This is the story of the man who taught them how to fight.
Before he commanded the 10th Mountain Division in World War II, he was a lone rider on the banks of the Marne.
Bastille Day—1918. When a midnight barrage along the Marne River severs every field telephone line, cutting the Allied front line off from its artillery, First Lieutenant George “Price” Hays must become the lifeline of his regiment as Paris hangs in the balance.
He alone must become their eyes, riding on horseback through an inferno of shellfire and mustard gas to deliver the firing coordinates that will stop the advance of thousands of German stormtroopers.
The Choice Will Define Him
Bound by honor—and a promise to his late father—Price rides not only for duty, but for love. Clara, the colonel’s brilliant daughter, offers one future; Julia, an insightful librarian, offers another. Between his heroic duty and a survivor’s heart, he must decide what—and whom—he truly serves.
The Rock of the Marne
In the decisive moment that will turn the tide of WWI, outnumbered three-to-two and outgunned two-to-one, the U.S. 3rd Division faces a terrifying barrage of heavy, low-flying Minenwerfer mortars—dubbed “flying pigs”—designed to shatter their lines. With their orders absolute—We Shall Remain Here—Price’s division makes its stand, earning its immortal nickname.
Inspired by the Medal of Honor citation for First Lieutenant George P. Hays—who rode on as seven horses fell—The Tenth Station is a gripping novel of integrity, sacrifice, and a love that becomes his only map home—an unwavering light on one of history’s darkest nights.
A LEGEND BEGINS AT THE MARNE
From the author of The Tenth Trail Mark and the forthcoming The Tenth Command—the WWII saga of the 10th Mountain Division under General George Price Hays—Joe Looby takes us back to where the legend began.
"The Tenth Series are works of historical fiction originally inspired by the real events of the battles at Riva Ridge and Mount Belvedere. My father served with the 10th Mountain Division during that campaign. He fought in those mountains and was wounded in battle. His courage—and the courage of the men he served alongside—is something I carry with me. Writing these stories is my way of honoring not just their bravery but the human experience behind the history: the fear, the grit, the humor, the heartbreak, and the extraordinary strength of ordinary men."— Joe Looby
The Tenth Station truly captivated me. This historical fiction World War I story follows George Price Hays’ journey from a young man to the heroic, selfless leader he becomes. His personal growth is palpable throughout the story, as he struggles to define who he wants to be and comes to terms with the heavy sacrifices he must make when asked to embark on a seemingly impossible mission. The author clearly put great care into the research, and I enjoyed the authentic references to Charleston/Sullivan’s Island that brought the setting to life. The Tenth Station was a beautiful blend of coming-of-age, action, romance, courage, and heroism. Highly recommend!
The Tenth Station chronicles Price’s journey to discover and then become his own authentic self. This story is like looking into an infinity mirror as several threads are woven together and echoed. Courage, humility, love, kindness, patience and his pursuit of excellence contributed to Price’s growth and well established high standards for his own actions. Amidst the battlefield misery of WWI, Price must use all that he is to survive and return to his loved ones. Price must make parallel decisions about his romantic as well as professional choices. I thoroughly enjoyed The Tenth Station!
I was completely swept up in this novel. It's a historical drama, but at its heart, it’s a timeless story about love, courage, and finding your own way. The main character, Price, is caught between the life he's supposed to want and the life that truly calls to him. The two women, Clara and Julia, represent such different paths. It's a book about the many kinds of courage (not just on the battlefield) and the sacrifices we make to become who we're meant to be. Couldn't put it down!
This is the story of a young man who chose to follow his moral compass, to swim parallel to the rip tide of convention, and becoming his father's ideal man!