What do you think?
Rate this book
American St. Nick: A True Story
“The kids here in town haven’t seen Saint Nicolas or Christmas . . . in almost five years. They don’t even know who Saint Nicolas is. And that’s just it. It’s the kids I really feel sorry for,” Stutz said, “No Christmas or anything for almost five years? Can you imagine? It’s nuts.”
In December 1944, a handful of American soldiers brought the holiday spirit back to the children of war-weary Wiltz, Luxembourg. Just ten days later, Wiltz was all but destroyed in the Battle of the Bulge, but during the years that followed they never forgot the generosity of their American Saint Nicolas and his GI buddies.
Those who survived searched for the American soldiers, in hopes of bringing them back to Wiltz again. After more than thirty years, their prayers were answered. This incredible true story of heroism and hope amidst the horror of war is an upliting holiday must-read that will inspire you to share kindness, even in the darkest times.
In December 1944, a handful of American soldiers brought the holiday spirit back to the children of war-weary Wiltz, Luxembourg. Just ten days later, Wiltz was all but destroyed in the Battle of the Bulge, but during the years that followed they never forgot the generosity of their American Saint Nicolas and his GI buddies.
Those who survived searched for the American soldiers, in hopes of bringing them back to Wiltz again. After more than thirty years, their prayers were answered. This incredible true story of heroism and hope amidst the horror of war is an upliting holiday must-read that will inspire you to share kindness, even in the darkest times.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2015
8 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 11, 2020
Enjoyed this story very much. The dialog between the W.W. II soldiers was profanity free giving me the impression that this was historical fiction.
November 19, 2015
Personally...I love it. After all, I wrote it!
February 3, 2016
Many terrible things happened during World War II. This is the touching story of one of truly remarkable happenings that left a lasting impression on all those involved. I think anyone who reads this book will come away with the feeling that the way in which the actual event and its legacy came together was indeed incredible.
This is the story of a small town in Luxembourg that been occupied by the German Army and the Nazis for nearly 4 years. During this time, one of the things they were not allowed to do was to celebrate their St. Nicholas Day - a very important pre-Christmas holiday. After liberation by the Allies, an American Jewish soldier came up with idea to help the primarily Catholic town to once again hold this event even in the face of wartime privations and danger. In doing so, he enlists the help of other American soldiers of all faiths to make it all happen.
The after story is almost even more incredible. In their efforts to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the event, the townspeople search out the American soldiers who originally took part. This also involved an almost unbelievable series of events.
This a great story that should leave the reader with a tear in his or her eye.
This is the story of a small town in Luxembourg that been occupied by the German Army and the Nazis for nearly 4 years. During this time, one of the things they were not allowed to do was to celebrate their St. Nicholas Day - a very important pre-Christmas holiday. After liberation by the Allies, an American Jewish soldier came up with idea to help the primarily Catholic town to once again hold this event even in the face of wartime privations and danger. In doing so, he enlists the help of other American soldiers of all faiths to make it all happen.
The after story is almost even more incredible. In their efforts to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the event, the townspeople search out the American soldiers who originally took part. This also involved an almost unbelievable series of events.
This a great story that should leave the reader with a tear in his or her eye.
July 5, 2018
A beautiful true story of American soldiers drawing together to give Christmas (i.e., Saint Nicholas Day) back to the town of Wiltz, Luxembourg in the final days of WWII.
There are a few typos and some unnecessary details (i.e., a veteran washing his laundry while waiting for a phone call) but the history being told is so good that it doesn't seem to matter.
I could see this as a Christmas movie. The best part is it's all true!
There are a few typos and some unnecessary details (i.e., a veteran washing his laundry while waiting for a phone call) but the history being told is so good that it doesn't seem to matter.
I could see this as a Christmas movie. The best part is it's all true!
January 18, 2016
A snippet from history: WWII. A day in the life of a GI that made a heartfelt, long lasting impression on the citizens of Wiltz Luxembourg. I watched a PBS show on this and then read the book. Short, easy read.
December 30, 2015
A great book to read in December. A touching, true story I never heard before.
February 6, 2016
This was a quick read. A heartwarming, true story
December 31, 2016
Heartwarming story about our Veterans and their lasting effect on small town.
November 27, 2019
Touching story based on a true story during WWII in Wiltz, Luxembourg. The town had been held by the Nazis for years and no Christmas celebrations had been seen. When the Americans liberated the town, some of the soldiers decided the children and even adults of the town needed a celebration. One of the soldiers agreed to be St. Nicolas for a day. This celebration revitalized the people of Wiltz. This story is set in 30 year intervals, the war and then 30 years later as people of Wiltz search for the soldier who was the original American St. Nick.
Very heart warming story in the midst of the horrors of war.
Very heart warming story in the midst of the horrors of war.
December 20, 2018
Finished American St. Nick: A True Story by Peter Lion, an account of the soldiers who brought St Nicholas Day to the children of Wiltz, Luxembourg in December 1944. This book makes you proud to be an American. This war torn town, suffered at the hands of the German occupation in 1940 until the Allied liberation. A handful of GI’s bring magic to the town’s children. Wiltz celebrates the American St. Nick to this day.
August 12, 2021
A world war II story with a twist.
The book outlines the exploits of several members of the 28th Infantry Division stationed in and around Wilz, Luxembourg during the period of the Battle of the Bulge.
Well written for the most part, some odd editorial errors. I highly recommend this good story.
The book outlines the exploits of several members of the 28th Infantry Division stationed in and around Wilz, Luxembourg during the period of the Battle of the Bulge.
Well written for the most part, some odd editorial errors. I highly recommend this good story.
April 4, 2019
Excellent, excellent feel-good story. While it does not sugarcoat the horrors of WWII, it does highlight the humanity of those who served.
August 24, 2025
Loved this book about a real and wonderful story which happened in December 1944 in the town Wiltz.
If you can make it to Luxembourg, visit the museum 😉
If you can make it to Luxembourg, visit the museum 😉
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews