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Nothing but Courage: The 82nd Airborne's Daring D-Day Mission—and Their Heroic Charge Across the La Fière Bridge
From the bestselling author of Shoot for the Moon and A Terrible Glory comes the dramatic story of the courageous paratroopers and glidermen of the 82nd Airborne, who risked their lives to seize and secure a small, centuries-old bridge in France that played a pivotal role in the success of D-Day.
In June 1944, German and American forces converged on an insignificant bridge a few miles inland from the invasion beaches. If taken by the Nazis, the bridge might have gone down in history as the reason the Allies failed on D-Day.
The narrow road over it was each side's conduit to victory. Continued Nazi control over the bridge near an old manoir known as La Fière--one of only two bridges in the region capable of supporting tanks and other heavy armor--would allow the Germans to reinforce their defenses at Utah Beach, one of the five landing areas chosen for Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Nazi-held Europe. But because control of the bridge was also essential to moving U.S. troops inland and off the beach, it could not simply be destroyed: it had to be taken--and held--by the Allies.
This was part of the formidable mission of the 82nd Airborne, whose lightly armed but superbly trained troopers had dropped behind--and into--German lines five hours before the seaborne assault on Utah. While blocking enemy reinforcements, they had to seize and secure avenues of approach from the beaches to the interior of Normandy, including two bridges over the modest Merderet River and the key crossroads village of Sainte Mère Église. Failure would give Hitler enough time, and the opportunity, to build up the resources necessary to defeat the invasion and turn the tide for the Nazis. The village was taken early on D-Day, and the 82nd endured repeated attacks by much larger German forces. But the bridge at La Fière became a bloody three-day standoff against tanks and artillery that culminated in a near-suicidal charge across it and the narrow 500-yard causeway beyond--straight into the teeth of a fierce German defense ordered to hold it to the last man.
In June 1944, German and American forces converged on an insignificant bridge a few miles inland from the invasion beaches. If taken by the Nazis, the bridge might have gone down in history as the reason the Allies failed on D-Day.
The narrow road over it was each side's conduit to victory. Continued Nazi control over the bridge near an old manoir known as La Fière--one of only two bridges in the region capable of supporting tanks and other heavy armor--would allow the Germans to reinforce their defenses at Utah Beach, one of the five landing areas chosen for Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Nazi-held Europe. But because control of the bridge was also essential to moving U.S. troops inland and off the beach, it could not simply be destroyed: it had to be taken--and held--by the Allies.
This was part of the formidable mission of the 82nd Airborne, whose lightly armed but superbly trained troopers had dropped behind--and into--German lines five hours before the seaborne assault on Utah. While blocking enemy reinforcements, they had to seize and secure avenues of approach from the beaches to the interior of Normandy, including two bridges over the modest Merderet River and the key crossroads village of Sainte Mère Église. Failure would give Hitler enough time, and the opportunity, to build up the resources necessary to defeat the invasion and turn the tide for the Nazis. The village was taken early on D-Day, and the 82nd endured repeated attacks by much larger German forces. But the bridge at La Fière became a bloody three-day standoff against tanks and artillery that culminated in a near-suicidal charge across it and the narrow 500-yard causeway beyond--straight into the teeth of a fierce German defense ordered to hold it to the last man.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2025
72 people are currently reading
3833 people want to read
About the author
James Donovan
5 books123 followersJames Donovan is the author of the bestselling books The Blood of Heroes: The 13-Day Struggle for the Alamo–and the Sacrifice That Forged a Nation and A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn-the Last Great Battle of the American West. He lives in Dallas, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 20, 2025
I'll always remember how the Army can ruin the fun of jumping out of an airplane. In my younger, thinner, and less achy days, I did go through the Army's Airborne school. Standing in the door of the plane on my first jump, my only thought was, "Can we just get this over with?" No, this is not me being macho. It was more that I was stuck in harness for hours waiting to get on the dang plane and I was just over it.
All of this is to say, James Donovan and his book Nothing But Courage was primed to be a great read for me. Of course, I was doing my five jumps in the safety of Georgia and the gentlemen in the book were not nearly as comfortable. They were part of the prelude of D-Day and the storming of the beaches. Donovan gets very much to the point. There is not a ton of background on D-Day or other activities in World War II. There is just enough for someone not well-read in World War II to understand what is going on, but that's about it.
I think this approach works great, because Donovan is clearly most interested in the soldiers and their leaders. He jumps (pun intended) around between various groups. In case you were unaware, the jump into France went very badly from a location standpoint. If I was going to ding Donovan for anything, is that he bounces around almost too much. I could see some readers saying there was too much chaos going on in the narrative as you go from character to character. I think Donovan is trying to get the reader to feel what it was like to be completely discombobulated like the jumpers. He does add some perspective from the German side, which I think could have been cut. However, the book is too good to call this a big criticism. I think this narrative works for all audiences.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by Netgalley and Dutton Books.)
All of this is to say, James Donovan and his book Nothing But Courage was primed to be a great read for me. Of course, I was doing my five jumps in the safety of Georgia and the gentlemen in the book were not nearly as comfortable. They were part of the prelude of D-Day and the storming of the beaches. Donovan gets very much to the point. There is not a ton of background on D-Day or other activities in World War II. There is just enough for someone not well-read in World War II to understand what is going on, but that's about it.
I think this approach works great, because Donovan is clearly most interested in the soldiers and their leaders. He jumps (pun intended) around between various groups. In case you were unaware, the jump into France went very badly from a location standpoint. If I was going to ding Donovan for anything, is that he bounces around almost too much. I could see some readers saying there was too much chaos going on in the narrative as you go from character to character. I think Donovan is trying to get the reader to feel what it was like to be completely discombobulated like the jumpers. He does add some perspective from the German side, which I think could have been cut. However, the book is too good to call this a big criticism. I think this narrative works for all audiences.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by Netgalley and Dutton Books.)
March 29, 2025
The subtitle of the book is an accurate depiction of what takes place. It is well written and researched. It covers the events from prior to D-Day to the successful charge of the La Fiere Bridge highlighting several different paratroopers and what happened to them. This is a must read for any fan of World War II and in particular the events of D-Day.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.
October 28, 2025
This was one of the best books I have read this year. Absolutely fantastic.
Among all the bravery shown over the course of this horrific war, there are pockets of men and women that went above and beyond and the 82nd Airborne [along with so many of those French Resistance] are some of those very people. What they did on that longest day, behind the scenes [so-to-speak] to capture the town and bridge, to fight so many of the enemy, all to give those brave men landing at Omaha and Utah beach is a story that needs to be shouted from the rooftops. If they had failed, life would be very different for ALL of us, but they, at great cost and with little resources and their wits and a prayer, DID NOT fail, fought with everything they had, and helped turn the tide to win the war. It is a horrific, terrifying, glorious, fantastical story that I will need to reread again and again [I have already put the book on my wishlist and am making plans for my reread next year around the D-Day remembrance], and I think this is a book that everyone should be reading. I am going to be recommending it to everyone, even those who don't typically read nonfiction. We absolutely CANNOT forget what was sacrificed to fight fascism and hate, we need to remember what so many of these brave soldiers died fighting for. We must never, ever, forget.
Thank you to NetGalley, James Donovan, and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton/Dutton for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Among all the bravery shown over the course of this horrific war, there are pockets of men and women that went above and beyond and the 82nd Airborne [along with so many of those French Resistance] are some of those very people. What they did on that longest day, behind the scenes [so-to-speak] to capture the town and bridge, to fight so many of the enemy, all to give those brave men landing at Omaha and Utah beach is a story that needs to be shouted from the rooftops. If they had failed, life would be very different for ALL of us, but they, at great cost and with little resources and their wits and a prayer, DID NOT fail, fought with everything they had, and helped turn the tide to win the war. It is a horrific, terrifying, glorious, fantastical story that I will need to reread again and again [I have already put the book on my wishlist and am making plans for my reread next year around the D-Day remembrance], and I think this is a book that everyone should be reading. I am going to be recommending it to everyone, even those who don't typically read nonfiction. We absolutely CANNOT forget what was sacrificed to fight fascism and hate, we need to remember what so many of these brave soldiers died fighting for. We must never, ever, forget.
Thank you to NetGalley, James Donovan, and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton/Dutton for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2025
In this work, Donovan has contributed an exciting and power-packed account of a limited action during the Normandy invasion. The story of the 82nd Airborne's valor at the La Fière Bridge deserves to be told, and Donovan's well-researched account will ensure its introduction to a new generation and its preservation for posterity. His wealth of personal interviews is a welcome supplement.
The genre of battle narrative is an interesting one, to be sure, and some authors seem to negotiate it better than others. In the field, there are both trained historians as well as those who import their research expertise and writing abilities from other backgrounds. Donovan is a literary agent, neither fundamentally a writer nor an historian. As such, his prose is not the caliber of Rick Atkinson's and his history credentials are not those of John C. McManus. Often, Nothing But Courage reads like an action report: heavy on events and thin on analysis and reflection. However, the fast pace keeps the reader invested and the content is simply so replete with the virtues of courage and selflessness that one is drawn to both gratitude and wonder at qualities that seem now lost on our society.
Because the content focuses so acutely on re-telling the stories of various scattered elements of the 82nd Airborne Division and thus toggles between them so quickly, the book could be helped immensely by the inclusion of periodic descriptive maps. Without the single one at the beginning of the text, many readers would be wholly lost.
The genre of battle narrative is an interesting one, to be sure, and some authors seem to negotiate it better than others. In the field, there are both trained historians as well as those who import their research expertise and writing abilities from other backgrounds. Donovan is a literary agent, neither fundamentally a writer nor an historian. As such, his prose is not the caliber of Rick Atkinson's and his history credentials are not those of John C. McManus. Often, Nothing But Courage reads like an action report: heavy on events and thin on analysis and reflection. However, the fast pace keeps the reader invested and the content is simply so replete with the virtues of courage and selflessness that one is drawn to both gratitude and wonder at qualities that seem now lost on our society.
Because the content focuses so acutely on re-telling the stories of various scattered elements of the 82nd Airborne Division and thus toggles between them so quickly, the book could be helped immensely by the inclusion of periodic descriptive maps. Without the single one at the beginning of the text, many readers would be wholly lost.
April 9, 2025
A detailed masterpiece: it captured so many of the fine points of what the 82nd Airborne went through during the time preceding and eventually after D-Day. Superbly written, highlighting the horrors but also the determination and sacrifice of so many. Highly recommend.
August 21, 2025
Good detailed work on the 82nd Airborne, very detailed. My one small critique is his mistake that Bradley considered pulling the assault from Omaha because of the bloodbath there; historians are certain Bradley fabricated that story in hindsight. Donovan’s book could have been well aided by more maps: you’ll have Google Maps next to you the entire time! Otherwise, this is a nearly perfect narrative history of this aspect of D-Day.
September 11, 2025
I could have said 3.75 stars rounded down, but that might sound kind of silly. I could have done a starless review, but, given that Goodreads IS "books social media" and this had zero three-star reviews before mine, on this, I didn't want to do that.
So, call it ahigh 3.5 stars rounded down, and we'll get into the good and the bad and the meh.
On the good side? Having 2-starred Donovan’s Custer book and somewhat generously 3-starred his Alamo book, I was hesitant to even check this out at the library.
That said, the writing is better than in either one of those, and definitely better than in the stilted Custer book.
This all said? I've read other books about D-Day, including a couple that at least gave more than passing reference to airborne operations. I've read a book about the U.S. Army Rangers landing at Pointe du Hoc on D-Day. I've read Anthony Beevor's book about Market-Garden, which of course is not D-Day, but is about airborne operations. Compared to this, while the writing is definitely better than other Donovan? It's not on that level. Especially compared to Beevor, I would have liked more comments, from either at the time, or years later, from French residents in the drop zone areas.
And, per teh Google I did when looking for some information relative to my review? This magazine piece on La Fière is better to much better on that segment of the battle than Donovan, including a more detailed map. Hence, me scratching out the "high" above.
Somewhat better than meh but not quite good? Maps? Decent. The Le Fiére Bridgehead pullout could have been run sideways on a separate page. We could have gotten a pullout for Ste.-Mére-Église as well. Also, see link above.
And now, the not so good.
An intro? Speaking of intros, when "The Russian bear, awakened, angry, and battered, had recovered and pushed back," is on Page 1 of your introduction, are we in for Holy Cliche World, Batman? As it turned out, it wasn't, but, given my former experience with Donovan, I was alert.
First, early on, Donovan preaches the legend of the incomparable 88. Not true. World War II mags like "World at War" were debunking this 50 years ago. In some particulars, it might be better than one or another, or even two or another, of the US 90mm, Russian 85 or British 3.7 inch. But better than all three on any one measurement of effectiveness, let alone all such measures? Not even.
Related? Yes, the 88 came in multiple versions, with continuous upgrades. And? The 3.7 had at least two versions and the 90 at least three. And, by the Battle of the Bulge, proximity fuses were being used in the ETO. (Lest the Germans capture any American guns and discover the secret, earlier in 1944 they were only used against the Japanese.)
Second, while the MG42 machine gun WAS all that, the Schmeisser was not. And, Donovan could in no way know for certain that a certain German assault had the infantry carrying Schmeisser MP 40s instead of StG 44s, basically the world's first assault rifle, as far as I know.
On the Ridgway-Gavin falling out? Google AI says it was not over Gavin coming to Ridgway, awakening him from deep slumber, then being told he wasn't needed. Rather, as commander of the 82nd Airborne, Ridgway relieved the commander of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Herbert Batcheller, and replaced him with an outside officer, Colonel Bill Ekman. Google says Gavin wanted Lieutenant Colonel Mark Alexander, while Donovan claims Ekman was Gavin's pick. On the other hand, Google AI misspells both Batcheller and Ekman. And, Donovan cites Gavin's bio and one other book. On the third hand, I find it hard to believe that Gavin waking up Ridgway in the middle of slumber would have been the proximate cause of any fallout.
Finally, related to that, this is not THAT deep as far as military history. Were it so, like in a 500-page book about Gettysburg, we'd have an order of battle set of pages for the 82nd, and maybe for their German counterparts as well. In a close-quarters battle, with many officers at the battalion level or below becoming casualties, such a thing is helpful.
Finally, finally, in addition to the book being rated too high overall, 3 stars rather than 4, or unstarred, lets me be more separate from BTHNT.
So, call it a
On the good side? Having 2-starred Donovan’s Custer book and somewhat generously 3-starred his Alamo book, I was hesitant to even check this out at the library.
That said, the writing is better than in either one of those, and definitely better than in the stilted Custer book.
This all said? I've read other books about D-Day, including a couple that at least gave more than passing reference to airborne operations. I've read a book about the U.S. Army Rangers landing at Pointe du Hoc on D-Day. I've read Anthony Beevor's book about Market-Garden, which of course is not D-Day, but is about airborne operations. Compared to this, while the writing is definitely better than other Donovan? It's not on that level. Especially compared to Beevor, I would have liked more comments, from either at the time, or years later, from French residents in the drop zone areas.
And, per teh Google I did when looking for some information relative to my review? This magazine piece on La Fière is better to much better on that segment of the battle than Donovan, including a more detailed map. Hence, me scratching out the "high" above.
Somewhat better than meh but not quite good? Maps? Decent. The Le Fiére Bridgehead pullout could have been run sideways on a separate page. We could have gotten a pullout for Ste.-Mére-Église as well. Also, see link above.
And now, the not so good.
An intro? Speaking of intros, when "The Russian bear, awakened, angry, and battered, had recovered and pushed back," is on Page 1 of your introduction, are we in for Holy Cliche World, Batman? As it turned out, it wasn't, but, given my former experience with Donovan, I was alert.
First, early on, Donovan preaches the legend of the incomparable 88. Not true. World War II mags like "World at War" were debunking this 50 years ago. In some particulars, it might be better than one or another, or even two or another, of the US 90mm, Russian 85 or British 3.7 inch. But better than all three on any one measurement of effectiveness, let alone all such measures? Not even.
Related? Yes, the 88 came in multiple versions, with continuous upgrades. And? The 3.7 had at least two versions and the 90 at least three. And, by the Battle of the Bulge, proximity fuses were being used in the ETO. (Lest the Germans capture any American guns and discover the secret, earlier in 1944 they were only used against the Japanese.)
Second, while the MG42 machine gun WAS all that, the Schmeisser was not. And, Donovan could in no way know for certain that a certain German assault had the infantry carrying Schmeisser MP 40s instead of StG 44s, basically the world's first assault rifle, as far as I know.
On the Ridgway-Gavin falling out? Google AI says it was not over Gavin coming to Ridgway, awakening him from deep slumber, then being told he wasn't needed. Rather, as commander of the 82nd Airborne, Ridgway relieved the commander of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Herbert Batcheller, and replaced him with an outside officer, Colonel Bill Ekman. Google says Gavin wanted Lieutenant Colonel Mark Alexander, while Donovan claims Ekman was Gavin's pick. On the other hand, Google AI misspells both Batcheller and Ekman. And, Donovan cites Gavin's bio and one other book. On the third hand, I find it hard to believe that Gavin waking up Ridgway in the middle of slumber would have been the proximate cause of any fallout.
Finally, related to that, this is not THAT deep as far as military history. Were it so, like in a 500-page book about Gettysburg, we'd have an order of battle set of pages for the 82nd, and maybe for their German counterparts as well. In a close-quarters battle, with many officers at the battalion level or below becoming casualties, such a thing is helpful.
Finally, finally, in addition to the book being rated too high overall, 3 stars rather than 4, or unstarred, lets me be more separate from BTHNT.
November 21, 2025
When I was choosing what unit I would go to for my first assignment following commissioning, I thought about where I would be challenged the most and where I would grow. I chose the 82nd Airborne largely because of the legacy that came with it, a chance to walk in the footsteps of these men who jumped into Normandy. My time there made me a more confident leader, by forcing me to be uncomfortable and stressed, but nothing compared to what these men faced. I often heard the phrase "guns and leaders to the front," as a way of describing leaders' responsibilities in battle. The actions of these paratroopers on D-Day gives insight to what the phrase truly means.
During the drop, paratroopers from the division were scattered to the wind, most outside of the 505th nowhere near the drop zones. When they hit the ground, it wasn't cohesive platoons and companies moving, it was a leader finding who he could and moving out to complete his mission. Colonels and privates alike were scattered, yet through initiative and individual valor the men were able to seize Sainte Mere Eglise, a major objective. Yet their scattering prevented the 508th and 507th from being able to establish control of the crossings over the Merderet River. As the hours turned into days, the division maintained positions on the eastern side of the Merderet, accumulating forces while the Germans massed on the west. Forces on Utah Beach needed to move out west to seal of the Cotentin Peninsula and Cherbourg, but the causeway across the Merderet had to be in American hands. In the face of bloody fire, men ran into harm's way over and over again to take the causeway and free up the route for the infantry behind to move forward. Without the actions of leaders motivating their men to action, the entire invasion could have stalled for weeks.
War is terrible, yet I've heard many say that the greatest honor in life is to lead men in combat. I think every young officer has the dream of doing their job in combat, I know that I did. It's not looking for glory or heroism, most of these men simply said that they were "doing what had to be done," and their primary concern was doing their job for the guy next to them. I would be happy to never see another war, but I would be lying to say part of me doesn't want to prove myself. I only pray that I partly live up to the legends of these men if I'm ever called on to lead men in harm's way. "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother"
During the drop, paratroopers from the division were scattered to the wind, most outside of the 505th nowhere near the drop zones. When they hit the ground, it wasn't cohesive platoons and companies moving, it was a leader finding who he could and moving out to complete his mission. Colonels and privates alike were scattered, yet through initiative and individual valor the men were able to seize Sainte Mere Eglise, a major objective. Yet their scattering prevented the 508th and 507th from being able to establish control of the crossings over the Merderet River. As the hours turned into days, the division maintained positions on the eastern side of the Merderet, accumulating forces while the Germans massed on the west. Forces on Utah Beach needed to move out west to seal of the Cotentin Peninsula and Cherbourg, but the causeway across the Merderet had to be in American hands. In the face of bloody fire, men ran into harm's way over and over again to take the causeway and free up the route for the infantry behind to move forward. Without the actions of leaders motivating their men to action, the entire invasion could have stalled for weeks.
War is terrible, yet I've heard many say that the greatest honor in life is to lead men in combat. I think every young officer has the dream of doing their job in combat, I know that I did. It's not looking for glory or heroism, most of these men simply said that they were "doing what had to be done," and their primary concern was doing their job for the guy next to them. I would be happy to never see another war, but I would be lying to say part of me doesn't want to prove myself. I only pray that I partly live up to the legends of these men if I'm ever called on to lead men in harm's way. "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2025
D-Day 1944 France. Before the soldiers landed on the Normandy beaches, soldiers of the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and the British 6th Airborne Division dropped in from the skies. Nothing But Courage covers the 82nd Airborne's fight during the first few days of the Normandy Campaign.
James Donovan structured Nothing But Courage in four parts. Part I: The Plan discusses the original mission and the last-minute change that likely saved a number of paratrooper's lives. Part I also introduces the paratroopers and locations that were key to victory.
Part II: The Drop looks at how the paratrooper's experience differed depending upon what drop they were in. Some landed in swampland, some right on top of a target and only one group landed pretty much exactly where they had planned on. Weather, speed, and pilot skills played a major role in the scattering of the troopers. Mind you, this scattering really confused the Germans as shown by the slowness of their reaction.
Part III: The Battle concentrates on the different conflicts the 82nd Airborne were conducting. There was the fight for Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the battle for Le Manoir La Fiere, the initial fight for the Cauquigny causeway and bridge, and the attempted rescue of various isolated paratroopers.
Part IV: The Bridge and Beyond concentrated on the charge by various groups across the Cauquigny causeway that finally pushed the Germans back and allowed the forces from Utah Beach to stream out and cut off the Germans in the Cherbourg.
In Nothing But Courage, James Donovan brings the reader down into the action with the judicious use of first person perspective along with narrative that ties everything together. He also provides limited insight from German first person accounts that provides perspectives. If the reader is interested in small unit actions, D-Day, or airborne operations, they should pick up Nothing But Courage!
Thanks Netgalley and Dutton Caliber for the chance to read this title.
James Donovan structured Nothing But Courage in four parts. Part I: The Plan discusses the original mission and the last-minute change that likely saved a number of paratrooper's lives. Part I also introduces the paratroopers and locations that were key to victory.
Part II: The Drop looks at how the paratrooper's experience differed depending upon what drop they were in. Some landed in swampland, some right on top of a target and only one group landed pretty much exactly where they had planned on. Weather, speed, and pilot skills played a major role in the scattering of the troopers. Mind you, this scattering really confused the Germans as shown by the slowness of their reaction.
Part III: The Battle concentrates on the different conflicts the 82nd Airborne were conducting. There was the fight for Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the battle for Le Manoir La Fiere, the initial fight for the Cauquigny causeway and bridge, and the attempted rescue of various isolated paratroopers.
Part IV: The Bridge and Beyond concentrated on the charge by various groups across the Cauquigny causeway that finally pushed the Germans back and allowed the forces from Utah Beach to stream out and cut off the Germans in the Cherbourg.
In Nothing But Courage, James Donovan brings the reader down into the action with the judicious use of first person perspective along with narrative that ties everything together. He also provides limited insight from German first person accounts that provides perspectives. If the reader is interested in small unit actions, D-Day, or airborne operations, they should pick up Nothing But Courage!
Thanks Netgalley and Dutton Caliber for the chance to read this title.
September 2, 2025
(See all my Book Reviews and Author Interviews) - James Donovan (https://www.jamesdonovan.net) is the author of four books. Nothing But Courage was published last May. It is the 56th title I’ve completed reading in 2025.
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. My opinions are unbiased and entirely my own. Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this book as R.
This book focuses on the 82nd Airborne Division and its actions during and after D-Day. The book only briefly covers the lead-up to the event. Most of the content details the events for the period 6 to 10 June and the division’s efforts to capture the bridge at La Fière.
The story begins with a look at the original plans for the 82nd, then how the plan had to evolve to reflect updated intelligence. The story is organized chronologically, with several vignettes telling the stories of soldiers from both the Allied and the German forces. The exploits of individuals and small groups are described as they make their way towards Sainte Mère Église. The 82nd’s mission was to block enemy reinforcements from reaching the Utah beachhead.
They were to seize and secure avenues of approach from the beaches to the interior of Normandy, including two bridges over the modest Merderet River. One of those bridges was at La Fière. The bridge and the narrow 500-yard causeway across the flooded area west of the river led to Cauquigny. Liberating Cauquigny turned out to be a bloody three-day battle.
I enjoyed the 11.5+ hours I spent reading this 438-page WWII-era history. The author provides a rich understanding of the chaos, heroism, fear, and luck the members of the 82nd experienced. The battle ebbed and flowed as the Germans were slowly pushed back. I like the chosen cover art. I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. My opinions are unbiased and entirely my own. Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this book as R.
This book focuses on the 82nd Airborne Division and its actions during and after D-Day. The book only briefly covers the lead-up to the event. Most of the content details the events for the period 6 to 10 June and the division’s efforts to capture the bridge at La Fière.
The story begins with a look at the original plans for the 82nd, then how the plan had to evolve to reflect updated intelligence. The story is organized chronologically, with several vignettes telling the stories of soldiers from both the Allied and the German forces. The exploits of individuals and small groups are described as they make their way towards Sainte Mère Église. The 82nd’s mission was to block enemy reinforcements from reaching the Utah beachhead.
They were to seize and secure avenues of approach from the beaches to the interior of Normandy, including two bridges over the modest Merderet River. One of those bridges was at La Fière. The bridge and the narrow 500-yard causeway across the flooded area west of the river led to Cauquigny. Liberating Cauquigny turned out to be a bloody three-day battle.
I enjoyed the 11.5+ hours I spent reading this 438-page WWII-era history. The author provides a rich understanding of the chaos, heroism, fear, and luck the members of the 82nd experienced. The battle ebbed and flowed as the Germans were slowly pushed back. I like the chosen cover art. I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
August 24, 2025
I usually don't read books about history or the military but my family has had many members that have served. I decided to try to learn more about what I always was hearing about growing up instead of considering it just background chatter. This book was an excellent read for me despite my limited knowledge of history beyond what I learned in school.
Donovan researched and organized this book in an almost flawless way. The only thing I may possibly have wanted was another map or so so I could envision where battles were progressing (though, this might just be a "me" thing due to limited knowledge on geography.)
Interviews conducted with remaining service people highlighted this book for me. The story of heroes.
I was not surprised when I saw that my father (who is an avid history buff and military expert) had picked up the book immediately after I finished it and he had read it in record time. That is a true testament of how well this book was written.
Thank you to Goodreads and publisher for my advanced reader copy.
Donovan researched and organized this book in an almost flawless way. The only thing I may possibly have wanted was another map or so so I could envision where battles were progressing (though, this might just be a "me" thing due to limited knowledge on geography.)
Interviews conducted with remaining service people highlighted this book for me. The story of heroes.
I was not surprised when I saw that my father (who is an avid history buff and military expert) had picked up the book immediately after I finished it and he had read it in record time. That is a true testament of how well this book was written.
Thank you to Goodreads and publisher for my advanced reader copy.
December 10, 2025
This is undoubtedly the best book that I have read on the topic of D-Day. Perhaps because it focuses on a single action, the author is able to describe in intricate detail the places and participants. Using the one simple map, the reader is able to follow the story geographically as well as chronologically.
The author tells it as it was. His research is impeccable and the stories of individuals told so well. He conveys the horror and confusion of combat and how differently people react when put in that situation. Acts of incredible bravery are highlighted to no greater extent than those of soldiers whose actions did not live up to expectations. The book certainly made this reader wonder how he would act in such a position. The chapter on the charge over the bridge itself is superb.
My only regret is that I was unfamiliar with this story when I visited Ste.-Mère Eglise and I so wish I had gone down the road to visit La Fière bridge.
The author tells it as it was. His research is impeccable and the stories of individuals told so well. He conveys the horror and confusion of combat and how differently people react when put in that situation. Acts of incredible bravery are highlighted to no greater extent than those of soldiers whose actions did not live up to expectations. The book certainly made this reader wonder how he would act in such a position. The chapter on the charge over the bridge itself is superb.
My only regret is that I was unfamiliar with this story when I visited Ste.-Mère Eglise and I so wish I had gone down the road to visit La Fière bridge.
July 7, 2025
"Nothing but Courage" is nothing but thrilling and well-written, telling the overall story of two airborne groups (the titular 82nd and the 101st) behind the lines of Utah Beach. Dropped the night before the D-Day invasion by sea, the airborne soldiers captured and held vital roads and bridges to prevent reinforcement of the German troops on the coast. They succeeded against terrific opposition, many units emerging from the several days of battle with fewer than half their original strength. Their success cemented the hold the Allies had in that section of Normandy, especially the key port of Cherbourg, ensuring the victory to come.
October 27, 2025
3.5 stars. “’Hitler made only one big mistake when he built his Atlantic wall,’ paratroopers were fond of saying, ‘he forgot to put a roof on it.’” “Nothing but Courage” follows the events leading up to and following the 82nd Airborne's D-Day mission. This book is highly rated, well-researched, and highlights the courage and sacrifice of WWII paratroopers. I would recommend it for history-lovers, a category which I would normally include myself, but unfortunately I found this book dry and I struggled to maintain interest throughout. This may be an issue with bad timing and too high expectations, so rounding up felt fair.
October 1, 2025
There is lot written about D-Day, and a lot about the 101st airborne -- even a really good TV series. But the actions of the 82nd are not so well written about. In a clear telling of the history of the men of the 82nd and how they persevered in the chaos after their drop, this tale is now told. I found the writing clear and well ordered. Tales are told by both the US and the German sides. My only complaint is that there is a greater emphasis on those who were overwhelmed by the battle, than by those that rushed forward.
November 11, 2025
Very fitting to finish reading this book on November 11th. A really well written account of the 82nd Airborne’s role in the D-Day landings. The unselfish acts made by many individuals and the leadership displayed from the top right through the ranks. It’s important books like this are available to ensure D-Day is not just remembered for the seaborne landings but for the work done ahead of time that endured the success of the Utah beach landings and allowed the American forces to move inland without being hampered by German reinforcements.
June 18, 2025
Outstanding book! I've read numerous books on airborne operations and Jim Donovan's ranks at the top.
Very well researched, containing information I had not read before. An example was the comparison between American and German infantry squads composition and why.
A must-read for anyone with an interest in WWII history.
Very well researched, containing information I had not read before. An example was the comparison between American and German infantry squads composition and why.
A must-read for anyone with an interest in WWII history.
June 22, 2025
I will always be thankful for the world that I was able to grow up in because of what these great heroes did. The only thing I missed in this telling of the WW2 paratroopers is the story of John Steele, the paratrooper who witnessed much of D-day suspended from a church by his parachute. I may have missed this as I listened while working in my wood shop.
July 20, 2025
Outstanding! Wonderful book on the 82nd Airborne's jump into Normandy, and a brief history of how they came to be. Fascinating story of the men who made the ultimate sacrifice and volunteered to fight for our country. Highly recommend this book to those interested in WW2 history and military history.
August 9, 2025
An enjoyable read about the parachute drop during the D-Day invasion. The story contains great first-hand accounts on both sides of the battle. The characters were well-developed, and their stories held your interest. The triumphs and heartbreaking tragedies will grab you. A highly recommended read!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 11, 2025
I couldn't put it down. Excellent, excellent read.
July 19, 2025
4.5 Stars
August 1, 2025
Well told story of the 82nd airborne on DDay. Lots of new information for me. A fun fund
October 23, 2025
knew a lot about La Fiere, now a lot more.
November 8, 2025
Reads very well, A very well and researched book on the 82nd Airborne Division on D-Day and beyond. Also covered the glider troops that often get overlooked. Great Book.
May 30, 2025
The 82nd Airborne's thrilling D-Day capture of an essential bridge is brought to vivid life by Donovan. This little-known operation was key to the Allies' success on the Omaha and Utah beaches, preventing the Nazis from resupplying their forces. Donovan navigates the tale of scattered soldiers reconvening for a final charge with ease and brings an occupied France to life through the first-hand accounts of American and German soldiers, as well as French citizens in the nearby St. Mere Eglise. This is essential reading for any lover of history.
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