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One Step From Glory: America In World War One
"One Step from Glory" is the story of four young men and their reactions to war, this book details their training, trials, and tribulations as they face the realities of war in France. The individuals are a blend of many different characters who participated in the fighting. The story chronicles their feelings, fears, loves, and friendships.
Aviation and submarines played a major role in combat situations during the Great War for the first time in history, so their story needs to be told.
World War One was a mixture of the old and the new. The modern artillery for the most part was moved by horsepower. In1917 the war in France had ground to a stalemate consisting of a large network of trenches stretching from the North Sea to the borders of Switzerland characterized by their zigzag pattern which became symbols of the deadlock that defined much of the Great War as the two sides fought across no man's land with neither side able to secure a decisive victory for years, leading to enormous casualties due to the devastating firepower of modern artillery and machine guns. America entering the war helped the Allies break that deadlock.
In this account two characters were part of the 149th Field Artillery, one other was a pilot assigned to the 96th or Kicking Mule Squadron, and the fourth was an infantry officer serving with the 167th Infantry. The story narrates each individual and their reactions to the fighting.
Other characters include a newsman from Chicago, a Stars and Stripes newsman who was a brother to one of the leading characters, and a history professor who details the reasons for the war and was also a National Guard major with the Rainbow or 42nd Division. One Step from Glory details the movement of American troops throughout France.
This is a very personal story about the men involved, their feelings, their loves, their hurts, and the deaths of friends. The theme is that war is devastating to those who are in it or under the gun. The impact of the Great War was that it cost America over 100,000 casualties. The major commitment of U.S. troops didn't start until late in 1917 which involved the primary characters, and the Armistice which was signed on the 11th of November in 1918. A short time in which many Americans died.
Much of the action highlights the movement of the book's characters and features ships, rail, trucks, marching, and aircraft engagements.
Aviation and submarines played a major role in combat situations during the Great War for the first time in history, so their story needs to be told.
World War One was a mixture of the old and the new. The modern artillery for the most part was moved by horsepower. In1917 the war in France had ground to a stalemate consisting of a large network of trenches stretching from the North Sea to the borders of Switzerland characterized by their zigzag pattern which became symbols of the deadlock that defined much of the Great War as the two sides fought across no man's land with neither side able to secure a decisive victory for years, leading to enormous casualties due to the devastating firepower of modern artillery and machine guns. America entering the war helped the Allies break that deadlock.
In this account two characters were part of the 149th Field Artillery, one other was a pilot assigned to the 96th or Kicking Mule Squadron, and the fourth was an infantry officer serving with the 167th Infantry. The story narrates each individual and their reactions to the fighting.
Other characters include a newsman from Chicago, a Stars and Stripes newsman who was a brother to one of the leading characters, and a history professor who details the reasons for the war and was also a National Guard major with the Rainbow or 42nd Division. One Step from Glory details the movement of American troops throughout France.
This is a very personal story about the men involved, their feelings, their loves, their hurts, and the deaths of friends. The theme is that war is devastating to those who are in it or under the gun. The impact of the Great War was that it cost America over 100,000 casualties. The major commitment of U.S. troops didn't start until late in 1917 which involved the primary characters, and the Armistice which was signed on the 11th of November in 1918. A short time in which many Americans died.
Much of the action highlights the movement of the book's characters and features ships, rail, trucks, marching, and aircraft engagements.
566 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2024
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 29, 2024
Sidney P. Little’s "One Step From Glory" takes readers on an emotional journey with the 149th Field Artillery. The blend of fictional characters with real historical events makes this a compelling read for anyone interested in World War I history. I was not prepared though with how it ended wiith Pat. Don’t want to spoil anyone.
August 1, 2024
What an epic tale of courage, friendship, and sacrifice!! Sidney P. Little’s portrayal of the Rainbow Division’s journey from New York to the battlefields of France is both accurate and immersive. This book made me feel connected to the past in a way I never thought possible. The main character Pat is one to be remembered.
July 29, 2024
Sidney Little has done an excellent job in "One Step From Glory," bringing the Western Front of World War One to life. The human element in this story made me appreciate the sacrifices of those who fought.
August 12, 2024
One of the best war stories I’ve read in recent memory. A touching portrayal of the human side of war. The introduction of the airplane in warfare adds an interesting perspective that I found fascinating.
July 30, 2024
A masterpiece that captures the essence of World War One.
July 30, 2024
The novel’s blend of fictional characters and historical events makes it both engaging and interesting. It left a lasting impression on me. Well done!!
July 30, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!!! Always love war stories..
July 31, 2024
The novel beautifully captures their bravery and struggles during World War One. Filled with heartfelt moments. Makes you root with Pat and his fellow recruits all throughout the story.
August 1, 2024
Well researched by the author and beautiful storytelling make this novel a standout. The personal stories of the characters added so much depth to the historical narrative.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews