Dig & Dig Deep

by Richard Arnold, Guido N. DiMatteo III, Frederick Gale

The determination of youth, tempered in the fires of experience, gives life to wisdom, and makes us capable of altering the course of human history. Dig & Dig Deep is the compelling narrative of one embattled teenager whom destiny protected, and the path he walked to keep a battlefield pledge alive. From a small town in upstate NY to the fields of Bastogne and back again, Private Richard "Dick" Arnold reconstructs his grueling journey as a front line combat infantry foot soldier and radio operator on his tour of duty in the European theatre. From basic training to the liberation of Buchenwald, he shares his observations on human nature and our capacity for unimaginable cruelty...and great compassion.

295 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2012

Reviews

[Guido III · Rating 5 out of 5]

The experience of writing this book with my Grandfather Richard Arnold was wonderful. His story is riveting and his beautifully descriptive prose has always captured my imagination.

[Susan Piazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a past commander and service officer at both the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans I have heard many men and women recount their military experience but none with such clarity and honesty as portrayed in the book “Dig and Dig Deep”.

Written by Richard Arnold with Guido N. DiMatteo III and Frederick Gale, MD this book is dedicated to those brave souls who served in the defense of freedom. This book is a time capsule of WWII comprised of the experiences of one young soldier. Powerful, straightforward, and compelling, this is a truly amazing story of survival – and duty. Hard to put down.

God, fate, destiny, or whatever you want to call it intervened to shape this man’s life in incredible ways. Early on you read how Arnold’s father attempted to shield him from the worst of the war led instead to placing him on the front lines. You learn how a single letter from his cousin gave him the advice he needed to live through his first time in combat – telling him to “dig and dig deep”. (When he dug out he realized only 7 of the 157 men in his company were either alive or uninjured.) And then there is his experience as part of the liberation of Buckenwald.

Many details are set forth in the book. Combat situations he was in are analyzed. There are detailed pictures of equipment, maps, and insignia’s. Terms that the layperson might not be familiar with are explained. Several websites are listed for further information. This book is not only a personal history but also a lesson in civics. It is not a dry message; it breathes and comes to life in a way that only a life lived can elucidate. I was constantly amazed that this human endured all he did and was able to write about it.

Shortly after I read this book for the first time Mr. Arnold died. I really would have liked to have met this incredible individual. At least through his military memoir I feel that I was able to come to know a small part of his soul.

I highly recommend this book.