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The Last Hill: The Epic Story of a Ranger Battalion and the Battle That Defined WWII
Bob Drury and Tom Clavin's
The Last Hill
is the incredible untold story of one Ranger battalion's heroism and courage in World War II.
They were known as “Rudder’s Rangers,” the most elite and experienced attack unit in the United States Army. In December 1944, Lt. Col. James Rudder's 2nd Battalion would form the spearhead into Germany, taking the war into Hitler’s homeland at last. In the process, Rudder was given two Take Hill 400 . . . and hold the hill by any means possible. To the last man, if necessary. The battle-hardened battalion had no idea that several Wehrmacht regiments, who greatly outnumbered the Rangers, had been given the exact same orders. The clash of the two determined forces was one of the bloodiest and most costly encounters of World War II.
Castle Hill, the imposing 1320-foot mini-mountain the American Rangers simply called Hill 400, was the gateway to a desperate Nazi Germany. Several entire American divisions had already been repulsed by the last hill's dug-in defenders as—unknown to the Allies—the height was the key to Adolf Hitler's last-minute plans for a massive counterattack to smash through the American lines in what would become known to history as the Battle of the Bulge.
Thus the stalemate surrounding Hill 400 could not continue. For Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, there was only one Call in Rudder's Rangers. Of the 130 special operators who stormed, captured, and held the hill that December day, only 16 remained to stagger back down its frozen slopes. The Last Hill is replete with unforgettable action and characters—a rich and detailed saga of what the survivors of the 2nd Ranger Battalion would remember as “our longest day.”
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.
They were known as “Rudder’s Rangers,” the most elite and experienced attack unit in the United States Army. In December 1944, Lt. Col. James Rudder's 2nd Battalion would form the spearhead into Germany, taking the war into Hitler’s homeland at last. In the process, Rudder was given two Take Hill 400 . . . and hold the hill by any means possible. To the last man, if necessary. The battle-hardened battalion had no idea that several Wehrmacht regiments, who greatly outnumbered the Rangers, had been given the exact same orders. The clash of the two determined forces was one of the bloodiest and most costly encounters of World War II.
Castle Hill, the imposing 1320-foot mini-mountain the American Rangers simply called Hill 400, was the gateway to a desperate Nazi Germany. Several entire American divisions had already been repulsed by the last hill's dug-in defenders as—unknown to the Allies—the height was the key to Adolf Hitler's last-minute plans for a massive counterattack to smash through the American lines in what would become known to history as the Battle of the Bulge.
Thus the stalemate surrounding Hill 400 could not continue. For Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, there was only one Call in Rudder's Rangers. Of the 130 special operators who stormed, captured, and held the hill that December day, only 16 remained to stagger back down its frozen slopes. The Last Hill is replete with unforgettable action and characters—a rich and detailed saga of what the survivors of the 2nd Ranger Battalion would remember as “our longest day.”
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.
Audible Audio
Published November 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
August 13, 2024
4.5 stars
"[Easy Company head honcho] Captain Duke Slater's voice was soft as church music. 'Let's go, men' he said. With that, a half dozen [2nd Battalion] Rangers from his forward scout patrol stepped out from behind trees to either side of the astonished Lt. Richard Lewis [of the 47th Armored Infantry]. He heard their tommy guns click, locked and loaded. And then they vanished [into the dark forest]. 'They moved out without saying a word', Lewis remembered. 'Our morale went up in a hurry.'" -- on page 281
Another winner from author Clavin - again teaming with Drury, his writing partner from the earlier aviation-inspired Lucky 666: The Impossible Mission - the duo returns to a World War II-centered narrative with The Last Hill. Inspired by the commando units fielded by the British military during the first half of the 20th century, the U.S. Army somewhat begrudgingly formed their very own special operations team during the early days of WWII for eventual deployment in the European Theater. Not wanting to fully copy their counterparts from 'across the pond,' these new American regiments were christened as 'Rangers.' The 2nd Battalion was commanded by 'Big Jim' Rudder, a Texas native who could play it both tough (he was a football coach) and tender (he was also a tutor) - owing to his background as a popular high school teacher - and he generally sounds like an all-around great and inspiring leader to his men. His battalion experienced fierce action during the D-Day invasion at Pointe du Hoc, which receives much page time here, but the title refers to the final third of the book. The Rangers were assigned to take Castle Hill or 'Hill 400' in mountainous Germany, and had to fight their way through Huertgen Forest a.k.a. 'green hell' during the harsh winter in late 1944. The many battles were bloody, the inclement weather was seemingly never-ending, and the casualties were very costly (to both sides), but it resulted in these Rangers making the furthest advancement into Germany by any Allied faction up to that time. Clavin & Drury do some commendable work detailing the diverse group of citizen-soldiers - such as the decorated 'Fabulous Four' reconnaissance squad, which boasted the colorful monikers of Warren 'Halftrack' Burmaster, Bill 'No-Neck' Courtney, Bill 'Stoop' Dreyer, and 'The Fool Lieutenant' Bob Edlin - populating the ranks of the 2nd, as well as their various experiences in the two aforementioned major skirmishes during the final year of the war.
"[Easy Company head honcho] Captain Duke Slater's voice was soft as church music. 'Let's go, men' he said. With that, a half dozen [2nd Battalion] Rangers from his forward scout patrol stepped out from behind trees to either side of the astonished Lt. Richard Lewis [of the 47th Armored Infantry]. He heard their tommy guns click, locked and loaded. And then they vanished [into the dark forest]. 'They moved out without saying a word', Lewis remembered. 'Our morale went up in a hurry.'" -- on page 281
Another winner from author Clavin - again teaming with Drury, his writing partner from the earlier aviation-inspired Lucky 666: The Impossible Mission - the duo returns to a World War II-centered narrative with The Last Hill. Inspired by the commando units fielded by the British military during the first half of the 20th century, the U.S. Army somewhat begrudgingly formed their very own special operations team during the early days of WWII for eventual deployment in the European Theater. Not wanting to fully copy their counterparts from 'across the pond,' these new American regiments were christened as 'Rangers.' The 2nd Battalion was commanded by 'Big Jim' Rudder, a Texas native who could play it both tough (he was a football coach) and tender (he was also a tutor) - owing to his background as a popular high school teacher - and he generally sounds like an all-around great and inspiring leader to his men. His battalion experienced fierce action during the D-Day invasion at Pointe du Hoc, which receives much page time here, but the title refers to the final third of the book. The Rangers were assigned to take Castle Hill or 'Hill 400' in mountainous Germany, and had to fight their way through Huertgen Forest a.k.a. 'green hell' during the harsh winter in late 1944. The many battles were bloody, the inclement weather was seemingly never-ending, and the casualties were very costly (to both sides), but it resulted in these Rangers making the furthest advancement into Germany by any Allied faction up to that time. Clavin & Drury do some commendable work detailing the diverse group of citizen-soldiers - such as the decorated 'Fabulous Four' reconnaissance squad, which boasted the colorful monikers of Warren 'Halftrack' Burmaster, Bill 'No-Neck' Courtney, Bill 'Stoop' Dreyer, and 'The Fool Lieutenant' Bob Edlin - populating the ranks of the 2nd, as well as their various experiences in the two aforementioned major skirmishes during the final year of the war.
February 15, 2025
“It could only be understood by those who have had this privileged experience.”
THE LAST HILL is narrative nonfiction that focuses on the 2nd Ranger Battalion unit and their exploits in World War II. It deals with the formation of the unit, their training, and their fighting from Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Fortress Brest, and the Hürtgen Forest. Most of the book focuses on the three months prior to the Battle of the Bulge, specifically the fighting in the Hürtgen Forest. I had not read much about that campaign, and this text does a wonderful job of depicting the vicious ferocity of the fighting that happened in that area.
The authors (Bob Drury and Tom Clavin) are unflinching in their analysis of the dubious strategic value of the campaign in the Hürtgen Forest. Of course, they acknowledge that they're looking on this from many years in the future.
One of the great strengths of this book are the portraits of some of the individuals of the 2nd Ranger Battalion unit. Their humanity is on full display. Readers will enjoy getting to know men like Bob Edlin, L. Rod Petty, Len Lomell, Duke Slater, and others. These were real men, and these are real stories, and I enjoyed that.
An unexpected surprise was learning about the “Fabulous Four”, which was a group of scouts from the 2nd Battalion who performed some wonderful, and colorful, exploits in the war. These were amazing stories about these four men, and I'd never heard of them. Quite frankly, this little group of Scouts deserves a book of their own.
Quotes:
• “Because first I’m going to make men of you, then I’m going to make soldiers of you, and them I’m going to make Rangers of you.”
• “No small part of that heroism accrued to the 2nd Ranger Battalion, which by 1945 had become one of the most highly decorated units in American military history, earning 18 Distinguished Service Crosses, 73 Silver Stars, 64 Bronze Stars, 2 British Military Medals, and an astonishing 542 Purple Hearts.”
In recent years I been drawn to reading about World War II, especially the stories of the young men—many still in their teens—who rose to the challenge and changed the course of history. THE LAST HILL earns a well-deserved place on my bookshelf, standing out as an engaging, educational, and deeply moving account of courage and sacrifice. As a final thought, the last two paragraphs of the Epilogue left a lasting impression on me—an absolutely brilliant tribute to the men of this extraordinary unit, and to all who served in World War II.
THE LAST HILL is narrative nonfiction that focuses on the 2nd Ranger Battalion unit and their exploits in World War II. It deals with the formation of the unit, their training, and their fighting from Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Fortress Brest, and the Hürtgen Forest. Most of the book focuses on the three months prior to the Battle of the Bulge, specifically the fighting in the Hürtgen Forest. I had not read much about that campaign, and this text does a wonderful job of depicting the vicious ferocity of the fighting that happened in that area.
The authors (Bob Drury and Tom Clavin) are unflinching in their analysis of the dubious strategic value of the campaign in the Hürtgen Forest. Of course, they acknowledge that they're looking on this from many years in the future.
One of the great strengths of this book are the portraits of some of the individuals of the 2nd Ranger Battalion unit. Their humanity is on full display. Readers will enjoy getting to know men like Bob Edlin, L. Rod Petty, Len Lomell, Duke Slater, and others. These were real men, and these are real stories, and I enjoyed that.
An unexpected surprise was learning about the “Fabulous Four”, which was a group of scouts from the 2nd Battalion who performed some wonderful, and colorful, exploits in the war. These were amazing stories about these four men, and I'd never heard of them. Quite frankly, this little group of Scouts deserves a book of their own.
Quotes:
• “Because first I’m going to make men of you, then I’m going to make soldiers of you, and them I’m going to make Rangers of you.”
• “No small part of that heroism accrued to the 2nd Ranger Battalion, which by 1945 had become one of the most highly decorated units in American military history, earning 18 Distinguished Service Crosses, 73 Silver Stars, 64 Bronze Stars, 2 British Military Medals, and an astonishing 542 Purple Hearts.”
In recent years I been drawn to reading about World War II, especially the stories of the young men—many still in their teens—who rose to the challenge and changed the course of history. THE LAST HILL earns a well-deserved place on my bookshelf, standing out as an engaging, educational, and deeply moving account of courage and sacrifice. As a final thought, the last two paragraphs of the Epilogue left a lasting impression on me—an absolutely brilliant tribute to the men of this extraordinary unit, and to all who served in World War II.
November 3, 2022
It’s been awhile since I have read a WWII and I for sure enjoyed this one. This was a good story that hasn’t been covered over and over again. Bob Drury once again breaks out the $20 words.
December 27, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded upward.
In 2021, Clavin and Drury published Blood and Treasure, an outstanding biography of Daniel Boone, several American Indian tribes, and their relationship to the American Revolution. When I saw a chance to hear their new audiobook titled The Last Hill, I jumped on it. And the early portion of it convinced me that I was missing too much by listening but not seeing, so then I went back and requested the digital version as well. My thanks go to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and Net Galley for the review copies. This book is for sale now.
This meaty yet readable book details the fight for Castle Hill, a strategically essential location that leads into the core of Nazi Germany. Several entire American divisions had tried and failed to take it, and so General Eisenhower ordered the Rangers to go in. Rudder’s were the most elite, battle-hardened unit of the already elite group known as the Rangers. Led by Lieutenant Colonel James Rudder, they were ordered to fight to the last man, if necessary, and they very nearly did; 130 special operatives, as they were known, ascended the hill, and only 16 were left standing when it was over. Nobody there knew that Hitler’s Wehrmacht had been given nearly identical instructions, as it was through here that a massive number of German troops were slated to descend through the gateway and conclude the Battle of the Bulge for the Axis powers.
The most interesting and enjoyable part of this book, for me, was in the first chapters, where we see the contrast between the misleadership early on, when the Rangers were being trained in rural Tennessee, and that which Rudder provided. The troops were sent on marathon marches without canteens, and their superior officer would be driven alongside them, where they could see him relaxing in his seat and drinking as much water (or whatever?) as he chose. Some men quit; others died. There were also war games, including “…the pit fighting competitions” that took place in a three foot deep, forty foot square hole in which “…entire platoons jumped in to attack each other like ancient Spear-Danes, screaming lusty war cries that echoed throughout the camp…by the ordeal’s conclusion, the sawdust looked as if it had been coated with red paint and the pit itself smelled like the inside of a leper. Afterward, the medical team—whose members were not spared the crucible—found themselves treating gashes, sprains, dislocations, and a no-inconsiderable number of broken bones, sometimes their own. At the end of these long days the Rangers returned to their tent city too exhausted to make the two-mile, round-trip walk to the barracks showers.” Angry servicemen, when they finally scored passes to the nearest town named Tullahoma, brawled with the locals and left the bars and taverns with splintered wood and broken glass. Lieutenant Colonel Saffarans had to go.
When “Big Jim” Rudder came in, the pit fights vanished and he marched alongside his own men, not for just a portion of the hike, but for the whole thing. When his feet became blistered, he waved away the medics and took care of himself. Soon morale improved, and so did the quality of the troops.
As we move from training to the European theater, I see less information that I didn’t already know. It’s not badly done, but I was so inspired by the earlier portion that I felt a little let down. I am also chagrined—though this is not the authors’ faults—at the casual way that the US Army threw its soldiers into the line of fire. Why could they not soften the area up before sending these poor men to the slaughterhouse? There were 260,000 grave markers in the hold of their transport ship. Whereas I have never been a proponent of nuclear war, it does seem to me that if someone was going to be hit with the bomb, Hitler’s minions were likely very strong candidates; the Japanese that were nuked at Nagasaki and Hiroshima were nearly beaten already, and the bomb was nearly superfluous. And I’ve said it in earlier reviews but I’ll say it again: it’s too bad that the U.S. Military treated white enemies gently, and its nonwhite ones ruthlessly.
Do I recommend this book to you? If you are looking for just one book about American forces in World War II, this is probably not the one you’re looking for. It’s specific to just one part of Germany and just one hill, so it’s better suited to those that already have the basics mastered.
I might not recommend it at all, as I personally was offended by some of the remarks intended as humorous in reference to local women, as well as women in the service. Whereas I have no doubt that the misogynistic jokes told here are legitimately jokes that were told back then, there are some things that don’t bear repeating, and surely not in detail. I also wasn’t crazy about the clipped bro-speech of the narrator in the audio version.
For this reason, I recommend the printed version over the audio, for those that are interested.
In 2021, Clavin and Drury published Blood and Treasure, an outstanding biography of Daniel Boone, several American Indian tribes, and their relationship to the American Revolution. When I saw a chance to hear their new audiobook titled The Last Hill, I jumped on it. And the early portion of it convinced me that I was missing too much by listening but not seeing, so then I went back and requested the digital version as well. My thanks go to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and Net Galley for the review copies. This book is for sale now.
This meaty yet readable book details the fight for Castle Hill, a strategically essential location that leads into the core of Nazi Germany. Several entire American divisions had tried and failed to take it, and so General Eisenhower ordered the Rangers to go in. Rudder’s were the most elite, battle-hardened unit of the already elite group known as the Rangers. Led by Lieutenant Colonel James Rudder, they were ordered to fight to the last man, if necessary, and they very nearly did; 130 special operatives, as they were known, ascended the hill, and only 16 were left standing when it was over. Nobody there knew that Hitler’s Wehrmacht had been given nearly identical instructions, as it was through here that a massive number of German troops were slated to descend through the gateway and conclude the Battle of the Bulge for the Axis powers.
The most interesting and enjoyable part of this book, for me, was in the first chapters, where we see the contrast between the misleadership early on, when the Rangers were being trained in rural Tennessee, and that which Rudder provided. The troops were sent on marathon marches without canteens, and their superior officer would be driven alongside them, where they could see him relaxing in his seat and drinking as much water (or whatever?) as he chose. Some men quit; others died. There were also war games, including “…the pit fighting competitions” that took place in a three foot deep, forty foot square hole in which “…entire platoons jumped in to attack each other like ancient Spear-Danes, screaming lusty war cries that echoed throughout the camp…by the ordeal’s conclusion, the sawdust looked as if it had been coated with red paint and the pit itself smelled like the inside of a leper. Afterward, the medical team—whose members were not spared the crucible—found themselves treating gashes, sprains, dislocations, and a no-inconsiderable number of broken bones, sometimes their own. At the end of these long days the Rangers returned to their tent city too exhausted to make the two-mile, round-trip walk to the barracks showers.” Angry servicemen, when they finally scored passes to the nearest town named Tullahoma, brawled with the locals and left the bars and taverns with splintered wood and broken glass. Lieutenant Colonel Saffarans had to go.
When “Big Jim” Rudder came in, the pit fights vanished and he marched alongside his own men, not for just a portion of the hike, but for the whole thing. When his feet became blistered, he waved away the medics and took care of himself. Soon morale improved, and so did the quality of the troops.
As we move from training to the European theater, I see less information that I didn’t already know. It’s not badly done, but I was so inspired by the earlier portion that I felt a little let down. I am also chagrined—though this is not the authors’ faults—at the casual way that the US Army threw its soldiers into the line of fire. Why could they not soften the area up before sending these poor men to the slaughterhouse? There were 260,000 grave markers in the hold of their transport ship. Whereas I have never been a proponent of nuclear war, it does seem to me that if someone was going to be hit with the bomb, Hitler’s minions were likely very strong candidates; the Japanese that were nuked at Nagasaki and Hiroshima were nearly beaten already, and the bomb was nearly superfluous. And I’ve said it in earlier reviews but I’ll say it again: it’s too bad that the U.S. Military treated white enemies gently, and its nonwhite ones ruthlessly.
Do I recommend this book to you? If you are looking for just one book about American forces in World War II, this is probably not the one you’re looking for. It’s specific to just one part of Germany and just one hill, so it’s better suited to those that already have the basics mastered.
I might not recommend it at all, as I personally was offended by some of the remarks intended as humorous in reference to local women, as well as women in the service. Whereas I have no doubt that the misogynistic jokes told here are legitimately jokes that were told back then, there are some things that don’t bear repeating, and surely not in detail. I also wasn’t crazy about the clipped bro-speech of the narrator in the audio version.
For this reason, I recommend the printed version over the audio, for those that are interested.
November 26, 2022
If you enjoy military history of WWII this might be a book you might want to read. It narrates the history of the 2nd Ranger Battalion from Omaha Beach to the Last Hill in the Hurtgen Forest. The Last Hill is to be held by the Germans at all costs. Losing it would open a gateway to Hitler's homeland, something he does not want. The Americans Col. James Rudder is ordered to take the hill and drive a dagger into Germany's heart. The Americans have no idea that the Germans outnumber the Rangers, and this clash leads to one of the bloodiest encounters of WWII.
This tale is fascinating yet at the same time it is very difficult to read. The book is not for the squeamish as there are descriptions of unbelievable savagery that occur on both sides although the view taken is from the American/Allied side. It was awful and awesome at the same time. The Rangers fought with solid bravery with little concern for their own safety and still retained a sense of humor. In "The Last Hill," Bob Drury and Tom Clavin provides the reader with insight on an epic battle that is all too often only a footnote in the fight for the Hurtgen Forest. "The Last Hill" is filled with unforgettable action and characters-a gripping, finely detailed saga of what the survivors of the battalion would call "our longest day." I would highly recommend "The Last Hill" as a book of insight into what it takes and what these brave Rangers gave to their country. If not read it for the hero's that did not make it back. Along with the survivors, they are the ones we need to thank each day for our freedoms.
This tale is fascinating yet at the same time it is very difficult to read. The book is not for the squeamish as there are descriptions of unbelievable savagery that occur on both sides although the view taken is from the American/Allied side. It was awful and awesome at the same time. The Rangers fought with solid bravery with little concern for their own safety and still retained a sense of humor. In "The Last Hill," Bob Drury and Tom Clavin provides the reader with insight on an epic battle that is all too often only a footnote in the fight for the Hurtgen Forest. "The Last Hill" is filled with unforgettable action and characters-a gripping, finely detailed saga of what the survivors of the battalion would call "our longest day." I would highly recommend "The Last Hill" as a book of insight into what it takes and what these brave Rangers gave to their country. If not read it for the hero's that did not make it back. Along with the survivors, they are the ones we need to thank each day for our freedoms.
October 21, 2022
Rudder's Rangers
A story of the devastation of war and the toll it took on those that fought it. The rangers at first were not taken seriously and given menial jobs never being allowed into the actual fighting of the war. Most high up army officials did not take them seriously.
The story tells of the struggles of the special units making up the rangers, the harsh training, the downplaying of their importance and how they came to be. Then General Eisenhower when faced with horrible odds and many lost lives in the Castle Hill area called in Rudder's Rangers to hold the hill from the Germans.
The Rangers went in with 130 men, they stormed the hill, held it and came out with 16 survivors. It was a bloody battle that the survivors would never forget.
War is an awful thing and in a perfect world there would be no more war. Unfortunately this will never happen and there will always be war.
It was interesting to hear about this event in history and the men that were involved. I liked how the book started at the beginning so we had a knowledge of what it took in training and in negotiations to get the Rangers going to train them and to involve them in the war effort.
The narrator did a good job and the audio book was interesting to listen to as I did my daily walk each day.
Thanks to Bob Drury and Tom Clavin for telling the story, to George Newbern for narrating it , to MacMillan Audio for publishing it and to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to the audio book and write my review.
A story of the devastation of war and the toll it took on those that fought it. The rangers at first were not taken seriously and given menial jobs never being allowed into the actual fighting of the war. Most high up army officials did not take them seriously.
The story tells of the struggles of the special units making up the rangers, the harsh training, the downplaying of their importance and how they came to be. Then General Eisenhower when faced with horrible odds and many lost lives in the Castle Hill area called in Rudder's Rangers to hold the hill from the Germans.
The Rangers went in with 130 men, they stormed the hill, held it and came out with 16 survivors. It was a bloody battle that the survivors would never forget.
War is an awful thing and in a perfect world there would be no more war. Unfortunately this will never happen and there will always be war.
It was interesting to hear about this event in history and the men that were involved. I liked how the book started at the beginning so we had a knowledge of what it took in training and in negotiations to get the Rangers going to train them and to involve them in the war effort.
The narrator did a good job and the audio book was interesting to listen to as I did my daily walk each day.
Thanks to Bob Drury and Tom Clavin for telling the story, to George Newbern for narrating it , to MacMillan Audio for publishing it and to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to the audio book and write my review.
September 8, 2022
This book is an interesting history of the ranger battalion from its beginning. There are many fascinating facts and stories shared throughout. I suggest this book for anyone interested in military history.
June 3, 2022
“The Last Hill” came to me as through Net Galley . My thanks to NG, the publishers and the authors.
I am a frequent reader of military histories of all wars, and” The Last Hill “ is one of the better books I have read. It details , from their inception, the US Army Ranger units of WW2. The well-written narrative history covers the Rangers from the early days of their rigorous training to England, where even more difficult training days were ahead of the young soldiers. From the landings at Normandy to the climax of the book, the horrifying battle for the hill of the title, “The Last Hill” is a study of the cost in blood paid by men barely out of their teens who a bit more than year before were swearing to “ Preserve , Protect and Defend” the USA.
The book has the title the last hill it does because it was one of the last obstacles to opening the door to the Reich The Rangers engaged in a titanic struggle for the hill, situated at the Rhône river, just inside the German border. Few lived to tell the tale. It is their personal stories, from official records and best of all, from personal reminiscences, that make the book worth a read from anyone who is interested in military history.
The authors use of those memoirs to weave together an illustration of the determination of a group of men trained to break through and break out, using strength and undaunted courage to survive searing combat and achieve victory. That victory came at a terrible cost of blood and life, and it is a story that needed to be told. Even today, historians argue over whether the assault t on the hill was even necessary.In the epilogue, the authors mention that in many noted histories of the war in Europe, the period between the Allies liberation of Paris and the Battle of the Bulge, is written as being relatively quiet,.”The Last Hill” tells a different story, and tells it extremely well. I recommend the book to all those who read military history.
I am a frequent reader of military histories of all wars, and” The Last Hill “ is one of the better books I have read. It details , from their inception, the US Army Ranger units of WW2. The well-written narrative history covers the Rangers from the early days of their rigorous training to England, where even more difficult training days were ahead of the young soldiers. From the landings at Normandy to the climax of the book, the horrifying battle for the hill of the title, “The Last Hill” is a study of the cost in blood paid by men barely out of their teens who a bit more than year before were swearing to “ Preserve , Protect and Defend” the USA.
The book has the title the last hill it does because it was one of the last obstacles to opening the door to the Reich The Rangers engaged in a titanic struggle for the hill, situated at the Rhône river, just inside the German border. Few lived to tell the tale. It is their personal stories, from official records and best of all, from personal reminiscences, that make the book worth a read from anyone who is interested in military history.
The authors use of those memoirs to weave together an illustration of the determination of a group of men trained to break through and break out, using strength and undaunted courage to survive searing combat and achieve victory. That victory came at a terrible cost of blood and life, and it is a story that needed to be told. Even today, historians argue over whether the assault t on the hill was even necessary.In the epilogue, the authors mention that in many noted histories of the war in Europe, the period between the Allies liberation of Paris and the Battle of the Bulge, is written as being relatively quiet,.”The Last Hill” tells a different story, and tells it extremely well. I recommend the book to all those who read military history.
July 18, 2022
I can’t imagine what the Army Rangers (honestly, anyone who fought in WW2 )went through. There were times during this book that I started to feel extremely anxious because the situations and circumstances looked so dire. I find it truly admirable that these men continued to fight, to hold their ground, even in the face of what was often certain death. The loyalty to our country is amazing and I think it’s so important for all Americans to understand and respect.
There was undoubtedly a remarkable amount of research that went into the writing of this book, so I give huge kudos to the authors for their meticulous gathering of information.
Overall, this was a deviance from my typical reading and I’m glad I picked this one up because I learned a lot and developed a further appreciation for our soldiers.
There was undoubtedly a remarkable amount of research that went into the writing of this book, so I give huge kudos to the authors for their meticulous gathering of information.
Overall, this was a deviance from my typical reading and I’m glad I picked this one up because I learned a lot and developed a further appreciation for our soldiers.
December 22, 2023
This is such an important piece of American history! I’m so glad this talented writing duo has given us this relatively unknown history of the early days and heroic efforts of US Army Rangers.
This is the 5th book I’ve read from Drury and Clavin and like all the others this one is terrific - well written, swiftly paced, incredibly researched and at times “unputdownable”. It was so moving and inspiring to learn of these brave, determined young men who fought in WW2. Contrary to another writer who opined that many of the Rangers died in vain on DDay, they most assuredly did not.
This is the 5th book I’ve read from Drury and Clavin and like all the others this one is terrific - well written, swiftly paced, incredibly researched and at times “unputdownable”. It was so moving and inspiring to learn of these brave, determined young men who fought in WW2. Contrary to another writer who opined that many of the Rangers died in vain on DDay, they most assuredly did not.
December 22, 2022
How the Rangers began is a history of taking incredibly tough humans and making them into some of the most incredible soldiers on the planet. Not an easy journey, but from the armchair, it is a compelling tale of training, the variety of leadership out there, and courage under the most heinous of conditions.
August 7, 2022
This book tells the history of Rudders Rangers from their beginning until the battle for Hill 400, It follows the exploits of many of the Rangers from their first days until this battle. Clavin brings out the toughness expected in todays Rangers and also the lack of belief from many about how good these Rangers really were and to some, why are they needed at all. The Rangers had to overcome disbelief in themselves as well as in their fellow soldiers. In the end the book tells a well put together story of their path to immortality.
February 24, 2023
My oh my. At times this book was very difficult to read. So much dying and suffering. So many sacrifices made by so many people. My admiration and appreciation for bravery, courage, passion and love of comrades has been elevated to much higher levels than I ever imagined possible.
My warmest, heartiest and most gracious thank yous for our Armed Services. They were spectacular and deserve all credit for our amazing country.
My warmest, heartiest and most gracious thank yous for our Armed Services. They were spectacular and deserve all credit for our amazing country.
July 26, 2024
The title is deceiving. Only the last third or so of the book deals with the battle for the Hürtgen Forest and the Rangers defense of Hill 400. This is not necessarily a bad thing though, as the first two thirds of the book give a great background of the formation of the Army Rangers and their baptisms by fire in Africa, Italy, and at Point du Hoc. I would have appreciated a greater focus and detail on the fighting for hill 400 itself, but enjoyed the different history I got all the same.
January 24, 2023
Riveting storytelling that doesn't bog the reader down with details. The brave soldiers are brought to life as their experiences and deeds are told in this well researched book. With so many perspectives and stories from WWII yet untold, this makes a great addition to the field.
Some coarse language and details of injuries puts this into the teen and older category.
* I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways *
Some coarse language and details of injuries puts this into the teen and older category.
* I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways *
January 1, 2025
Fast paced writing and nicely descriptive. Great colour but slips into jingoism a little too often. The writers are obviously never going to be too critical of the US forces and their Ranger Battalion subjects. However a great poignant holiday read.
November 12, 2022
I read a lot of WWII books, I guess to learn some of the things my grandfather went through. Though this one was centered on the Rangers and the European theater, not Asia where my grandfather served.
It tells of just how the Rangers came to be during this time. How they really became the fighting machine they are now with the four man recon unit. We see some of their first battles, and one that becomes a defining moment for the Allied Forces during WWII.
While reading, I could tell that this book was well researched. Drury and Clavin did a wonderful job in writing this book. I will warn it may be a little gory for some.
Published November 1, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the Kindle Version of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
📚 Happy Reading 🙂📚
#nonfictionnovember
#netgalley
#stmartinspress
It tells of just how the Rangers came to be during this time. How they really became the fighting machine they are now with the four man recon unit. We see some of their first battles, and one that becomes a defining moment for the Allied Forces during WWII.
While reading, I could tell that this book was well researched. Drury and Clavin did a wonderful job in writing this book. I will warn it may be a little gory for some.
Published November 1, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the Kindle Version of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
📚 Happy Reading 🙂📚
#nonfictionnovember
#netgalley
#stmartinspress
November 24, 2022
I was fortunate enough to attend the 50th Anniversary commemoration of the Normandy Invasion and see some of the Rangers who scaled the cliff to destroy the guns of Point Du Hoc. I walked the bomb pockmarked terrain of the Point and wondered how any of them had lived! Ranger Len Lomell was present. He was the man who found the guns in a field not far from their originally presumed concrete emplacements and destroyed them. He is featured prominently in this book. Authors Tom Clavin and Bob Drury trace the Rangers from their inception through to the end of the war in Europe.
I consider the U.S. Army Rangers to be the best Light Infantry in the world. I spent twenty-eight years in the U.S. Army and worked closely with Rangers on many occasions. I am not Ranger trained. In the beginning there was considerable objection to the development of specialized units like the Rangers and little in the way of strategic or tactical concepts of how to use a unit like the Rangers. That is no longer the case in the U.S. Army thanks to the efforts of these original Rangers.
The Rangers were used in North Africa, Sicily and Italy but it was from the Normandy Invasion where they received their Motto, "Rangers Lead the Way" from General Norman Cota of the 29th Infantry Division as he encouraged the Rangers to lead the invasion force off Omaha Beach. The 2nd Ranger Battalion that climbed Point Du Hoc and led the way off Omaha was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jim Rudder. He is another person prominent in the book. One excellent aspect of this book is the Afterword where the important characters lives after the war is detailed.
The fighting in this book especially in the Hurtgen Forest on Hill 400 is brutal. The heroics and stamina of the unit is told by the fact that it earned sixteen Distinguished Crosses, seventy-three Silver Stars, sixty-four Bronze Stars, two British Military Medals, and 542 Purple Hearts and a Presidential Unit Citation. This is a fascinating book and should be read by all WWII enthusiasts.
I consider the U.S. Army Rangers to be the best Light Infantry in the world. I spent twenty-eight years in the U.S. Army and worked closely with Rangers on many occasions. I am not Ranger trained. In the beginning there was considerable objection to the development of specialized units like the Rangers and little in the way of strategic or tactical concepts of how to use a unit like the Rangers. That is no longer the case in the U.S. Army thanks to the efforts of these original Rangers.
The Rangers were used in North Africa, Sicily and Italy but it was from the Normandy Invasion where they received their Motto, "Rangers Lead the Way" from General Norman Cota of the 29th Infantry Division as he encouraged the Rangers to lead the invasion force off Omaha Beach. The 2nd Ranger Battalion that climbed Point Du Hoc and led the way off Omaha was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jim Rudder. He is another person prominent in the book. One excellent aspect of this book is the Afterword where the important characters lives after the war is detailed.
The fighting in this book especially in the Hurtgen Forest on Hill 400 is brutal. The heroics and stamina of the unit is told by the fact that it earned sixteen Distinguished Crosses, seventy-three Silver Stars, sixty-four Bronze Stars, two British Military Medals, and 542 Purple Hearts and a Presidential Unit Citation. This is a fascinating book and should be read by all WWII enthusiasts.
September 24, 2022
I received this advance reader copy of The Last Hill as part of a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the publishers, the authors and to Goodreads.
As a graduate of Texas A&M University, I was well familiar with the name of James Earl Rudder. I knew he had served in WWII and later was president of Texas A&M. What I didn't know was his history as the leader of a new type of soldier - the Army Ranger.
In The Last Hill, Drury and Clavin give us the history of the Rangers from their formation and training to their successes and losses in Europe in World War II, culminating in the battle for Hill 400. The book is well-written with fascinating people, descriptive events and intimate thoughts. It is the personal side of this book that made it so engaging. The authors obviously did their research to understand the thoughts, attitudes and actions of individual Rangers in some of the specific situations, not just the macro-events of the group.
Hill 400 is not discussed in many history books that I've read, as it is overshadowed by the Battle of the Bulge, which happened immediately afterwards. But the taking of this hill by a group of Rangers was nothing short of amazing. Though the losses were heavy, they were able to take and hold this hill when earlier attempts had failed. And the importance of this hill to the Germans meant that its loss to the Allies had a significant impact in the war.
I recommend this book to readers of military history.
I was provided an advance reader copy, which had pages marked for maps and diagrams, but those had not yet been added to the copy. I'm sure those will be of additional benefit to readers of the final published edition.
As a graduate of Texas A&M University, I was well familiar with the name of James Earl Rudder. I knew he had served in WWII and later was president of Texas A&M. What I didn't know was his history as the leader of a new type of soldier - the Army Ranger.
In The Last Hill, Drury and Clavin give us the history of the Rangers from their formation and training to their successes and losses in Europe in World War II, culminating in the battle for Hill 400. The book is well-written with fascinating people, descriptive events and intimate thoughts. It is the personal side of this book that made it so engaging. The authors obviously did their research to understand the thoughts, attitudes and actions of individual Rangers in some of the specific situations, not just the macro-events of the group.
Hill 400 is not discussed in many history books that I've read, as it is overshadowed by the Battle of the Bulge, which happened immediately afterwards. But the taking of this hill by a group of Rangers was nothing short of amazing. Though the losses were heavy, they were able to take and hold this hill when earlier attempts had failed. And the importance of this hill to the Germans meant that its loss to the Allies had a significant impact in the war.
I recommend this book to readers of military history.
I was provided an advance reader copy, which had pages marked for maps and diagrams, but those had not yet been added to the copy. I'm sure those will be of additional benefit to readers of the final published edition.
November 24, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for accepting my request to audibly read and review The Last Hill.
Authors: Bob Drury; Tom Clavin
Narrator: George Newbern
Published; 11/01/22
Genre: History
Long, detailed and had to be well-researched documentary on Castle Hill. I say well-researched, I didn't fact check: dates, names, and specifics are given every step.
A lot of the authors intent was missed with the presentation. The narration was dry and mundane. The physical book would have given me the tools I needed to enjoy.
This is an audience-specific historical record in either audio or physical format. I prefer storytelling over a list of statistics. While a tough read for me, my father would have devoured the audio, physical and Kindle formats.
Authors: Bob Drury; Tom Clavin
Narrator: George Newbern
Published; 11/01/22
Genre: History
Long, detailed and had to be well-researched documentary on Castle Hill. I say well-researched, I didn't fact check: dates, names, and specifics are given every step.
A lot of the authors intent was missed with the presentation. The narration was dry and mundane. The physical book would have given me the tools I needed to enjoy.
This is an audience-specific historical record in either audio or physical format. I prefer storytelling over a list of statistics. While a tough read for me, my father would have devoured the audio, physical and Kindle formats.
February 6, 2023
a long overdue history of incredible young men
Well written and one of those “hard to put down “ books, the authors have recorded a history of young soldier’s amazing accomplishments during some of the most intense fighting of the allied invasion and advance to the Rhine. America has had a long history of not knowing how to leverage the skills and capabilities of “special” troops, and, thankfully, we finally understand and are among the best in the world at accomplishing very difficult missions with small highly trained and skilled “specialists troops”. This is the true legacy of the men of The Last Hill. I highly recommend this book…
Well written and one of those “hard to put down “ books, the authors have recorded a history of young soldier’s amazing accomplishments during some of the most intense fighting of the allied invasion and advance to the Rhine. America has had a long history of not knowing how to leverage the skills and capabilities of “special” troops, and, thankfully, we finally understand and are among the best in the world at accomplishing very difficult missions with small highly trained and skilled “specialists troops”. This is the true legacy of the men of The Last Hill. I highly recommend this book…
February 1, 2025
After thoroughly enjoying the writing duo of Bob Drury and Tom Clavin in their volume on Valley Forge, and after seeing quite a large bibliography to their combined and individual names, my interest was piqued on exploring history with them.
My choice to go with The Last Hill was two fold: one, I needed to use up an Audible credit as I have moved to Libro.fm as my audiobook platform, and two, I had already experienced a very good history of the story of U.S. Army Rangers during World War II titled Dog Company: The Boys of Pointe du Hoc by Patrick O'Donnell. I figured it would be a good comparison to this book.
My initial reaction is that The Last Hill is a fine military history of the Rangers in World War II. The reader is taken through very quick chapters that cover the history of the development of Army special forces, the men who would make up the heart and soul of the Rangers, and the incredible stories of battle across Europe. In particular, the Normandy invasion and the final battle for Hill 400 are the most engaging moments of the book.
I somehow recall Dog Company being a more interesting read, however. Perhaps its just because I've experienced this story of the Rangers before many times before. But it was still very cool to follow the Rangers into battle again. For those of you familiar with Call of Duty 2, the American campaign missions in that game follow the Rangers who scaled Point du Hoc and tackled Hill 400. I found myself picturing scenes from that game as certain core moments occurred in the book. In particular, the phrase "Let's go get the bastards!" is one featured in the game and in both books as a pivotal moment that started the charge up Hill 400. If I recall correctly, O'Donnell was not able to identify the ranger that shouted this phrase. Drury and Clavin did. It's an interesting discrepancy and is yet another reminder that history is misinterpreted, reinterpreted, and newly interpreted as new information breaks. Dog Company was published in 2012, The Last Hill in 2022. A decade more of detail may have shed some light. Or the guy who shouted it finally just came forward in that time.
A high recommend for me for anyone who is interested in military history, World War II, and who also wants a trip through some of the most harrowing battles of the war. Bonus points to you if you play through the Call of Duty 2 campaign (that is, the very old one published in 2005), the combat in that game is brutal.
My choice to go with The Last Hill was two fold: one, I needed to use up an Audible credit as I have moved to Libro.fm as my audiobook platform, and two, I had already experienced a very good history of the story of U.S. Army Rangers during World War II titled Dog Company: The Boys of Pointe du Hoc by Patrick O'Donnell. I figured it would be a good comparison to this book.
My initial reaction is that The Last Hill is a fine military history of the Rangers in World War II. The reader is taken through very quick chapters that cover the history of the development of Army special forces, the men who would make up the heart and soul of the Rangers, and the incredible stories of battle across Europe. In particular, the Normandy invasion and the final battle for Hill 400 are the most engaging moments of the book.
I somehow recall Dog Company being a more interesting read, however. Perhaps its just because I've experienced this story of the Rangers before many times before. But it was still very cool to follow the Rangers into battle again. For those of you familiar with Call of Duty 2, the American campaign missions in that game follow the Rangers who scaled Point du Hoc and tackled Hill 400. I found myself picturing scenes from that game as certain core moments occurred in the book. In particular, the phrase "Let's go get the bastards!" is one featured in the game and in both books as a pivotal moment that started the charge up Hill 400. If I recall correctly, O'Donnell was not able to identify the ranger that shouted this phrase. Drury and Clavin did. It's an interesting discrepancy and is yet another reminder that history is misinterpreted, reinterpreted, and newly interpreted as new information breaks. Dog Company was published in 2012, The Last Hill in 2022. A decade more of detail may have shed some light. Or the guy who shouted it finally just came forward in that time.
A high recommend for me for anyone who is interested in military history, World War II, and who also wants a trip through some of the most harrowing battles of the war. Bonus points to you if you play through the Call of Duty 2 campaign (that is, the very old one published in 2005), the combat in that game is brutal.
September 24, 2022
The Last Hill: The Epic Story of a Ranger Battalion and the Battle That Defined WWII by Bob Drury; Tom Clavin isa stunning and inspiring nonfiction of true patriotism.
This is the stunning true story of Rudder’s Rangers and their heroic effort given during the infamous Battle of the Bulge. These men were regarded as one the most elite and experienced attack units within the United States Army. I am so great full to be able to have learned so much about these brave and selfless men. They were instrumental and crucial in the success of the December 1944 battle commonly located at Hill 400. Of the 130, only 16 survived the battle. Their courage, strength, passion, and true sacrifice speaks beyond words.
I am so honored to be able to have read this stunning account of these men whom we can truly say are heroes: the men of Lt. Col. James Rudder's 2nd Battalion.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/1/22.
This is the stunning true story of Rudder’s Rangers and their heroic effort given during the infamous Battle of the Bulge. These men were regarded as one the most elite and experienced attack units within the United States Army. I am so great full to be able to have learned so much about these brave and selfless men. They were instrumental and crucial in the success of the December 1944 battle commonly located at Hill 400. Of the 130, only 16 survived the battle. Their courage, strength, passion, and true sacrifice speaks beyond words.
I am so honored to be able to have read this stunning account of these men whom we can truly say are heroes: the men of Lt. Col. James Rudder's 2nd Battalion.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/1/22.
October 23, 2022
A masterful telling of Rudder’s Rangers taking Hill 400 in the lead up to the Battle of the Bulge. This heroic group of young men encountered obstacle after obstacle and somehow managed to come out on top. These men were loyal to each other and fierce fighters in the face of overwhelming odds. After learning of this story I have to ask if they were the factor that leads to victory at the Bulge - for without their tenacity and experience perhaps the war would have gone differently. Thanks to NetGalley for the read.
January 16, 2025
The word epic is easily over-used, but when applied to describe the deeds of the 2nd Ranger Battalion it is entirely appropriate.
While familiar with the well-known events at Pointe du Hoc on D-Day, the author provides the most personal view of the experiences of each participant. However, I was not familiar at all with the Battle of Hurtgen Forest and its impact on both the Battle of the Bulge and victory in Europe.
Even a casual interest in WWII history makes this well worth reading.
While familiar with the well-known events at Pointe du Hoc on D-Day, the author provides the most personal view of the experiences of each participant. However, I was not familiar at all with the Battle of Hurtgen Forest and its impact on both the Battle of the Bulge and victory in Europe.
Even a casual interest in WWII history makes this well worth reading.
November 28, 2022
Well researched but incredibly stereotypical in its writing style. Could have done more to elevate or accentuate more intense parts
January 15, 2023
If you enjoy books that depict specific battles, then this is a book for you.
October 19, 2024
Sandwiched between the Battle of the Bulge and D-Day is an often overlooked battle on Hill 400 along the Sigfried line in Germany. This fantastic text accurately portrays the horrors of those early days in December 1944 and the brave US Army Rangers who fought months earlier at Point du Huc on the beaches of Normandy, and then found themselves in an even bloodier battle in the forest at Castle Hill, the gateway to NAZI Germany.
November 6, 2022
"The Last Hill" by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin is a history book. In a well-researched and equally well-written story of nonfiction, they tell the story of Captain Rudder and the 2nd Ranger Battalion. The story starts with the controversial creation of the specialized unit and continues with its training and its struggle for recognition as an elite and well-trained band of soldiers. They penetrated the impenetrable and did the unimaginable. On D-Day, they scaled the cliffs that could not be scaled being a major part of the forces that made the taking of the beachhead possible. They continued thru the long months that followed to make their mark on history. Castle Hill or Hill 400 was still in front of them. A Battalion that started out with 300 was left with 16. Read this incredible account of their history. This book is raw so be prepared for the realities of World War II. For history buffs, this is a must-read. Well-written and life-like in its descriptions it will give the reader pause to reflect on those men of "The Greatest Generation". Thanks to #NetGalley#TheLastHill for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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