories, it accomplishes many feats; it serves as a way for the subjects of the book (WWII veterans) to connect with a fellow soldier (Andy), allowing both to cope with the emotional trauma that they both suffered in separate conflicts in service to our country. Also “The Rifle” highlights the human cost of war and makes one feel immense gratitude to the men and women who provide for our freedom and comfort, as well as immense gratitude to the author for preserving history for the rest of us as a reminder to that cost and sacrifice. So many moving stories are within these pages that make me proud to be an American, with such a diverse cross section of veterans that show a true picture of our country and those who fought for our freedom, even when our country didn’t always do its part to protect their rights at home. But as one quote from the book says, “America has a lot of problems, but Hitler ain’t gonna solve any of them” , paraphrasing why one black veteran served his country. The reader finishes the book having been thoroughly entertained, emotionally moved, and wanting to snap a salute to old glory 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸!!!
.
.
#worldwar2 #wwii #therifle #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendations #history #ushistory #usa #grateful #godblessamerica #america #readmorebooks
July 28, 2025
Awesome book!!! We get to hear events that happen to our loved ones, but were to afraid to ask...What did you do in the war daddy!!! Most of my uncles were proud to have served, only one was a Screaming Eagle!!! and would talk about his time in Italy. Boy he said that mothers in Italy kept having him over for dinner and wanting him to marry their daughters and bring them to America! Now who remembers Stefania, Roberts girlfriend from Everybody loves Raymond? Wow!!! how lucky could a guy be!!!
Now about the book, one interesting point I liked was about lousing ones faith, Mr. Bill Allen was on board LST (Landing Ship Tank) 523 heading to Omaha Beach when it took a direct hit from a shell and went down. Most of the men drowned all but 28 and those 28 were all men that had gone to mass early that morning on D Day!
And we must not forget, Charles Ketcham, who was with the 10th Armored Division, 54th Armored Infantry, Company A. The Tiger Division! Which took the historic town on Trier, Germany; although General Eisenhower wanted General Patton to hold up and wait for more divisions to go in. This led to Pattons` famous message, "Have taken Trier with two divisions...What do you want me to do, give it back?"
Although there are many that have served in the military, lots have left thinking veiws, in my opinion, lead to a week America. All the men and women in this book are A Ok with me...Thank you Andrew Biggio for Back to the Battlefield, I hope some more work is in the making...Cheers!!!
Now about the book, one interesting point I liked was about lousing ones faith, Mr. Bill Allen was on board LST (Landing Ship Tank) 523 heading to Omaha Beach when it took a direct hit from a shell and went down. Most of the men drowned all but 28 and those 28 were all men that had gone to mass early that morning on D Day!
And we must not forget, Charles Ketcham, who was with the 10th Armored Division, 54th Armored Infantry, Company A. The Tiger Division! Which took the historic town on Trier, Germany; although General Eisenhower wanted General Patton to hold up and wait for more divisions to go in. This led to Pattons` famous message, "Have taken Trier with two divisions...What do you want me to do, give it back?"
Although there are many that have served in the military, lots have left thinking veiws, in my opinion, lead to a week America. All the men and women in this book are A Ok with me...Thank you Andrew Biggio for Back to the Battlefield, I hope some more work is in the making...Cheers!!!
October 11, 2024
veterans telling their stories about ww2, experiences.
The author is to be commended 100 times over for making so many sacrifices to reach out to ww2 veterans and have their stories told. The author has immortalized every single person in this book, as well as his first book, by putting their stories into print. An enormous undertaking and should be required reading by every high school senior. I highly recommend this book.
The author is to be commended 100 times over for making so many sacrifices to reach out to ww2 veterans and have their stories told. The author has immortalized every single person in this book, as well as his first book, by putting their stories into print. An enormous undertaking and should be required reading by every high school senior. I highly recommend this book.
June 18, 2025
Back to the Battlefield with Andrew Biggio!
An excellent sequel to his first book The Rifle and an interesting approach to explain how individual soldiers viewed their part in WW2. I highly recommend both books in this series and I look forward to Andrew Biggio’s next endeavor. I hope he does a similar book on Korea which is pretty much an unknown war for many, and of course, Vietnam with many survivors of both wars still around waiting to be interviewed.
An excellent sequel to his first book The Rifle and an interesting approach to explain how individual soldiers viewed their part in WW2. I highly recommend both books in this series and I look forward to Andrew Biggio’s next endeavor. I hope he does a similar book on Korea which is pretty much an unknown war for many, and of course, Vietnam with many survivors of both wars still around waiting to be interviewed.
May 10, 2026
Another excellent work by Biggio. The Rifle quickly became one of my favorite books accounting for the second world war, and this book was equally good. I especially appreciated the different "not so happy" post-war stories including accounts of crime, poverty, and stolen valor. These offered additional elements of realism to the book that many others omit.
Thanks Andrew Biggio for all you've done for the greatest generation and the generations of veterans that have followed.
Thanks Andrew Biggio for all you've done for the greatest generation and the generations of veterans that have followed.
October 12, 2023
Wonderful and unforgettable stories!
Andrew did it again! He brings tears to your eyes as these stories are told. His care and compassion for these gentlemen give such honor to all those who fought and protected us in World War 2.
Andrew represents the generation that took up the mantle from the “Greatest Generation” after 9/11 and demonstrates that we can count on successive generations to “Stand Up” when we need to protect our country’s interests. God Bless Him.
I look forward to reading what he writes in the future.
Andrew did it again! He brings tears to your eyes as these stories are told. His care and compassion for these gentlemen give such honor to all those who fought and protected us in World War 2.
Andrew represents the generation that took up the mantle from the “Greatest Generation” after 9/11 and demonstrates that we can count on successive generations to “Stand Up” when we need to protect our country’s interests. God Bless Him.
I look forward to reading what he writes in the future.
January 9, 2024
Not just heroic tales, but rather a glimpse into the horror of war and the accounts of those who came home; warts and all. Andrew Biggio was able to save these stories from disappearing into the mists of time. Thank you for completing this mission.
March 10, 2024
Very nice compilation of veterans stories from varying backgrounds and varying theaters of war
December 19, 2025
Great story telling
February 9, 2026
Not as good as the first one and got lowkey preachy at some points.
February 1, 2025
I finished this book before reading the first one, and was even able to secure a signed card from Ed Cottrell, whose story is featured in this book. Andrew does a great job interviewing these heroes who are well into their 90’s, and is able to keep the reader hooked with how he tells the story. If you like World War 2 first hand accounts, this is a beyond phenomenal read.
August 21, 2026
Rifle 2, Another Great Read
I read Rifle 1, in an overnight binge. Waited to start 2, not sure why. Maybe I thought it was just going to be similar to all sequels, trying to squeeze more out of a story.
I was wrong, so very wrong. Mr Biggio, brought or continued to bring to life those heroes of WWII. Some stories were even more painful than the first. Wish I could have met them, but fortunately their stories live on.
Thanks
I read Rifle 1, in an overnight binge. Waited to start 2, not sure why. Maybe I thought it was just going to be similar to all sequels, trying to squeeze more out of a story.
I was wrong, so very wrong. Mr Biggio, brought or continued to bring to life those heroes of WWII. Some stories were even more painful than the first. Wish I could have met them, but fortunately their stories live on.
Thanks
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews