Shifty's War: The Authorized Biography of Sergeant Darrell "Shifty" Powers, the Legendary Shar pshooter from the Band of Brothers

by Marcus Brotherton

From D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge and more, here is the authorized biography of one of the most celebrated paratroopers of Easy Company, Sergeant Shifty Powers, the legendary sharpshooter from the Band of Brothers.

Look for the Band of Brothers miniseries, now available to stream on Netflix!

As a boy, Darrell “Shifty” Powers’s goal was to become the best rifle shot he could be. His father trained him to listen to the woods, to “see” without his eyes. Little did Shifty know his finely-tuned skills would one day save his life—and the lives of his fellow paratroopers.

As one of the original men who trained at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, Shifty was one out of only two soldiers in Easy Company to initially earn the coveted expert marksman designation. He parachuted into France on D-day and fought for a month in Normandy; eighty days in Holland; thirty-nine in the harshly cold winter of Bastogne; and for nearly thirty more near Haguenau, France, and the Ruhr pocket in Germany.

Shifty’s War is a tale of heroism and adventure, of a soldier’s blood-filled days fighting his way fromthe shores of France to the heartland of Germany, and the epic story of how one man’s skills as a sharpshooter and engagingly unassuming personality propelled him to a life greater than he could have ever imagined.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, Biography, War, Military Fiction, Military History

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2011

About the author

Marcus Brotherton is a New York Times bestselling author and coauthor dedicated to writing books that inspire heroics, promote empathy, and encourage noble living. His commendations include the Christopher Award for literature “that affirms the highest values of the human spirit.”

His newest book, THE LONG MARCH HOME, (coauthored with Tosca Lee) was inspired by true stories of friendship, sacrifice, and hope on the Bataan Death March during WW2. It received 3 distinct starred reviews--from Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.

Notable solo projects include:
* A Bright and Blinding Sun
* Blaze of Light
* Shifty's War
* Who Are Alive & Remain
* A Company of Heroes
* Feast for Thieves

Reviews

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author wrote this biography to make it sound like you were sitting down with Shifty and listening to the story, I am a bit in two minds about this technique, sometimes it worked for me, other times it didn't. Shifty Powers was one of the few Easy Company men that were there everyday from Camp Toccoa till wars' end, and saw all the highs and lows of the unit. He was never wounded and was a good scout and shot, that makes it even more astonishing as he was in the thick of it. His perspective gives more depth into Easy Company and there are a few other soldiers that he focuses more on in his book, that were just mentioned briefly in Band of Brothers, yet as can be expected, large parts just continues from that book. The was ended for him tragically with the accident in Austria and his homecoming was not what a man like him deserved. A big part of the book is also devoted to his post war life which was nice.

This is a good addition to the Band of Brothers-verse for me, and highly recommended reading if you are a follower of Easy Company.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy, was I ready to bawl when I finished this book! I do not know what it is about Easy Company that I love so much, but I cry just about every time I finish a book about one of the members or the whole company.

I was a little wary, because after I got this book I found out it wasn't actually written by Shifty, but by Marcus Brotherton, in Shifty's voice. I'm always cautious about books like this, and can you blame me?

After the first few chapters though, I began to relax and realize that this is probably what Shifty would have written. It was written near perfectly to sound just like Shifty. The author wrote this with the utmost respect, I know. He would never have put words into Shifty's mouth that he didn't feel would come from Shifty's heart. I mean, Shifty's son came to Marcus Brotherton and asked him to write a book about his beloved dad, so if he can trust him, I think we can.

And because of the superb job the author did, I had to remind myself that this is an authorized biography. Shifty didn't actually write it, and I think that's okay. The author took extreme pains to write this book, reading many books by others to find out more about Shifty, listening to interviews of Shifty, talking to Peter Youngblood Hills (who played Shifty in the miniseries), taking things Shifty told him during the writing of the book "We Who Are Alive and Remain" (an excellent read, and one of my favorites on Easy Company).

Shifty had such a simple way of living life. Money never really mattered to him. What mattered was the simple things; the most important things. I want to achieve that kind of mindset about life. Here's a quote from the book "We Who Are Alive and Remain:"

"Throughout my lifetime, I've never given a thought to having piles of money or being rich or doing anything like that. Now, I worked hard, and if I wanted something, I liked being able to afford it. But to me, success is those happy times with my family, being able to go fishing and hunting, and just getting out in the woods and enjoying yourself, looking at trees, watching water go across rocks in a trout stream, things like that. That's always what really mattered to me. My life has been good. All the way back, I've always enjoyed it."

That, that right there, shows me what kind of man Shifty Powers was. You don't meet too many people like him anymore.

I'll close this with what the author closed the book with, an email written by a man named Mark Pfeifer. It's kind of long, but I suggest you read it; it's so true and so moving.

"We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.

I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.

Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.

I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle," the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.

Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made.

Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . " at which point my heart skipped.

At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.

I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what D-Day was. At that point he said "I also made a second jump into Holland, into Arnhem." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day.

I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.

I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach.

He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this.

Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer.

There was no parade.

No big event in Staples Center.

No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.

No weeping fans on television.

And that's not right.

Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the veterans.

Rest in peace, Shifty.

'A nation without heroes is nothing.'"

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus Brotherton tells the story of Shifty Power's life through Shifty's own words. While a biography, this work has a memoir feel. Brotherton uses the first person to tell Shifty's story, letting his unique style and manner of speaking convey his life story better than any way Brotherton himself could manage. While reading the book, you feel like you're sitting down and listening to story. Shifty's voice comes through crystal clear off the page.

Brotherton follows Shifty from his childhood, through his time in Easy Company, after the war and through his death. Through it all, you get a strong sense of the subject and a deep respect for this humble man.

[Anthony Frasier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book after reading “Band of Brother’s” and a few other memoirs related to Easy Company. This book literally sucked me in to “Shifty’s” life. It made me think twice about life in general and just how challenging it can be at times. What a great contribution to this hero’s life. With all respect to Shifty, this is an excellent read!

[Ashley Field · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand that Shifty had already passed away by the time this book was being researched and written, so the author had to rely on previous interactions and what information he could glean from those who remained from his life. And that would be fine itself, but the author's decision to write it in first person, thus giving the reader the feeling that it's actually Shifty telling his story, is unforgivable personally.

Yes, the family approved and agreed that it sounds exactly how Shifty would talk, but it's not Shifty, just like Peter Youngblood Hills is not Shifty. Both could do their best at presenting the man himself, but at the end of the day, they are just mimicking him. That is fine for the miniseries. Most people realize that while Band of Brothers tries to be authentic, it's still a Hollywood production. Facts are going to be wrong. Decisions will be made for the sake of drama and plot. Readers go into a biography expecting fact. They expect research and for the Hollywood touch to be left behind. Shifty's War presents what the author believes Shifty would think and what he thinks he might have seen, and it does a discredit to the man and the genre.

Because of the use of first person, the book is left with a large amount of "filler" paragraphs. The reader goes from a scene that was clearly either told to the author by Shifty or one of his friends and it has an intimate sort of detail, but then the author is left with a gaping hole between that moment and the next significant one. What follows is a few paragraphs of generic writing, vague enough to not quite claim to be fact, that feels like a high schooler trying to reach the word count on their essay. And it happens a frustrating amount of times.

There are also moments in this book that I honestly can't be sure Shifty experienced, or if they even occurred. The author writes Joe Toye watching football practice for the Christmas game because "he probably would have been one of the players." That's not good enough! There is a whole section at the end of the book where the author explains/justifies what he wrote, which makes everything in the story feel like more of a lie than it already did. It honestly reads like Band of Brothers fanfiction versus a biography, complete with scenes that feel ripped directly from the script of the miniseries (Albert Blithe is mentioned in two small blink and you'll miss them sequences that are exactly like the miniseries, with no added personal detail - it feels more like an MCU styled cameo than an experience Shifty had).

I am happy that Shifty's family is satisfied with this book and that they have this momento of his legacy. I would never want to take away from that, but I also cannot help but feel this idea should have been left at that: an idea.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a nice little read. The author did a great job. He made it from the POV of Darrell Powers based off of interviews with him as well as friends and family. Like many others, I watched the "Band of Brothers" TV show and was fascinated by it. I've since read other books on Easy Company, so this was a natural selection.

[Todd Kiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus Brotherton wrote this biography in the first person tense and when I read this in the introduction I was skeptical he could pull it off. Yet, as I read the book, I felt Shifty was telling the story himself. Darrell “Shifty” Powers was a WW II hero and a member of the famed “Band of Brothers” of Easy Company. When reading the introduction I found Shifty was one of the top marksman of the company, so I was anticipating a high action account of his exploits of outstanding shots and exciting kills. I was disappointed, yet in a good way. I found that Shifty wasn’t the kind of person that would brag about what he had to do during WW II. The book didn’t go into those details, yet Brotherton was able to put us in the foxhole with Shifty, the reader is there during the liberation of Bastogne and you obtain an in-depth feeling of what these brave men endured and how it affected them.
As heart wrenching as what the “greatest generation” went through during the war, the author spends time letting the reader know how Shifty dealt with those “dark places” in his mind upon his discharge and throughout his life. As much as you feel for Powers during the war and dealing with life after, he was a genuine good guy in life and it breaks your heart as he nears the end.
This book is a wonderful look at the everyday solider and their life during and after the war. I would highly recommend this for those interested in WW II.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook.

This is book is from the Band of Brothers World. Shifty is a familiar person to me. I knew he was from the mountains, I knew he was an Easy Company man, & that he survived the war. I didn’t know anything about his upbringing & his post war life.

His introducing us to his family was very special. It was so apparent that he loved his folks, his wife, & the kids. Shifty’s front porch is somewhere I would have felt comfortable.

To hear his thoughts from each battle, certain days, & concerning certain people from Easy Company was just great. The post war years were heartwarming & also heartbreaking. The last few pages were mixed with a few tears.

Shifty Powers is one of many heroes from that terrible war. Thank you sir, thank you for your sacrifice.

If you enjoyed the Band of Brothers, I’m pretty certain you’ll enjoy this.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had few good cries with this biography. We are all blessed because of these boys.

[David Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these stories about the Band of Brothers

[Stan Skrabut · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have watched the Band of Brothers series, you may remember Sergeant Darrell “Shifty” Powers, the marksman of Easy Company. He was seen in all ten episodes because he was one of the original Toccoa men who was never wounded in combat. If you heard him speak on the series, you will appreciate Shifty's War: The Authorized Biography of Sergeant Darrell "Shifty" Powers, the Legendary Sharpshooter from the Band of Brothers because you can actually hear him talking as you read his words. Read more

[Jon Swart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Shifty Powers, who was a member of "the Band of Brothers". If you haven't read the book, and only have seen the mini-series, he was the sharpshooter of Easy Company. This book is really interesting in that it gives a single perspective on the events chronicled in both Ambrose's book and the mini-series but also gives the before and after the war life of Shifty. The author takes a bit of a twist in that he writes it as if Shifty is writing the book, which I thought was a brilliant approach. I really loved the book. What a great person Shifty was, leaving his rural home to do something bigger for his country, and then returning home to do good things for bis family and hometown. I seem to love everything that has to do with this group of paratroopers, but I think this may have been my favorite read yet.

[Doug Dams · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy book to read. The author made it feel like you were talking to Shifty Powers and listening to his stories. The viewpoint of Shifty differed a bit from the Band of Brothers mini-series in that he discussed how the "Bad" memories from his time overseas affected him, even during the war especially at Bastogne. From this you can understand why many WWII vets don't talk about their life in combat. And it was nice to learn how Shifty affected people after the war, helping out in his home town coaching baseball and basketball. He affected a number of lives. If you have any interest in WWII or know a WWII vet, this book is definitely worth your time to read.

[Bruce · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read almost every book associated with the BOB. The fact that this book was written in the first person AFTER Shifty died is a noble but empty attempt on the author's part. I could not get a feeling that this is how Shifty would have actually written it. In fact there are many known BOB facts that are weaved into the story that we really have no idea if Shifty actually witnessed or how he actually would have described them. Sadly, I could not finish reading this book much past the events of D-Day.

[Bailey Chadwick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Notice it says "authorized" biography. Shifty already died before this book was written and I really feel the author took a LOT of liberties with this one. I'm a huge Band of Brothers fans...read the book, read a lot of other biographies, but this is the first time I've been a little angry. It's not a true account of what he thought and what he was feeling during these moments in war. In fact, the author makes kind of clear that Shifty never talked about the war. So I'd recommend skipping it.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shifty was with Easy Company - 'Band of Brothers.' This will give you an idea right off the bat on how this book goes. The author, Marcus, does a pretty good job in putting this story together. Marcus never met face to face with Darrell "Shifty" Powers. He did have some phone interviews with him. Most of the story comes from his 'buddies, hometown friends and his family.
The story is worth the read. I enjoyed it because I felt he was Telling his own story. His story is told in the trenches.

[Mitzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

With my mother being born in Clinchco, VA I had to read this biography of Shifty Powers. It was well written and I related to the book perhaps because I was born in the mountains of this small town. A true story of life, war, love of family, love of home, love of friendship.

[Scott Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was great. It gives realistic view of the triumphs and tribulations of a man gone to war and the people who went with him. The war for him was over, he went home to live and start a life outside the military and the struggle to live a life after war.

[Ar · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with other reviews in the BofB memoir series, I find it hard to `critique' a book and subject which deserve so much respect and admiration, but there are a few points worth mentioning to potential readers. I gave it 4 stars based on style but would potentially consider it a 5 based on the emotional impact the latter part of the book may have on some readers.

First, the book is written in the first person, as if Mr. Darrell "Shifty" Powers was the one speaking to the reader throughout the book, when in fact the book was written and published following his passing. Naturally, the author accounts for this and explains his reasoning in the introduction, but the fact nevertheless remains that Mr. Powers' contribution to this book is through interviews, meetings and discussions, and not direct authorship.

Understandably, there really weren't that many worthwhile approaches to breaching the subject anyway, especially when considering all the other memoirs (and the miniseries) already out there, so the first-person style did ultimately work. However, while in most chapters this worked surprisingly well, some parts of the book came across as narrations of scenes from the miniseries, which, I found, weakened the book somewhat. As well, some of the creative liberties taken by the author, such as those relating to the individual killed in the truck accident when Mr. Powers was hospitalized, weren't really necessary.

Consequently, if you are looking for a highly detailed account of the war, or life in combat, or are hoping to learn a few things about sharpshooting, this isn't really the book for you. I would not classify this book in the "combat" genre.

The books' strength lies mainly in its last few chapters and how Mr. Powers not only dealt with life in the post-war world, but how his and everyone elses lives changed following the miniseries and all the focused attention. A worthwhile read for any veteran.

The reader is then also taken on an unexpectedly intimate journey as a witness to the natural passing of this exemplary yet humble warrior, husband, father and grandfather. Truly touching and commendable penmanship considering the book could have had a much more abrupt ending. I found this to be the one aspect that was unique to this book in terms of the BoB series, and the most memorable part of the book.

The book is also strengthened by the author listing all of his sources and creative liberties chapter by chapter following the epilogue, where some additional (unpublished) notes and material are included.

Out of all the books in the BoB series, I would recommend reading this one LAST based on the above, but would still consider it "required" reading as it adds nicely to the BoB collection.

On the product (paperback), it's of good quality binding, paper and print with average sized letters causing no eye strain. There are 8 pages of B&W photographs (training, war time and post-war) and a 5-page epilogue which compliments the book very nicely. Amazon lists the book as 304 pages, but the story is 254 + front matter, sources and index.

PS: if you were disappointed by the book and were hoping to learn something about sharpshooting, pick up on the "hidden" messages in the book... patience and... practice, practice, practice, practice, practice... apparently even when you can barely see and are over 80 years old, practice some more (right off the front porch if you can)!

RIP Mr. Powers

[Louis Barbier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shifty’s War by Marcus Brotherton is a great book about a man of character, determination, integrity who served in Easy Company of the 506th PIR - 101st Airborne (The Screaming Eagles). The man a quiet man was Sgt Darrell "Shifty" Powers, the legendary sharpshooter from the Band of Brothers. Shifty has described himself as a mountain man and hillbilly. He never aspired for greatness as the world defines it but in his own quiet way he was a capable leader who lead twelve other men and got the job done. An amazing quality is he was very religious and his family too. But he never forced his Christian ways on others. He did talk to God almost every day through prayer or just humble conversation with God. I find that many unknown people who have reach great heights and are often unrecognized have a great faith in God. This book will give you an insight on the greatest generation of men and women who left their homes, farms, schools, jobs after December 7th, 1941 to serve in the US Army, US Navy, Marines and Army Air Corps to liberate and protect those who could not. Most of them volunteered and had no idea what they were getting into when they took the Oath of Enlistment. In this book you will take a journey with some of the bravest men you will ever meet. They are all heroes. The book in its dedication page states: "Dedicated to the 98 young men from Dickenson County, Virginia, who fought in World War II and never came Home." I really enjoyed the book because my uncle Ignace on D-Day June 6th, 1944 made the landings on Omaha Beach. He was with a Tank Destroyer unit that took on the Heavy armored Germany Tiger tanks in battle. We had the American Sherman Tank that was lighter and more maneuverable. My uncle Ignace never talked about that or the horror he had seen and when he returned; he was a different. Of course, we could still talk about good books we had read and working around the homestead in Louisiana. So, this book "Shifty's War" shows what the greatest generation that went to war faced and accomplished. It is a book about an exceptional soldier an honorable man who had learned to shoot in the woods as a kid with his Dad. He got very good at it and had a sixth sense about what was happening without completely seeing it but actual hearing or sensing that something was out of place. So, you might say he had a keen sense of the situation and acted without hesitation. But the story is more than that it also tells of an honest man who after the war became an outstanding family man. This is a must-read book. I salute all the brave men of Easy Company (The Band of Brothers); those who returned and those who never came home. May God bless them all.

[Joanne Hattersley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books on the campaigns fought by Easy Company, in World War 2, put it this way, I have read fifteen so far. There are still five to be reviewed on my list that I have not done yet, so here is the first one.

Darrell Powers was the legendary sharpshooter from Band of Brothers, and rumour has it, he was used as inspiration for the sharpshooter in Saving Private Ryan too. Darrell, aka Shifty, was a quiet man, and well respected.

There have been some comments I have seen in book reviews, about how it is written in the first person, and after Shiftys death. However, if you have seen Band of Brothers, if you have heard Shifty talk on the documentaries, you will note that the language in this book is an accurate reflection of Shifty and his tone and inflection of words.

The words that come through the pages of Marcus Brotherton`s exquisite book, hand you everything. You get to know who Shifty is as a boy. Who Shifty was as a man. Marcus, through his research and interviews with other members of Easy Company, are able to share Shiftys experiences as a soldier. From family and friends, we get to hear of Shifty the family man. Shifty, the devoted friend. We hear how a young country boy from Clinch, Virginia, killed 8 men before he was twenty two.

I could hear Shifty in my head, reading this book to me. In my head as I was reading, I imagined myself sitting in his lounge room, or on his back porch having a coffee and listening to his stories. I dont want to say the book was easy to read, because no war memoir should be, but it was an insightful read.

Sgt Powers family commissioned this book and so the author, Marcus Brotherton, knew he had mountains of research that he needed to do. Shiftys family were beautifully open with the author, sharing everything they had. The author spoke with friends and acquaintances of Shifty, as well as the members of Easy Company that were surviving at the time. Marcus Brotherton spoke with Peter Youngblood Hills, who was gifted the honour of playing Shifty in Band of Brothers.

This book is up there with the best of the best, as far as Easy Company books go. While others were more military based, more procedural, (due of course to the people that they were discussing), this book was personable. It felt like a conversation. That can only be achieved through such thorough research and great writing.

Marcus Brotherton: Thank you for your words.

Sgt. Shifty Powers: Thank you for your service Sir.

Currahee.

[Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shifty was in 3rd platoon, which is mentioned less than other platoons. He is a sharp shooter in Easy Company, and one of the few who miraculously didn’t get hurt during wartime. That’s we learned from Band of Brothers book or TV series. Band of Brothers book tells a general story of Easy Company, while here we focus on Shifty Powers. Written in first person, this book covers almost the entire life of Shifty Powers, ranging from childhood to elderly life. Here we can find why Shifty is good at shooting, how he became enlisted, how he fought in the war, how he lived a peaceful life after the war, and how he finally found himself popular after Band of Brothers became famous all over the world. Maybe it is controversial to see Shifty’s biography, finished after he passed away, is written in first person. But the author did successfully portrait Shifty’s life, especially postwar life. Through this book we could easily imagine a former paratrooper and sharp shooter standing in front of us.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this authorized biography about an exemplary man who loved his family of origin and felt it was his duty to go fight in WWII even at such a young age.

Sergeant Darrell "Shifty" Powers fought with the men of Easy Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, who in later years would become known as the "Band of Brothers." Many didn't come back. Some came back maimed or injured. And some were able to create memorable lives and live into their 70's and 80's. Shifty was one of those fortunate men.

This is a unique biography. I came to love the man even though I never met him. I really enjoyed it. May Darrell "Shifty" Powers rest in peace.

[Paul Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that will have special meaning for anyone with interest in Band of Brothers, this is the life story of Shifty Powers, best known for his sharp-shooting exploits. Written in the first person with Shifty’s country style, this is a comfortable book that tells stories both familiar and new. The WWII portions are of course the most dramatic; the post-war reactions are the most personal; and the impact of the Band of Brothers book and miniseries is a well-deserved final act. This is a good WWII memoir that will be most valued by BoB fans.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. I really enjoyed that Brotherton wrote the book from a first person perspective. It was as though Shifty were telling his own story. I found it interesting to find that Shifty's story differed from other's stories. I guess it's all about perspective. I did find one mistake; early in the book, troopers attempted to blow a framework off a jeep. The author says the used "C-4". C-4 was not developed until much later and wasn't used until Vietnam. Composition C was used but not C-4. I realize most would not catch this, but still.

[Pei-jean Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I think of Darrell ‘Shifty’ Powers of Easy Company my mind always returns to his words about how if the circumstances had been different he and the German soldiers may have been good friends and how looking back on his time in WWII has changed his perspective.

He was one of the many young men whose life was shaped by not only the social and economic turmoil of The Great Depression, but also would upended by America’s entry into WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

[Eric Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a little unusual in it's format. Instead of writing in past tense as you might expect from a book written after someones death, it's written in the first person. It's as if you are listening to Shifty himself. For this book and this story it works great. When I was reading it I felt as if I was either listening to or reading about Shifty's life as he told it. This is what the author wanted to accomplish and in my opinion he succeeded at it.

[Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, different perspective on the experiences of this amazing group of WWII veterans. Powers insights and point of view are interesting and insightful. I enjoyed other books by Brotherton and his dedication to telling the real stories of the veterans is obvious. Having read a lot of books on the band of brothers, Screaming Eagles and WWII, I consider this one of the better ones. If you liked this genre, I would recommend Don Burgett Currahee!

[David Chabot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another awesome biography of a member of the legendary Band of Brothers. I liked that about a third of the book was devoted to his life after the war, as many such books give the impression the soldier's life ends when he fired his last shot. I was unsure about it to begin with, but the fact it's written in the first person is also a nice touch. A highly recommended read for WW2 enthusiasts and neophytes alike!

[Kouri Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and very moving book about an incredible man. The author's decision to write it from a first person perspective was a fantastic choice and does nothing but add to an already amazing story of a simple man with a God-given talent that likely saved far more soldiers' lives than his simple modesty would have you believe. You will feel as though Shifty Powers is a good friend of yours by the time the story ends.