D-Day Survivor: An Autobiography

by Harold Baumgarten

A member of the 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division, veteran Harold "Hal" Baumgarten gives his firsthand account of the June 6, 1944, landing on Dog Green sector of Omaha Beach. A multidecorated hero, Baumgarten was wounded five times before being evacuated. In 1991, he served as a consultant for the filming of the WWII movie Saving Private Ryan.

Genres: World War II, Autobiography, History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Jacob Bergeron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book on which Steve Spielberg based his opening scene of Saving Private Ryan. The first 150 pages are really about Hal and his landing at Omaha Beach, the last 100 pages are just about him going on speaking tours. His description of landing on Omaha beach was incredibly well written and interesting, my only complaint is that he did not write more about if. I feel like there was a lot more he could have said about it and there were big gaps in the timeline of his time spent on the beach and off the beach

[Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only thought I had a full appreciation of what THE GREATEST GENERATION did to secure freedom for later generations. This autobiographical over-the-shoulder look at what it was like to storm the beach amidst the most brutal fighting in the most heavily defended sector of by far the toughest of the five D-Day beaches, i.e., Omaha Beach, opened my eyes as never before to what it was like. My admiration for THE GREATEST GENERATION was magnified tenfold and more after reading what Hal Baumgarten experienced. Although severely wounded on five separate occasions on D-Day, including having half of his face almost destroyed and a bullet through his foot, he continued to fight as he had been trained through the beach obstacles and up the slopes to drive back the Germans, as he watched so very many of his buddies perish beside him.

As with many of his fellow survivors, Hal questioned "Why me? Why was I allowed to survive when so many good men perished?" The answer that came to him was very clear. He knew that he survived so that he could do something positive with his life to help make a better world. This began for him by being a high school teacher. After some years of this, he went to medical school then practiced medicine for more than 30 years. Upon retirement from this, he knew that the remainder of this life would be and has been totally dedicated to ensuring that the sacrifices made on the D-Day beaches, especially the ultimate sacrifices made by those who perished, will never be forgotten.

This is a very powerful book. I MOST STRONGLY recommend it to all mature readers, especially those who what to know more about what the saying "Freedom Isn't Free" really means. The sacrifices made on D-Day MUST NEVER be forgotten.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was torn between giving D-Day Survivor 4 or 5 stars, but what Harold Baumgarten accomplished on that long ago day on Dog Green Beach is definitely amazing, as well as his entire life's work. Such bravery is rare, even in heroes. To be wounded 5 times and keep going as long as possible, most of us cannot imagine!
The author was blessed with so many gifts, it was hard for me to understand the government exposing someone so gifted to an almost certain death, when he could have been so useful behind the scenes.
The on-the-edge of your seat action was incredible, but the end of the book kind of drags to a close with lists of speeches he gave everywhere. I'm certainly not knocking the speeches he gave in later years. Future generations definitely need to learn of this important time. This hero who became a medical Doctor, was so often selfless and humble in many areas and accomplished more than most people would ever dream of, acting very generous and caring towards others. Even if the last part seems dull, I have to highly recommend this book that lets you feel the up-close action and heroics of D-Day.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing autobiography of an American Jewish soldier who survived on Omaha Beach on June 6th 1944.
In the first part of the book you will learn more about his childhood, then when he trained in military camps.
Second part is focus on his short experience in Normandy on June 6th and June 7th. He was wounded several times before to be sent back to England.
The last and main part of the book is about Hal Baumgarten experience going back to Normandy several times for the different dday Anniversary and the different commemorations he attended in France and USA.
A must read if you are interested about Normandy and WWII in general.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hal Baumgarten is a remarkable person who has led a life of remarkable accomplishments. His D-Day experience is amazing and compelling. He asks the question throughout the book, Why was he allowed to live? His answers continue to come as he lives his life. Of note: This is the first autobiography of WWII I have read written by a Jewish soldier. Hal wanted the Germans to know he wasn't afraid of them and wore his Jewish star on his filed jacket as a badge of honor. I highly recommend the book.

[Anne Vandenbrink · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harold was successful all his life. Made the right choices and was positive with his life. The most exciting and gripping chapter in the book and his life was his experience storming the Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was wounded several times and saw death all around him, but kept on going. He became a physician in later life and toured the world giving many speeches to a commemorate those who died so they'd never be forgotten.

[Marc Brueggemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hal Bumgarten's account of D-Day, June 6th, 1944 is essential to understand and feel what is like fighting on Omaha Beach. Not only is it his account, but it is also a tribute and memorial to his brothers that were killed or wounded on that day. It is also about preserving the memory and importance of D-Day as well that Hal describes once he returned to Normandy and Omaha in the late 1980s. What a great book written by a great man and hero to remember on this 80th anniversary of D-Day.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full autobiography starting from childhood to details of his kids and grandkids. The stories primarily focusing on the D-Day invasion are particularly harrowing but a small portion of the book. He led an interesting, fulfilling life with a later purpose of keeping the memories of his fellow soldiers alive.
It's a stark reminder of the young people who fought and died for the country.

[Lani Bausewein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was written by my Uncle Hal and it's so interesting to hear in-depth stories of ones I've heard from him growing up, like how he and my Aunt Rita got together. He led an incredible life and saw some 'ish' in his day, and has the accolades to go along with it. We always had an extra special bond being that we also shared a birthday. Highly recommend if you're a WW2 enthusiast.

[Ray Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a book. A medical officer recalls D-Day and the many times he had every reason to believe it would be the last day of his life.

[Jason Gelb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning was good and filled with action but his life after the war was boring at parts but he did a good job of telling us what his life before during and after the war was like.