West Point '41: The Class That Went to War and Shaped America

by Anne Kazel-Wilcox, P.J. Wilcox

Bataan. North Africa. Sicily. Omaha Beach. The Ardennes. West Point 41: The Class That Went to War and Shaped America is an uplifting story of ordinary young men in extraordinary times, in extraordinary places, who graduated directly into the teeth of battle and displayed unwavering leadership, honor, duty, and determination. From Sandy Nininger, awarded the first Medal of Honor of World War II for his actions leading Philippine Scouts in the early days of the war, to Charlie Fletcher, Ed Rowny, Paul Skowronek, Herb Stern, and dozens of others who quickly found themselves leading companies, battalions, and regiments, these young officers struggled with the fog and terror of war and early command. In a postwar era of unprecedented military latitude, they helped shape defense strategy, led development of America’s rocket programs, and created the theory and practice of helicopter airmobile combat that came to dominate in Vietnam. In Europe, Asia, and with the Soviets, 41ers practiced diplomacy and tradecraft as architects of American Cold War policy. All the while, they clung tightly to tenets of duty and moral courage inculcated at West often tested, but holding firm to the bonds that make up the “Long Gray Line.”

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

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book which follows the West Point class of 1941 from it's beginnings through 3 wars and the Cold War, and looks at the impacts some of these men had with strategy and forward thinking. The author truly shows how they shaped America and it's modern military, where they transformed it from a nation who followed others' development, to being at the forefront of innovation on the battlefield. It also delves into the men's character and how they in turn were shaped by West Point. I have read a few books where authors make note of how West Point graduates were fast-tracked to command and staff positions even though they did not deserve it, but if you read this book then you will see these young men were plunged into a world war and excelled in command of men and they definitely did not lack bravery. Great book and highly recommended if you are a fan of men with honor and integrity, and this is also a book where our younger generations can learn a thing or two about duty and honor.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book about the 1941 West Point graduating class. The book follows many members from their Plebe year of 1937 thru WWII, Korean War, cold war to their retirements from serving their country. Tom Brokaw called this generation the "great generation" after reading this book one can only agree. This group of men contributed much to the making of our nation post WWII. I highly recommend this book!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book if you read it you should know that everyone in the book is born in Wisconsin and went to a army camp called west point 41 and one of the main characters (George Allan Woodrow Johnson) was my grandpa and I like the book so much because the authors details were strictly on key with what his life and others life was like in West Point 41

[R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally liked the book. It was great to follow members of a single USMA class through their time at West Point and throughout their careers. I've met or interacted with at least two members featured prominently in the book.
But the format of the book is much more a group memoir than history. It seems to be based almost exclusively on interviews and notes from members of the class (at a time when class members were all in their 90s), without much (any?) evident independent research. Historic events are recounted only from the class members' perspectives, which gives the book a folksy, familiar tone. But obviously there were others involved in many of these events; their perspective may be different, but there's no acknowledgment of alternative perspectives here. That's significant, because it makes the Class of '41 out to be something unique - a class of supermen. In fact, other classes of the era (and others before and after) were similarly instrumental in major events in US history.
Editing was ok. There were a few mistakes that made it into print, but probably not ones noticeable outside the West Point community.
I salute the members of USMA '41 - they essentially graduated into a war (like USMA '50) and were important pieces of the US military machine that eventually brought Germany and Japan down. They're heroes who risked (and gave) their lives to preserve freedom.

[Cara W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was decently written. A lot of information conveyed. What West Point was like in the late 1930's into 1941 when graduates were sent to war shortly after graduation. Discussed relationships between the guys. Cavalry was still on horses - in WWII - US didn't use them. How guys adjusted and went into artillery and / or air corps.

As went through the campaigns, how guys went along, how some were killed while some lived and were sent around to different parts of the war.

How many of the guys married right before going off to war. How some never came back to their brand new brides.

Some went onto the Korean War, and some went on as senior officers into VietNam.

[Matthew Torrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on the leadership in the time of duty and the true meaning of Duty, Honor, Country

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating history of West Point’s 1941 graduating class. The manuscript’s strength is interviews with classmates and their families. Historical speeches, documentaries, magazine articles, military archives, and books written by and about classmates and their accomplishments support their oral recollections. The author’s style quickly transports the reader from the first day at the military academy through graduation into war and the beginnings of the “Long Gray Line”. The book’s ending parallels the real aftermath of war; the pace slows down and loses the cohesiveness of a well-spun tale. Some graduates leave the service, live ordinary lives, and are never mentioned again, while others continue their military careers. The book includes a graduate list with status upon completion of their service, notes, bibliography, index of formations and units, and an index of names and subjects.

[John Lybrand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel that this book covers a fascinating subject. These men graduated six months before the start of WWII and before their 5th reunion some were commanding battalions. Unfortunately, the book is not that well written. There were so many characters and the story shifted between them so that I couldn't keep them strait. The individual stories were interesting, and the men behind the stories worth of respect. However, I don't feel it came together as a book. That being said, as a former graduate myself, I would recommend it to any other graduates and to students of the Army history.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptional book about the West Points’ graduating class of 1941. Their effort help to create the United Stated Armed Forces as we know them today. Much of what is touch on in the book is not just the personal history of the West Point graduates and their exploits but of their actual contribution to history, and their branch of service. I received this book from Goodreads first reads program and I am glad that I did.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the collection of so many life stories it was difficult to go into much depth, but the story of the USMA Class of 1941 is a remarkable one. Not only did they enter service on the doorstep of World War II and fought courageously, but also shaped the post-Cold War world order, served in Korea and Vietnam, ran in the space race, grappled with the computer age, and maintained their commitment of a lifetime of service to the nation. Inspiring, to say the least. May It Be Said Well Done.

[Mark Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about a great class of soldiers. I love the concept of following these men not only during WWII but long afterwards as they helped bring freedom around the globe. This group of leaders has done amazing things and offer us all a glimpse into the life of a real "hero". I received a free copy of this book via Goodreads First Reads.

[Anthony Faber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of interesting, but the writing is clunky, although it may be that the authors are just echoing the styles of the people they interviewed. I also got chronologically confused at times, because I don't have enough knowledge about what happened when in WW II.

[Ronald Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are a part of WWII and conflicts since when you read the 41'ers!

Anyone who has served in the military can relate to one or more areas in the book on a personal basis. No one can thank enough what the leadership of the West Point class of '41 has done for America.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tends more to being vanity press than riveting history.

[Charlie Shaw]

Historical novel about the class of West Point 1941 in WWII told in detail about 40 members of the class who served in Europe and Asia. Quite in detail.