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Honor Before Glory: The Epic World War II Story of the Japanese American GIs Who Rescued the Lost Battalion
On October 24, 1944, more than 200 American soldiers were surrounded by German infantry deep in the Vosges Mountains of eastern France. When their food, ammunition, and medical supplies ran out, the area’s Army headquarters turned to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated unit of Japanese–American soldiers, to achieve what other units had failed to do: rescuing the “lost battalion.”
In this riveting, gritty narrative, New York Times bestselling historian Scott McGaugh tells the story of the famous Go–for–Broke regiment, whose soldiers had volunteered for combat from within America’s internment camps. It is a story of a young generation’s fight against both the enemy and American prejudice— a story of heroism, sacrifice, and the best America has to offer.
In this riveting, gritty narrative, New York Times bestselling historian Scott McGaugh tells the story of the famous Go–for–Broke regiment, whose soldiers had volunteered for combat from within America’s internment camps. It is a story of a young generation’s fight against both the enemy and American prejudice— a story of heroism, sacrifice, and the best America has to offer.
257 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2016
74 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
Scott McGaugh
16 books19 followersI'm proud to be a New York Times bestselling author of nonfiction military thrillers. My upcoming book, The Brotherhood of the Flying Coffin (March 2, 2023), is the untold combat aviation story of World War II volunteer glider pilots. A Civil War biography, Surgeon in Blue, was a bestseller. Honor Before Glory takes readers on a riveting rescue mission by Japanese American soldiers and is in film development. And I'm always looking for ideas for my next book...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 17, 2017
I was familiar with the basic story of the 442nd RCT from a 1950’s movie, Go For Broke - starring Van Johnson. In this narrative, the author looks at one operation assigned to the 442nd. In the fall of 1944 the 442nd, part of the 36th ID, is assigned to relieve a cut off sister battalion, the 1/141st INF Regt- the so called “Lost Battalion”. The title is a bit of a misnomer because, unlike the “Lost Battalion” of World War I, the Army knew exactly where the battalion was, but because it had pushed too far forward of the battalions on either flank, the German’s managed to swing behind it and cut it off.
After a brief review of the history of the 442nd and its combat record in Italy, the author gets into the operations to relieve the 1/141st. These operations are told from both the 141st and the 442nd’s perspective. Ordered to break out of encirclement the 1/141 in unable to accomplish the task and it takes heavy casualties. The air force attempts to drop supplies to the 141st is an account I had never heard of before. P-47 units attempted to drop supply filled drop tanks to the surrounded unit often through cloud filled skies. Due to a tiny drop zone, the weather and German AAA, these attempts met with only partial success. Many of the tanks fell outside the 141st's perimeter and were recovered by German forces. The 141st managed to recover enough of the supplies however, to allow them to hold out until elements of the 442nd could reach them.
To say the ground the 442nd fought over was not the best ground for attackers is an understatement. Hilly and heavily forested, it was ideal for defense and the Germans made good use of it! In addition, the weather was just awful - cold and rainy. Due to the terrain, the 442nd attacked up a single road and ridge line. It took more than a week and many casualties for the 442nd to advance the 2 miles and relieve the surrounded battalion.
While telling the story of the relief efforts, Mr. McGaugh also looks at the nature of the 442nd and the special problems it faced. White officered for the most part, the enlisted ranks were composed of second and third generation Japanese immigrants. Many of the enlisted personal were recruited from the internment camps of the Rocky Mountain and South Western United States. Many more came from Hawaii, who had not been interned. I felt the cultural clash between these two groups and problems it caused in molding an effective fighting force was well done.
The author also tells the reader the attitudes of the members of the 442nd towards their leaders (some were admired and respected, while some weren't, esp the Div CG which carried over to the post war army), why they had to go and rescue the 1/141st, and the attitudes of the white population towards them. Some of the most poignant stories are the reception of the Nisei veterans after the war. To say they were not universally honored is an understatement. Many were met with prejudice and signs reading “No Japs”. One episode the author relates concerns an American Legion Post in Oregon which took one the 442nd’s veterans name off of the their “Wall of Honor” because of his race. When the news of this slight “goes viral” that Post comes under intense pressure, including from the former officers of the 442nd to undo the slight. They eventually did.
In addition to its racial makeup the 442nd is noteworthy for the amount of decorations both the unit (9 Presidential Unit Citations) and it members received - 21 medals of Honor (only one of which was awarded during the war), 52 DSCs (20 later upgraded to MOHs), over 5000 Silver and Bronze stars, making it the most decorated infantry regiment of the war. The story of the lost battalion greatly illustrates the courage and devotion to duty of the soldiers who made up the “Go For Broke” Regiment.
The maps included in the book are decent, but could be better and there are some really good photographs of the battlefield illustrating the terrain and weather the 442nd had to deal with. I feel that is a solid 4 star read!
After a brief review of the history of the 442nd and its combat record in Italy, the author gets into the operations to relieve the 1/141st. These operations are told from both the 141st and the 442nd’s perspective. Ordered to break out of encirclement the 1/141 in unable to accomplish the task and it takes heavy casualties. The air force attempts to drop supplies to the 141st is an account I had never heard of before. P-47 units attempted to drop supply filled drop tanks to the surrounded unit often through cloud filled skies. Due to a tiny drop zone, the weather and German AAA, these attempts met with only partial success. Many of the tanks fell outside the 141st's perimeter and were recovered by German forces. The 141st managed to recover enough of the supplies however, to allow them to hold out until elements of the 442nd could reach them.
To say the ground the 442nd fought over was not the best ground for attackers is an understatement. Hilly and heavily forested, it was ideal for defense and the Germans made good use of it! In addition, the weather was just awful - cold and rainy. Due to the terrain, the 442nd attacked up a single road and ridge line. It took more than a week and many casualties for the 442nd to advance the 2 miles and relieve the surrounded battalion.
While telling the story of the relief efforts, Mr. McGaugh also looks at the nature of the 442nd and the special problems it faced. White officered for the most part, the enlisted ranks were composed of second and third generation Japanese immigrants. Many of the enlisted personal were recruited from the internment camps of the Rocky Mountain and South Western United States. Many more came from Hawaii, who had not been interned. I felt the cultural clash between these two groups and problems it caused in molding an effective fighting force was well done.
The author also tells the reader the attitudes of the members of the 442nd towards their leaders (some were admired and respected, while some weren't, esp the Div CG which carried over to the post war army), why they had to go and rescue the 1/141st, and the attitudes of the white population towards them. Some of the most poignant stories are the reception of the Nisei veterans after the war. To say they were not universally honored is an understatement. Many were met with prejudice and signs reading “No Japs”. One episode the author relates concerns an American Legion Post in Oregon which took one the 442nd’s veterans name off of the their “Wall of Honor” because of his race. When the news of this slight “goes viral” that Post comes under intense pressure, including from the former officers of the 442nd to undo the slight. They eventually did.
In addition to its racial makeup the 442nd is noteworthy for the amount of decorations both the unit (9 Presidential Unit Citations) and it members received - 21 medals of Honor (only one of which was awarded during the war), 52 DSCs (20 later upgraded to MOHs), over 5000 Silver and Bronze stars, making it the most decorated infantry regiment of the war. The story of the lost battalion greatly illustrates the courage and devotion to duty of the soldiers who made up the “Go For Broke” Regiment.
The maps included in the book are decent, but could be better and there are some really good photographs of the battlefield illustrating the terrain and weather the 442nd had to deal with. I feel that is a solid 4 star read!
October 28, 2016
Having read many books on the fighting in France during World War II, I'd heard of "The Lost Battalion" on more than a few occasions. However, none of the books I'd read ever went into much detail and so the story always seemed incomplete. Well, thanks to Scott McGaugh the story is incomplete no longer.
The story has two sides to it. First, the tale of "The Lost Battalion"--a battalion of the U.S. Army's 36th Infantry Division which advanced into German territory and ended up getting cut off behind the lines. For several days the battalion held out in poor conditions: limited food and water, low ammunition, little to no medical supplies, and weather which was cold, wet and dismal. Despite constant reassurances help was on the way, as well as prodding from higher up to break out of their situation, the battalion held its positions against repeated attacks by German artillery, infantry and armor.
The second side of the story revolves around the Japanese-American ("Nisei") soldiers who were tasked with rescuing the trapped battalion. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was a unit of Americans of Japanese ancestry, commanded by white officers. Many of the soldiers came from internment camps and nearly all had friends and/or relatives who were interned back home in the United States. Nevertheless, they volunteered to serve their country and did so with extraordinary courage and gallantry. Unfortunately, the situation they were handed here was a terrible one and ended up costing the 442nd very heavy casualties.
The book uses lots of personal recollections from those involved, as well as background information on many of the participants. There's plenty of action if that's what you're looking for, and there's even a few views from the German side of things here and there. It could have used a few more maps, but overall a very good book on one little battle which has spawned numerous mentions in other works.
p.s. - Another review here on Goodreads mentions PG-13 language as the reason for a terrible review. The language in question is two uses of the phrase "goddamned" in about the middle of the book. Don't let such a trivial matter cause you to pass on this book.
The story has two sides to it. First, the tale of "The Lost Battalion"--a battalion of the U.S. Army's 36th Infantry Division which advanced into German territory and ended up getting cut off behind the lines. For several days the battalion held out in poor conditions: limited food and water, low ammunition, little to no medical supplies, and weather which was cold, wet and dismal. Despite constant reassurances help was on the way, as well as prodding from higher up to break out of their situation, the battalion held its positions against repeated attacks by German artillery, infantry and armor.
The second side of the story revolves around the Japanese-American ("Nisei") soldiers who were tasked with rescuing the trapped battalion. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was a unit of Americans of Japanese ancestry, commanded by white officers. Many of the soldiers came from internment camps and nearly all had friends and/or relatives who were interned back home in the United States. Nevertheless, they volunteered to serve their country and did so with extraordinary courage and gallantry. Unfortunately, the situation they were handed here was a terrible one and ended up costing the 442nd very heavy casualties.
The book uses lots of personal recollections from those involved, as well as background information on many of the participants. There's plenty of action if that's what you're looking for, and there's even a few views from the German side of things here and there. It could have used a few more maps, but overall a very good book on one little battle which has spawned numerous mentions in other works.
p.s. - Another review here on Goodreads mentions PG-13 language as the reason for a terrible review. The language in question is two uses of the phrase "goddamned" in about the middle of the book. Don't let such a trivial matter cause you to pass on this book.
October 15, 2025
Easy to read book regarding the 442d RCTs rescue of the 1/141st in the Vosges mountains. The book demonstrates the absolute failure of leadership and planning of multiple leaders at Division and Corps level as well as the solution being absolute disregard for human life and just throwing the 442d at the problem. There were some minor technical errors in the writing (newsreels of the era were film, not vide0) and some bits that could have been better written/explained (the artillery shells used for resupply were not HE, they were smoke shells). A great tribute to the men of the 100th Battalion and the 442d Regimental Combat Team. Go for Broke.
February 9, 2017
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The author tells about the relief/rescue of the 1/141st infantry regiment by the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in the fall of 1944. The operation in the Vosges Mountains of eastern France became necessary when the 1/141 was isolated and cut off by the Germans, who hoped to delay the Americans from entering Germany.
What makes this operation somewhat unique was the fact that the soldiers of 442nd RCT were Japanese Americans who had volunteered to serve their country despite the fact that many of their families were being held in detention camps. The 442nd also contained Japanese American soldiers from Hawaii who were sometimes looked down upon by their mainland counterparts. The 442nd was part of the 36th Division, which was commanded by General John Dahlquist, a hard-nosed character, who I thoroughly disliked.
There are really two stories told in the book, the successful mission to reach the 1/141, and the background of the Nisei who served with the 442nd, many of whom died in the effort. Not long ago, I read a book, FORGOTTEN, about a battalion of black soldiers who also did their duty in France while suffering prejudice and ill-treatment. It is one of the ironic facets of WWII that men were asked to fight and die while they were not treated as equals by many of the people back home.
One of the poignant moments in the post-war world occurred when an American Legion post denied membership to Richard Naito who had served his country. He was ably defended by Lt. Colonel Virgil Miller, who had been in command of the 442nd after its original colonel was wounded. Miller sent them a letter: "When supposedly reputable organizations such as yours violate the principles and ideals for which we fight, these young Japanese Americans are not the only ones to wonder about our war aims. Millions in Europe and Asia too, will learn of your action and question the sincerity of American policies and ideals."
The motto of the 442nd RCT was "Go for broke." They certainly did.
What makes this operation somewhat unique was the fact that the soldiers of 442nd RCT were Japanese Americans who had volunteered to serve their country despite the fact that many of their families were being held in detention camps. The 442nd also contained Japanese American soldiers from Hawaii who were sometimes looked down upon by their mainland counterparts. The 442nd was part of the 36th Division, which was commanded by General John Dahlquist, a hard-nosed character, who I thoroughly disliked.
There are really two stories told in the book, the successful mission to reach the 1/141, and the background of the Nisei who served with the 442nd, many of whom died in the effort. Not long ago, I read a book, FORGOTTEN, about a battalion of black soldiers who also did their duty in France while suffering prejudice and ill-treatment. It is one of the ironic facets of WWII that men were asked to fight and die while they were not treated as equals by many of the people back home.
One of the poignant moments in the post-war world occurred when an American Legion post denied membership to Richard Naito who had served his country. He was ably defended by Lt. Colonel Virgil Miller, who had been in command of the 442nd after its original colonel was wounded. Miller sent them a letter: "When supposedly reputable organizations such as yours violate the principles and ideals for which we fight, these young Japanese Americans are not the only ones to wonder about our war aims. Millions in Europe and Asia too, will learn of your action and question the sincerity of American policies and ideals."
The motto of the 442nd RCT was "Go for broke." They certainly did.
April 14, 2024
4.5, well just round it up, I guess.
Well, told story of the heroics of Japanese Americans in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in the fall of 1944 and their role in the rescue of a battalion cut off by the German army. The author, Scott McGaugh, gives the reader a lot to think about. Many readers may know of the terribly way we treated Japanese Americans with internment, but I doubt few know of the continued bias toward Japanese Americans who fought for this country during and long after the war ended.
A couple examples:
“In the years following the war, many veterans questioned the lack of Medals of Honor for the men of the 442nd. Command decisions that had downgraded Medal of Honor nominations written on the battlefield offered minimal rationale.”
“On April 11, a brief memorandum from General Dwight Eisenhower’s command staff downgraded Barney Hajiro’s nomination for a Medal of Honor for his legendary “banzai charge” to a Distinguished Service Cross. A month later, medic Jim Okubo’s heroism in saving lives in enemy-held territory on different days was downgraded two levels from a Medal of Honor to a Silver Star.”
Was it because they were Japanese Americans?
It took courage and much faith for these men to volunteered to serve their country even though many of their families were being held in detention camps.
There is plenty of action in this book as well. As with other reviewers, a downside to the book is that it is hard to connect to specific people or remember most of the names. However, I did like the overarching story, as it was told with accuracy and detail. I’m trying to find more books that deal with specific battles and issues that may not have been reported, popular or that may not have gotten into mainstream, and this one fits the bill. I recommend this book.
Well, told story of the heroics of Japanese Americans in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in the fall of 1944 and their role in the rescue of a battalion cut off by the German army. The author, Scott McGaugh, gives the reader a lot to think about. Many readers may know of the terribly way we treated Japanese Americans with internment, but I doubt few know of the continued bias toward Japanese Americans who fought for this country during and long after the war ended.
A couple examples:
“In the years following the war, many veterans questioned the lack of Medals of Honor for the men of the 442nd. Command decisions that had downgraded Medal of Honor nominations written on the battlefield offered minimal rationale.”
“On April 11, a brief memorandum from General Dwight Eisenhower’s command staff downgraded Barney Hajiro’s nomination for a Medal of Honor for his legendary “banzai charge” to a Distinguished Service Cross. A month later, medic Jim Okubo’s heroism in saving lives in enemy-held territory on different days was downgraded two levels from a Medal of Honor to a Silver Star.”
Was it because they were Japanese Americans?
It took courage and much faith for these men to volunteered to serve their country even though many of their families were being held in detention camps.
There is plenty of action in this book as well. As with other reviewers, a downside to the book is that it is hard to connect to specific people or remember most of the names. However, I did like the overarching story, as it was told with accuracy and detail. I’m trying to find more books that deal with specific battles and issues that may not have been reported, popular or that may not have gotten into mainstream, and this one fits the bill. I recommend this book.
October 26, 2021
Even though brave men still exist, this level of honor and humility is very, very rare today.
Until now, I wasn't aware how many Japanese Americans honorably volunteered to serve, sacrifice, and die for the same nation that placed them and their families in internment camps during WWII following the attack on Pearl Harbor. It's heartbreaking to know many of these men were killed and maimed while their families suffered at the hands of the same country they were serving. Equally upsetting is how some top military brass viewed these men as expendable. This is an incredible story and the author provides a very detailed narrative.
Until now, I wasn't aware how many Japanese Americans honorably volunteered to serve, sacrifice, and die for the same nation that placed them and their families in internment camps during WWII following the attack on Pearl Harbor. It's heartbreaking to know many of these men were killed and maimed while their families suffered at the hands of the same country they were serving. Equally upsetting is how some top military brass viewed these men as expendable. This is an incredible story and the author provides a very detailed narrative.
February 4, 2017
I was quite disappointed in this book. The book is based on a true World War II event in the mountains of southern France, the "rescue" of a battalion of American soldiers by Japanese-American unit. This incredible story is totally muddled by the author in a bizarre mix of military lingo (honestly, I couldn't care less about the unit designations, but the author continuously refers to 1/141 and 3/442), poor development of pivotal characters, inclusion of way too many generals, commanders, and fragmentation of the story line. I believe the author is a military buff who lost his way in this book. It is a shame, because it is a great story and deserves a better book.
December 13, 2016
A solidly good historical book about the "Lost Battalion" in France during World War 2 and the mission to rescue them. A large portion of the book is devoted to the battalion of the 141st infantry regiment, how they were stranded (certainly not "lost"), and how they survived for days in enemy territory. The bulk of the book is the story of the rescue operation, focusing on the unit that spearheaded the attack, the 442nd regiment. The unique thing about the 442nd is that they were Japanese-Americans who had volunteered for service and been deployed in Europe. The book spends a bit of space (though not as much as I would like) giving the historical background of the detainment camps where the ethnic Japanese from the Western states were kept. This narrative brings the prejudice of many Americans and the US government into sharp contrast with the heroism of the soldiers of the 442nd. After their families were forced to sell everything and relocate to what was basically a prison camp, these young men were fighting and dying under the Stars and Stripes. I'm thankful that our nation has since taken steps to make amends for their treatment of these families.
While not perhaps the most readable material if you prefer novels or historical fiction, Scott McGaugh keeps the content engaging. Rather than focusing on seeing the battle through the eyes of one or a handful of soldiers, the author tells the overall story and illustrates it with the stories of many individual soldiers. I found this style to be similar to some of Stephen Ambrose's works, particularly "Citizen Soldiers." One downside to this approach is that it is hard to connect to specific people or remember most of the names. This book does, however, succeed in telling the overarching story with accuracy and detail. If you are interested in military history or World War 2, I recommend this book.
While not perhaps the most readable material if you prefer novels or historical fiction, Scott McGaugh keeps the content engaging. Rather than focusing on seeing the battle through the eyes of one or a handful of soldiers, the author tells the overall story and illustrates it with the stories of many individual soldiers. I found this style to be similar to some of Stephen Ambrose's works, particularly "Citizen Soldiers." One downside to this approach is that it is hard to connect to specific people or remember most of the names. This book does, however, succeed in telling the overarching story with accuracy and detail. If you are interested in military history or World War 2, I recommend this book.
September 21, 2016
Be warned the language was pretty offensive. It is clean until you reach about the last third or so of the book then there are two specific instances of PG13+ language. If I didn’t feel I should continue to give a complete review, I would have quit because of it, especially, as it was included as a sort of aside/thought and not really connected to direct quotes.
For someone, like me, who knew nothing about 442nd or the battle to rescue the ‘lost battalion, it was informative. The style is a bit different, and I think that’s why I had a hard time getting started with it. The beginning was unexpectedly choppy. McGaugh starts with the attack on the ridge and then jumps backward and forwards every time he introduces a new officer or soldier throughout the whole book. I adjusted to it after a while, but it did slow the action down quite a bit. Then at the end of the book, he followed some men all the way to their death then jumped back to the final days of the 442nd in WW2. I never felt lost in the chronology, just that it broke the train of thought quite often. On the other hand, it certainly gave it a very personal feel.
The personal heroism and incredible patriotism of these men are awe inspiring. What they did to defend a country that had stolen so much from them is amazing. I can’t understand it, but I certainly honor it. They are such heroic examples of selfless service. I can only hope to emulate their devotion to our nation. One of the chapters is very graphic. Personally, it was almost too detailed, but it shows so clearly what a terrible sacrifice they gave for our freedom.
Thanks to NetGalley and Perseus Books Group, Da Capo Press for the chance to read this book for free and post an honest review.
For someone, like me, who knew nothing about 442nd or the battle to rescue the ‘lost battalion, it was informative. The style is a bit different, and I think that’s why I had a hard time getting started with it. The beginning was unexpectedly choppy. McGaugh starts with the attack on the ridge and then jumps backward and forwards every time he introduces a new officer or soldier throughout the whole book. I adjusted to it after a while, but it did slow the action down quite a bit. Then at the end of the book, he followed some men all the way to their death then jumped back to the final days of the 442nd in WW2. I never felt lost in the chronology, just that it broke the train of thought quite often. On the other hand, it certainly gave it a very personal feel.
The personal heroism and incredible patriotism of these men are awe inspiring. What they did to defend a country that had stolen so much from them is amazing. I can’t understand it, but I certainly honor it. They are such heroic examples of selfless service. I can only hope to emulate their devotion to our nation. One of the chapters is very graphic. Personally, it was almost too detailed, but it shows so clearly what a terrible sacrifice they gave for our freedom.
Thanks to NetGalley and Perseus Books Group, Da Capo Press for the chance to read this book for free and post an honest review.
January 25, 2018
I had heard about this unit from other books I have read about World War 2. Now this book takes you from the internment camps to sons volunteering to fight. A unit is made of Japanese Americans and after training are sent to fight in Italy. Still fighting in Italy even after D-Day they finally get a break after months only to be sent to France. Once there and still not able to rest they are ordered to find a lost unit in the Vosges Mountains in France. What most people don’t know is that we would be fighting in that area until the Battle of the Bulge. But now they are ordered to rescue a unit that was lured into a trap and they themselves would have to fight through some of the best German forces to get to them. You are given back story on some of the soldiers and their families as well as want took place during the battle and the arguing between the higher ups that would continue for decades because of one Generals look at thinking because they were Japanese they were expendable, especially when trying to rescue white soldiers that he put in harm’s way to begin with. It would be decades later until some of these Japanese Americans who already lost all of their belongings, and so much more seeing what their families were going through but still wanting to fight only to be denied recognition for their actions until decades later. Overall a very good about WWII. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
May 14, 2017
There is probably no simple way to depict events on a battlefield in terms of identifying multiple troop units, individual soldiers, and their positioning and movement over the course of several days. That may be especially true of a relatively confined battlefield like the ridge in the Vosges where most of the action here takes place. I've had trouble maintaining a good orientation as to the details of battlefield dynamics in other books similar to this one, so maybe some of the fault lies with me. I wondered whether any consideration had been given to interspersing maps or diagrams every 20 pages or so to depict or update the shifting troop movements according to the narrative.
That being said, the focus here is on an aspect of WWII history of which I'd been ignorant - the enlistment and combat record of Japanese-Americans, most of whom had families back home in internment camps. McGaugh does a fine job of conveying the courage and heroism of these soldiers without being too heavy handed on the irony of their circumstances, which speaks for itself. I got along and remained interested in the story by not trying to follow the locations and directions of the action too precisely. Any reader is certainly free to be more attentive to those details, but it's entirely readable even for those who aren't.
That being said, the focus here is on an aspect of WWII history of which I'd been ignorant - the enlistment and combat record of Japanese-Americans, most of whom had families back home in internment camps. McGaugh does a fine job of conveying the courage and heroism of these soldiers without being too heavy handed on the irony of their circumstances, which speaks for itself. I got along and remained interested in the story by not trying to follow the locations and directions of the action too precisely. Any reader is certainly free to be more attentive to those details, but it's entirely readable even for those who aren't.
July 6, 2017
442nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated unit of Japanese–American soldiers, who volunteered from the Detention Camps where their families were locked away, were assigned to rescue 200 American soldiers surrounded by German infantry in October 1944 in eastern France.
Why I started this book: With my interest in World War II, the Pacific theater and the current political debates about immigration; this was a perfect book. Here is a focused look at the children of immigrants story as they fought discrimination and the Germans in World War II.
Why I finished it: This is part of the European campaign that I knew little about, but the audio was a mess... the story jump back and forth between commands and companies without rhyme or reason and mostly without a clue to help the listener follow along.
Why I started this book: With my interest in World War II, the Pacific theater and the current political debates about immigration; this was a perfect book. Here is a focused look at the children of immigrants story as they fought discrimination and the Germans in World War II.
Why I finished it: This is part of the European campaign that I knew little about, but the audio was a mess... the story jump back and forth between commands and companies without rhyme or reason and mostly without a clue to help the listener follow along.
June 4, 2018
Did you ever see The Karate Kid, and see that scene where Mr. Miyagi is dressed in a uniform and drinking, looking at an old picture of a woman? The character was supposed to have been in the 442nd in WWII, the Japanese American infantry regiment discussed in this book, and the most highly decorated unit in WWII.
The 442nd fought with tremendous bravery, committed to honoring their families and defending the country that put them and their families in internment camps. McGaugh gives you background on who the soldiers were and where they came from, but the focus of this book is how the 442nd broke through German forces to liberate The Lost Battalion, the 1st Battalion of the 141st Infantry, The Texas Battalion. The Lost Battalion endured cold, wet, lack of supplies and the terror of knowing that land mines, artillery, machine guns and snipers were waiting for them at every moment. Resupplying was tough. Even helping the wounded was hard. The 442nd is credited with many what can only be called suicide runs attacking the dominant, entrenched, better supplied Germans, and finally liberating The Texas Battalion.
On an individual basis the story of someone locked up for their ancestry, who volunteers to fight for his country and does so in a heroic way, then returns to their home country to be treated as a hero by some and ignorantly discriminated by others would be a wild tale. When you multiply that into the size of the 442nd it's chilling, and a great honor to, not an exception to, the ancestry of these brave men.
The book feels like it drags after a while. That's quite likely because what The Lost Battalion and the 442nd are going through is a pretty continuous, predictable, horrifying experience. While the author interjects personal information to give what happened color he can't really change the fact that it was not a very dynamic event, but rather one that seemed to grind men to their deaths. The end of the book is absolutely fascinating, recounting what happened after the war, and the varied feelings of other Americans on who the members of the 442nd were.
This is a part of history every American should know about to better understand what being American means, how we can be from such diverse origins and have such different ideals but all focus on the same things for our country.
The 442nd fought with tremendous bravery, committed to honoring their families and defending the country that put them and their families in internment camps. McGaugh gives you background on who the soldiers were and where they came from, but the focus of this book is how the 442nd broke through German forces to liberate The Lost Battalion, the 1st Battalion of the 141st Infantry, The Texas Battalion. The Lost Battalion endured cold, wet, lack of supplies and the terror of knowing that land mines, artillery, machine guns and snipers were waiting for them at every moment. Resupplying was tough. Even helping the wounded was hard. The 442nd is credited with many what can only be called suicide runs attacking the dominant, entrenched, better supplied Germans, and finally liberating The Texas Battalion.
On an individual basis the story of someone locked up for their ancestry, who volunteers to fight for his country and does so in a heroic way, then returns to their home country to be treated as a hero by some and ignorantly discriminated by others would be a wild tale. When you multiply that into the size of the 442nd it's chilling, and a great honor to, not an exception to, the ancestry of these brave men.
The book feels like it drags after a while. That's quite likely because what The Lost Battalion and the 442nd are going through is a pretty continuous, predictable, horrifying experience. While the author interjects personal information to give what happened color he can't really change the fact that it was not a very dynamic event, but rather one that seemed to grind men to their deaths. The end of the book is absolutely fascinating, recounting what happened after the war, and the varied feelings of other Americans on who the members of the 442nd were.
This is a part of history every American should know about to better understand what being American means, how we can be from such diverse origins and have such different ideals but all focus on the same things for our country.
October 26, 2016
One of the reasons that I love reading history is that I learn about very ordinary people who perform extraordinary deeds. Honor Before Glory reveals the story of Japanese American soldiers fighting the Nazis in the final year of WWII.
The Japanese American mission was to rescue a group of Americans who had progressed too far into German territory and were subsequently cut off from their own lines. These Americans were short on everything - food, water, medical supplies, and ammunition. Even their radio battery was dying. Their casualty count kept growing while desperate attempts were made to resupply and rescue them.
For many of the Japanese Americans, the path to military service was not an easy one. Some had left internment camps to fight for a country that feared them. They were segregated troops led by Caucasians. Yet, despite all this, their bravery and focus and sacrifice led to the rescue (some say relief) of the surrounded and beleagured forces.
Many died and many were recognized for their courage; many also faced continued discrimination when returned home. Ordinary people who kept moving forward.
The Japanese American mission was to rescue a group of Americans who had progressed too far into German territory and were subsequently cut off from their own lines. These Americans were short on everything - food, water, medical supplies, and ammunition. Even their radio battery was dying. Their casualty count kept growing while desperate attempts were made to resupply and rescue them.
For many of the Japanese Americans, the path to military service was not an easy one. Some had left internment camps to fight for a country that feared them. They were segregated troops led by Caucasians. Yet, despite all this, their bravery and focus and sacrifice led to the rescue (some say relief) of the surrounded and beleagured forces.
Many died and many were recognized for their courage; many also faced continued discrimination when returned home. Ordinary people who kept moving forward.
October 21, 2016
Honor Before Glory by Scott McGaugh
A very good book about the 442nd Combat Team. This was the American-Japanese unit known as Go For Broke. I use the term American-Japanese instead of the usual Japanese-American since everyone in this unit proved with their service and blood they are Americans first and their Japanese heritage/ancestry second. This book makes that fact very clear with their actions.
The author covers one action in which they were involved. Given the vastness and complexity of WWII the action may not be considered a large one but it certainly shows the tenacity, courage, commitment of the 442nd and why they earned the name Go For Broke. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was the authors tendency (fortunately not often) to get into too much detail about the individuals. I received a free copy of Honor Before Glory from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley.
A very good book about the 442nd Combat Team. This was the American-Japanese unit known as Go For Broke. I use the term American-Japanese instead of the usual Japanese-American since everyone in this unit proved with their service and blood they are Americans first and their Japanese heritage/ancestry second. This book makes that fact very clear with their actions.
The author covers one action in which they were involved. Given the vastness and complexity of WWII the action may not be considered a large one but it certainly shows the tenacity, courage, commitment of the 442nd and why they earned the name Go For Broke. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was the authors tendency (fortunately not often) to get into too much detail about the individuals. I received a free copy of Honor Before Glory from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley.
July 24, 2017
This is a tale of heroism on the part of Japanese-American soldiers in the 442 Regimental Combat Team who managed to finally link up with a "lost battalion" of the 141 Infantry Regiment after five days of struggle. The 1st Battalion of the 141st had got ahead of its flanking units and trapped up on a ridge in the Vosges Mountains of eastern France. When other units of the 36th Infantry Division failed, the 442nd was called upon and succeeded at great cost.
The concept of the book was quite good, but the execution was sub-par. There are not enough maps to aid the reader in following the action. The voices of the individual soldiers are great, but adding in extraneous details regarding what happened to the individual later in life or exploits he had done in Italy distracts from the main plot. In the end, the author tried to cram too much into one tale.
The concept of the book was quite good, but the execution was sub-par. There are not enough maps to aid the reader in following the action. The voices of the individual soldiers are great, but adding in extraneous details regarding what happened to the individual later in life or exploits he had done in Italy distracts from the main plot. In the end, the author tried to cram too much into one tale.
January 31, 2017
Well researched book about how 2 companies, 211 men, from the 141 Infantry regiment were surrounded by the German Army. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team were sent to fight their way to these men and rescue them. The members of Regimental Combat Team were all Japanese-Americans, who volunteered for the US Army. Their west coast families had been uprooted and held in desert concentration camps of Arizona and Calif. Some Hawaiian Japanese-American men also were part of the team. This Team came out of WW2 the most decorated for bravery and lost many men but broke thru and saved the 141th.
October 17, 2016
While there is some PG language used, it does not detract in any way from the story. McGaugh tells a blow-by-blow account of a group of soldiers treated unfairly by their government. When you read of their unmatched courage and sacrifice under fire, you will find it remarkable because many of the soldiers had volunteered from prison-like internment camps where sentries watched their mothers and fathers from the barbed-wire perimeter right here in the US. If you have ANY interest in history, read this book.
October 14, 2016
I found this book fascinating. While I had heard a little about the 442nd, this book took me onto the battlefield and into the foxholes in ways that were a complete surprise. I found myself agonizing with both the 442nd and the men they were sent to rescue. But this is much more than a battle story. Understanding our treatment of Japanese Americans in WWII, thanks to newly available oral histories cited in this book, made this a book I couldn't put down.
April 21, 2017
Excellent book about sacrifice and bravery of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team within the context of this mission. Great job by the author of bringing to light the discrimination faced by these soldiers and their family members after Dec 7, 1941 and even after the war and their amazing service record(s). A compelling read - more so because it leaves questions for the reader to explore and sparks in interest to learn more about this subject.
November 19, 2017
I have read many, many books on WWII. This one got bogged down in all the information on the side, i.e., this unit and that unit, the battalion, this commander and on and on, it took away from the cadence of the story. What I felt was germane to the story and what I read were two different things. I came out of it hating Dalquist and feeling for the 442nd Regiment as the prejudice of the times chewed that unit up.
June 13, 2018
I listened to the audio book and it is pretty good. It is short which I really liked and I loved the last chapter that summarized the survivors and what they went on to do after the war and how long some lived. The most recent of the 7 survivors who received the Medal of Honor passed away in December 2014.
This is a good book about overcoming prejudice and bigotry, with leadership lessons that I highly recommend.
This is a good book about overcoming prejudice and bigotry, with leadership lessons that I highly recommend.
November 25, 2016
Excellent recounting of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, pointedly made up of Japanese Americans, but commanded only by Caucasians. Aside from their heroics in the war, the book covers the discrimination these soldiers and their families experienced during and after the conflict, and how they dealt with it. Well worth reading, and a story still quite relevant.
June 23, 2021
I won this book through Goodreads. The book is about Japanese American soldiers' (Battalion 442) efforts to rescue a battalion cornered by Germans. It is obvious to me the author has conducted extensive research through the detailed accounts. It is very well written. I would recommend this book if you are interested in WWII and/or Japanese American soldiers.
January 9, 2017
I just finished reading "Honor before Glory". This book does an excellent job of detailing the wartime exploits of the 442nd regiment, a segregated unit of Japanese Americans, during their rescue of the “lost battalion” of GIs surrounded by the Germans during WWII. It was enjoyable to read. Anyone interested in WWII action should read this book about the most decorated Army unit of its size.
October 24, 2018
Honor Before Glory: The Epic World War II Story of the Japanese American GIs
Sort of knew a little about the Japaneses who fought for the USA and now I know a little bit more, it's pity alot more people don't know this history. How ignorant we can be to our fellow man.
Sort of knew a little about the Japaneses who fought for the USA and now I know a little bit more, it's pity alot more people don't know this history. How ignorant we can be to our fellow man.
August 23, 2018
This should have been a great book but the writing was bad enough to make it hard to read. Additionally the author spent a lot of the book writing a biography about the soldiers than the actions they did. Which while interesting really wasn’t what the book was advertised as.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2018
The stirring story of 2 weeks in 1944 WW II in France of a battalion trapped behind German lines and the heroic effort by a Japanese American troops to rescue what became known as the "lost battalion.
January 8, 2017
Very detailed and I would have preferred chronological order. Skimmed through some parts and fully read others, but I touched every page. Research for my History Day paper on the 442nd Regiment.
November 4, 2020
The writing style is a little disjointed, but the story of the men and the battle are supremely compelling.
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