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Airborne: The Combat Story of Ed Shames of Easy Company
As one of the last surviving members of the Band of Brothers, Ed Shames wanted to commit his memories of the Second World War to paper to preserve the legacy of the men who served with him in Europe. Airborne is his dramatic wartime biography, a riveting tale of fierce combat, doggedly determined drive for survival and astounding bravery. Parachuting into Normandy on D-Day with 3rd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, Shames was involved in some of the most pivotal moments of the Allied invasion, advancing through the bocage of France, and after his transfer to Easy Company in Holland, battled the elements and the ferocious German counterattack at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, liberating Nazi concentration camps and helping to capture Hitler's Eagle's Nest. Startling honest and raw, Airborne is the compelling combat biography of a man whose forthright opinions and gruff manner often put him in conflict with his fellow officers, but who was respected by the soldiers he commanded, because he was determined to bring as many of them home alive as he could.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 16, 2015
The “Not Seen on TV” Band of Brothers …
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free advance copy of the book.
I read Ambrose’s “Band of Brothers” before HBO made Easy Company a household name. While HBO’s presentation was simply mesmerizing, subsequent books written by Easy Company members not only fill gaps, but set the record straight on several misrepresentations in Ambrose’s book and the mini-series. With AIRBORNE, Ed Shames, the only Easy Company officer still living, shares his Band of Brothers experience and provides a more expansive look at the famed unit’s exploits.
Shames was not a primary figure in the mini-series. He is portrayed (maligned) briefly in one rather insignificant scene as a competent/capable officer that screamed at his men. While author Ian Gardner mentions this in the book’s beginning, AIRBORNE in not an attempt to change the image presented by the series, but an effort to reveal the full, untold story of Shames’ service. I found AIRBORNE filling a lot of gaps and highlighting the contributions of many Easy Company men who weren’t made celebrities by HBO, but were just as important as those who were.
Yes, AIRBORNE’s underlying story of a man volunteering for the Airborne and suffering through training at Toccoa before facing combat in Normandy, Holland and Bastogne has been told repeatedly over the years, but the difference is in the details. This book places readers in familiar territory, but allows us to see things with new eyes. Gardner (who has authored other books on the Airborne in World War II) exquisitely narrates Shames’ story with considerable detail that showcases his meticulous research effort. Ed Shames corroborates the narrative in his own words for added color and clarity. Gardner paves the way for Shames to expand on events. The narrative is thoroughly detailed. One incident involved P-47 fighters provided support and one of the planes clipped the ground, killing the pilot … while this brief incident was encapsulated in a single paragraph, Gardner memorializes the incident by naming the pilot. This is just one example of many throughout the book where the author exhibits a desire to fully detail events, not merely narrate a story … a more thorough history is provided.
While I initially thought the book was going to echo the stories presented on HBO, it does not. Shames experienced the same drudgery of running Currahee, just not under the orders of the infamous Capt. Sobel, but another like-minded officer (it seems Sobel was just one of several marionettes that led these men in beginning). The portrayal of fighting in Normandy, Holland and Bastogne is elaborate and introduces new storylines, perspectives and individuals that other Easy Company books don’t cover … particularly, the attack on Foy (which does involve a confused Norman Dike, but no heroics from Ronald Spiers). One instance involved Shames strong-arming a German general (with a .45 to the head) into surrendering to a lowly 2nd Lt. rather than the preferred rank of a major or higher. That general was later found to be Field Marshall Albert Kesselring. The book also expands on the unit’s discovery of the forced-labor camps and includes Shames experience visiting Dachau. Throughout the book, it is evident that Shames was a no-nonsense individual that preferred taking a direct approach with individuals and situations; he also holds no punches when expressing his opinions of the men he adored (those he led) or the men he despised (many higher-ranking officers). We get a clearer picture of Capt. Nixon and the problems his drinking caused. It isn’t hard to imagine the Shames’ open dislike for Nixon (who happened to be close with Maj. Winters) may have been a factor in the series’ negative portrayal of Shames. This book fills a lot of Easy Company gaps as we get to see what the “other Brothers” in the unit experienced. In the end, I found myself wondering how these stories didn’t make it into the mini-series as they are certainly compelling.
AIRBORNE will surely satisfy those with an appetite for anything related to the Band of Brothers, but also presents enough new material to interest those who believe the subject matter has been exhausted. While it is difficult to separate the televised presentation of Easy Company, AIRBORNE reveals that the unit was large enough to experience significantly different events while fighting on the same turf. I did not find the book to be a rehash, but a new take on a familiar subject and believe this book is integral in bringing the Band of Brothers story full circle. Sadly, this is probably one, if not THE, last voice of Easy Company we are likely to hear from and for that reason alone, I find it worth reading.
This book was reviewed as part of Amazon's Vine program which included a free advance copy of the book.
I read Ambrose’s “Band of Brothers” before HBO made Easy Company a household name. While HBO’s presentation was simply mesmerizing, subsequent books written by Easy Company members not only fill gaps, but set the record straight on several misrepresentations in Ambrose’s book and the mini-series. With AIRBORNE, Ed Shames, the only Easy Company officer still living, shares his Band of Brothers experience and provides a more expansive look at the famed unit’s exploits.
Shames was not a primary figure in the mini-series. He is portrayed (maligned) briefly in one rather insignificant scene as a competent/capable officer that screamed at his men. While author Ian Gardner mentions this in the book’s beginning, AIRBORNE in not an attempt to change the image presented by the series, but an effort to reveal the full, untold story of Shames’ service. I found AIRBORNE filling a lot of gaps and highlighting the contributions of many Easy Company men who weren’t made celebrities by HBO, but were just as important as those who were.
Yes, AIRBORNE’s underlying story of a man volunteering for the Airborne and suffering through training at Toccoa before facing combat in Normandy, Holland and Bastogne has been told repeatedly over the years, but the difference is in the details. This book places readers in familiar territory, but allows us to see things with new eyes. Gardner (who has authored other books on the Airborne in World War II) exquisitely narrates Shames’ story with considerable detail that showcases his meticulous research effort. Ed Shames corroborates the narrative in his own words for added color and clarity. Gardner paves the way for Shames to expand on events. The narrative is thoroughly detailed. One incident involved P-47 fighters provided support and one of the planes clipped the ground, killing the pilot … while this brief incident was encapsulated in a single paragraph, Gardner memorializes the incident by naming the pilot. This is just one example of many throughout the book where the author exhibits a desire to fully detail events, not merely narrate a story … a more thorough history is provided.
While I initially thought the book was going to echo the stories presented on HBO, it does not. Shames experienced the same drudgery of running Currahee, just not under the orders of the infamous Capt. Sobel, but another like-minded officer (it seems Sobel was just one of several marionettes that led these men in beginning). The portrayal of fighting in Normandy, Holland and Bastogne is elaborate and introduces new storylines, perspectives and individuals that other Easy Company books don’t cover … particularly, the attack on Foy (which does involve a confused Norman Dike, but no heroics from Ronald Spiers). One instance involved Shames strong-arming a German general (with a .45 to the head) into surrendering to a lowly 2nd Lt. rather than the preferred rank of a major or higher. That general was later found to be Field Marshall Albert Kesselring. The book also expands on the unit’s discovery of the forced-labor camps and includes Shames experience visiting Dachau. Throughout the book, it is evident that Shames was a no-nonsense individual that preferred taking a direct approach with individuals and situations; he also holds no punches when expressing his opinions of the men he adored (those he led) or the men he despised (many higher-ranking officers). We get a clearer picture of Capt. Nixon and the problems his drinking caused. It isn’t hard to imagine the Shames’ open dislike for Nixon (who happened to be close with Maj. Winters) may have been a factor in the series’ negative portrayal of Shames. This book fills a lot of Easy Company gaps as we get to see what the “other Brothers” in the unit experienced. In the end, I found myself wondering how these stories didn’t make it into the mini-series as they are certainly compelling.
AIRBORNE will surely satisfy those with an appetite for anything related to the Band of Brothers, but also presents enough new material to interest those who believe the subject matter has been exhausted. While it is difficult to separate the televised presentation of Easy Company, AIRBORNE reveals that the unit was large enough to experience significantly different events while fighting on the same turf. I did not find the book to be a rehash, but a new take on a familiar subject and believe this book is integral in bringing the Band of Brothers story full circle. Sadly, this is probably one, if not THE, last voice of Easy Company we are likely to hear from and for that reason alone, I find it worth reading.
May 30, 2015
This was a wonderful blending of an individual's story with his own voice. The intermingling of Gardner's narrative with Shames' commentary was enjoyable, informative, and well-done. Col. Shames led a fascinating life during the war years, and that came through. It was also interesting to hear part of the story of Easy Company from a different perspective; there are things that Shames remembered or viewed differently than Dick Winters or others in Easy Company. The divergent view enhances the overall picture.
My only two quibbles led me to give this book 4 stars instead of 5. First, though billed as the combat history of Ed Shames in Easy Company, there is a lot here about 3rd Battalion, 506th PIR. For the first part of the book, that makes sense; Shames started in 3rd Battalion. However, in the second half of the book, during his time with Easy, we learn more about 3rd Battalion's moves and motives than about 2nd Battalion or even Easy Company. I'm sure this has something to do with Gardner's previous (excellent) research into the war history of 3rd Battalion across three books, but it seemed like too much emphasis for those parts of the story supposedly focused on 2nd Battalion and Easy Company.
My other quibble is that the book would have benefited from a few maps. Especially during the Market-Garden, Ardennes, and Germany portions of the book, it was at times confusing to visualize the locations involved. A simple map in each of those sections, with quoted place-names marked, would be very beneficial for the reader.
On the whole, however, this was an excellent combat history. Anyone interested in WWII airborne ops, junior officer leadership, or how combat affects individuals would enjoy this well-done book.
My only two quibbles led me to give this book 4 stars instead of 5. First, though billed as the combat history of Ed Shames in Easy Company, there is a lot here about 3rd Battalion, 506th PIR. For the first part of the book, that makes sense; Shames started in 3rd Battalion. However, in the second half of the book, during his time with Easy, we learn more about 3rd Battalion's moves and motives than about 2nd Battalion or even Easy Company. I'm sure this has something to do with Gardner's previous (excellent) research into the war history of 3rd Battalion across three books, but it seemed like too much emphasis for those parts of the story supposedly focused on 2nd Battalion and Easy Company.
My other quibble is that the book would have benefited from a few maps. Especially during the Market-Garden, Ardennes, and Germany portions of the book, it was at times confusing to visualize the locations involved. A simple map in each of those sections, with quoted place-names marked, would be very beneficial for the reader.
On the whole, however, this was an excellent combat history. Anyone interested in WWII airborne ops, junior officer leadership, or how combat affects individuals would enjoy this well-done book.
February 19, 2015
I have always been intrigued by the lives these guys led. I’ve never been afraid of flying because there is finality to it. Statistically there is a very low probability of problems occurring mid air but I’ve always thought there is little to no point worrying about it because if something does go wrong you are fucked, so I cant imagine what it would have been like to have your friends and fellows getting shot down and killed around you when you have not even gotten on the ground to fight yet. The other reason I wanted to read this is that I adore the works of Stephen E Ambrose and have read all his books on WW2 about Easy Company, those in the air and those on the ground and I felt like this would give me more perspective on what I had already read.
Unfortunately I was never quiet as invested in the life and the actions of Shames as I had hoped. I started rewatching Band of Brothers with this and Winters described Ed as a guy that just shouts all the time. Considering his lack of repore with common soldiers I'd have to agree there is something lacking in his approach to dealing with other men. Whenever he meets a group of soldiers, the one he seems to remember is whoever rubs him the wrong way, and I cant help but think this is a terrible way to live your life.
I'd encourage people who are not super familiar with the events that this book covers to read this. The only real new part for me was the point of view of Ed Shames and I didn't find his voice particularly gripping.
This book was provided to me by Netgalley and Osprey publishing in exchange for an honest review
Unfortunately I was never quiet as invested in the life and the actions of Shames as I had hoped. I started rewatching Band of Brothers with this and Winters described Ed as a guy that just shouts all the time. Considering his lack of repore with common soldiers I'd have to agree there is something lacking in his approach to dealing with other men. Whenever he meets a group of soldiers, the one he seems to remember is whoever rubs him the wrong way, and I cant help but think this is a terrible way to live your life.
I'd encourage people who are not super familiar with the events that this book covers to read this. The only real new part for me was the point of view of Ed Shames and I didn't find his voice particularly gripping.
This book was provided to me by Netgalley and Osprey publishing in exchange for an honest review
April 3, 2015
Advanced Reading Copy review Due to be published April 21, 2015
If you are a fan of "Band of Brothers" you may be interested in the real Colonel Ed Shames story. This was my first exposure to the tales of Easy Company and I wish I had known more going in. Simply knowing the basics of D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge from endless History channel documentaries was not quite enough to make this book an easy read.
The narrative is plain and interesting enough. Tough guy Ed volunteers for Airborne and becomes the type of leader his men loathe but respect. By being an uncompromising SOB, he is able to work miracles in the field of operations and bring many of his troops back home alive. From Normandy to Dachau, he sees more than his share of battle and atrocities. His point of view is compelling.
Unfortunately, the format of the book detracted from my enjoyment of it. The story is presented in 2 voices, Ed Shames' first person narrative and his co-author Ian Garner's third person exposition. Switching back and forth, often several times per page, can be confusing. Also, there are plenty of photos but they are all lumped together when they would have been more effective spread out closer to the parts of the story they illustrate. Finally, the glossary in back got a lot of use from me as the acronyms are pervasive and ultimately a distraction.
Maybe now I'll read/watch Band of Brothers.
If you are a fan of "Band of Brothers" you may be interested in the real Colonel Ed Shames story. This was my first exposure to the tales of Easy Company and I wish I had known more going in. Simply knowing the basics of D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge from endless History channel documentaries was not quite enough to make this book an easy read.
The narrative is plain and interesting enough. Tough guy Ed volunteers for Airborne and becomes the type of leader his men loathe but respect. By being an uncompromising SOB, he is able to work miracles in the field of operations and bring many of his troops back home alive. From Normandy to Dachau, he sees more than his share of battle and atrocities. His point of view is compelling.
Unfortunately, the format of the book detracted from my enjoyment of it. The story is presented in 2 voices, Ed Shames' first person narrative and his co-author Ian Garner's third person exposition. Switching back and forth, often several times per page, can be confusing. Also, there are plenty of photos but they are all lumped together when they would have been more effective spread out closer to the parts of the story they illustrate. Finally, the glossary in back got a lot of use from me as the acronyms are pervasive and ultimately a distraction.
Maybe now I'll read/watch Band of Brothers.
April 20, 2015
This is another story of the 101st 506, during WWII. This story follows along Ed Shames, from his early life to when he enlists and up to his training at Toccoa, Georgia, then to D-Day, Market Garden, their stand at Bastogne, to Hitler’s Eagles nest, to their duties before coming home after Germany surrendered and the bombs were dropped on Japan. The end of the book goes into what mister Shames did when he returned home and what happened to some of his fellow Troopers. A good story that goes into detail of each area and some of the men he was with. In each battle he gives you a different view that was not talked about in some of the other books that I have read. He talks about some of the men he was with that were killed or captured and what it was like the first jumping out of the plane on D-Day. He also goes into more detail of their defense of Bastogne and then the Battle of Hitler’s Eagle nest and the finding of Dachau, and after the battles were over becoming more of a police. After the surrender of Germany and the bombing of Japan he goes into coming home and starting life and family. A good book about the heroes of WWII. I got this book from net galley.
June 6, 2015
Ian Gardner's careful retelling of Ed Shames WWII combat story is an important read for anyone who desires to go to the next level in the understanding of: a WWII paratrooper, a commitment to a cause larger than oneself, bravery, compassion, the brutal and tragic realities of war and the poignant side of sharing a horrible experience with others and the bond that inevitably forms between those who are elbows deep in it together. If one is a Band of Brothers fan, then this book adds a very compelling level to that story. If one is new to WWII airborne operations in the European Theatre, then this is Mr. Gardner's latest expertly written description that will both educate and also awaken oneself to both the knowledge necessary to respect the conflict and the heart feelings needed to honor the men and women who made so many sacrifices. This is a powerful and important contribution to the WWII combat veteran library.
January 23, 2016
Shames' book is a good complement and an different perspective from other Easy Company memoirs. The different views of the same events makes the book interesting to those interested in the 101st story. He is a kind of outsider to the others and it is reflected in his recount of the same events. he is an interesting character on his own and requires no background knowledge of the other E Co memoirs or Band of Brothers to understand or enjoy.
May 29, 2016
Yet another great WWII story, written from more of a technical aspect verses narrative, but still great! Large sections throughout are written by Mr. Shames. In October, we went to Toccoa and met Mr. & Mrs. Shames. He is so full of life, with a great sense of humor and she is absolutely the cutest and sweetest thing ever!
November 17, 2018
This was one of the last books I had to read related to band of brothers. I enjoyed reading it and learning more. It was informative and so interesting to read. Shames appeared in the series and learning there was a book on him made me excited.
Full review:
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Full review:
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August 13, 2017
There is a lot of focus on Easy Company, as a result of the Ambrose book, Band of Brothers. This is a detailed biography of 1st Lieutenant Ed Shames, one of the Band. Some odd narrative choices made this a little uneven for me, but an interesting read nonetheless.
January 19, 2026
Another 101 Airborne vet's story. Shames seems to have done well in his platoon, but was not well liked by the members of Ambrose's Band of Brothers, so was not featured in that book or HBO series.
February 17, 2023
I’ve read many of the Easy Company mens books over the years. From Major Winters to Don Malarkey. From Buck Compton to Shifty Powers. This time was the turn of Ed Shames.
Over the years, and over the many books that we all have on our collective bookshelves, the story of a man volunteering for the airborne, completing his training and heading into combat, is almost legendary. The devil is in the details. This book puts the reader front and centre, straight into familiar territory, but new eyes are telling the story.
Ian Gardner, our esteemed author, has chronicled Ed’s story with painstaking detail. The narration of the book is beautifully done by our author, but what is special, is the directness and clarity that is added throughout from Ed Shames himself, as he adds to the story. Ed adds his details in a meticulous manner. Nothing is left out. As Ed shares parts of his story, he ensures that names are not left out. A reflection of the memorialising of Easy and the other companies.
The campaigns fought are detailed elaborately and discuss areas that Easy Company books don’t have. We hear about the attack on Foy and those involved. The labour camp discovery is discussed. We hear about likes and dislikes that Ed had of others.
I’ve seen a review that said “it’s a decent if unremarkable story of WW2 “. I disagree with that review. How any story from the war and be considered ‘unremarkable’ is a strange concept to me? Everything these soldiers did. Volunteering, training, combat, knowing they may never come home…that’s pretty remarkable to me.
For me, I’m going to be honest, and say this one didn’t do much for me. It just didn’t keep my attention as other memoirs have. I did love the narration inserts from Ed. That added to the original work of the author.
Even with Ed’s input, I didn’t find this one as personable as some of the others. I have read some of the Easy memoirs where, because I have heard the subjects voice, I can almost hear them reading it to me. I have read some where I have seen the subject on interviews and can relate more to the book. This one I couldn’t.
I will re-read again, probably next year.
Over the years, and over the many books that we all have on our collective bookshelves, the story of a man volunteering for the airborne, completing his training and heading into combat, is almost legendary. The devil is in the details. This book puts the reader front and centre, straight into familiar territory, but new eyes are telling the story.
Ian Gardner, our esteemed author, has chronicled Ed’s story with painstaking detail. The narration of the book is beautifully done by our author, but what is special, is the directness and clarity that is added throughout from Ed Shames himself, as he adds to the story. Ed adds his details in a meticulous manner. Nothing is left out. As Ed shares parts of his story, he ensures that names are not left out. A reflection of the memorialising of Easy and the other companies.
The campaigns fought are detailed elaborately and discuss areas that Easy Company books don’t have. We hear about the attack on Foy and those involved. The labour camp discovery is discussed. We hear about likes and dislikes that Ed had of others.
I’ve seen a review that said “it’s a decent if unremarkable story of WW2 “. I disagree with that review. How any story from the war and be considered ‘unremarkable’ is a strange concept to me? Everything these soldiers did. Volunteering, training, combat, knowing they may never come home…that’s pretty remarkable to me.
For me, I’m going to be honest, and say this one didn’t do much for me. It just didn’t keep my attention as other memoirs have. I did love the narration inserts from Ed. That added to the original work of the author.
Even with Ed’s input, I didn’t find this one as personable as some of the others. I have read some of the Easy memoirs where, because I have heard the subjects voice, I can almost hear them reading it to me. I have read some where I have seen the subject on interviews and can relate more to the book. This one I couldn’t.
I will re-read again, probably next year.
July 9, 2024
A no nonsense technical account from a replacement officer for Easy Company of Band of Brothers fame. Ed Shames, originally from I Company of the 506 PIR, transferred to 3rd platoon in E Company during Operation Market Garden as the first battlefield commissioned officer from 3rd Battalion.
Airborne presents a new perspective of a well-known and beloved historical narrative spanning from Toccoa, Georgia through Zell-am-See, Austria. It shares a unique description of events from the point of view of an outsider to the close knit group of men who survived the tyrannical army training by Captain Herbert Sobel and went on to participate in the D-day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Particularly poignant are the descriptions of Shames' visit to Dachau at the request of Colonel Sink as a Jewish American.
Because Airborne follows the WWII events of a less well known participant from Band of Brothers (Shames is mentioned for only 2 seconds as having "seen too many war movies" in the HBO miniseries) it has the benefit of providing new stories of beloved heroes and also chronicling some lesser well known members of Easy Company.
Airborne presents a new perspective of a well-known and beloved historical narrative spanning from Toccoa, Georgia through Zell-am-See, Austria. It shares a unique description of events from the point of view of an outsider to the close knit group of men who survived the tyrannical army training by Captain Herbert Sobel and went on to participate in the D-day invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Particularly poignant are the descriptions of Shames' visit to Dachau at the request of Colonel Sink as a Jewish American.
Because Airborne follows the WWII events of a less well known participant from Band of Brothers (Shames is mentioned for only 2 seconds as having "seen too many war movies" in the HBO miniseries) it has the benefit of providing new stories of beloved heroes and also chronicling some lesser well known members of Easy Company.
May 11, 2017
E Company, 506th PIR is becoming much like Operation Market-Garden, it seems a sure seller for whatever books are produced. That's not a criticism, as this certainly isn't something meant to cash in. It's also nice to see some of the characters from Ambrose, who really drew the spotlight on Easy, in their own words, rounding out a story. This books has me regret that Herbert Sobel never produced his own autobiography. He kept my interest throughout the story, and was naturally curious to know more of his post war adventures, but they were for an unnamed entity, and he wasn't at liberty to discuss. For anyone who has read Ambrose or any of the other books, there are plenty of names you should recognize, and a few who haven't show up as much in the rest of the literature. I think this is a fine addition to the works on Easy.
July 30, 2021
This wasn't my absolute favorite Band of Brothers book, but I did ultimately enjoy it. I didn't connect super well with Shames at the beginning, and the book is so detailed about his movements that I got lost in the forest for the trees. It needed a few more maps, and I probably should have looked at the pictures a bit more often to put faces with names. Once he got to 3rd Platoon the names become familiar and beloved, making the story easier to follow because I could plug it into my overall knowledge.
It was fascinating to read about the patrol platoon and how it was used. It was great to see Shifty and some of the others from a different point of view. Shames was a very interesting and talented man. Every time the book just quoted him, I was all in.
It was fascinating to read about the patrol platoon and how it was used. It was great to see Shifty and some of the others from a different point of view. Shames was a very interesting and talented man. Every time the book just quoted him, I was all in.
April 24, 2018
Good book
This was a very good personal account of a soldier in the most famous company of the Army in WW2. It only adds to their legacy.
This was a very good personal account of a soldier in the most famous company of the Army in WW2. It only adds to their legacy.
May 11, 2018
Although this mimics most all of these Band of Brothers it truly expands on many of those characters we've heard about all these years. Wynn, Strohl, Guth, Sisk, Gordon, etc. BofB fans will love it.
May 18, 2019
Great memoir to add to my Easy Company collection.
July 26, 2022
Endnu en spændende bog om anden verdenskrig og easy company.
October 30, 2024
Decent and would like to see the hard copy for pics and maps.
Interesting hearing a more personal perspective in a history book focused on a campaign ive read about for years
Interesting hearing a more personal perspective in a history book focused on a campaign ive read about for years
February 16, 2021
Love this books about the reality of this guys in the World War II. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.
December 29, 2014
I was lucky to get an advance review copy of this book and was additionally rewarded with a compelling read.
Part of the famous Band of Brothers, Ed Shames was a tough and smart soldier. His story is told by a blend of the author providing background to the US campaign in Europe and then excerpts from interviews with S himself, it works very well to help put things into context and give a personal view
We start with Shames as a young man joining the elite parachute regiment that was set up following the Pearl Harbor attack and the US joining the war. We follow him through his (very tough) training in the US and then the D-Day landings where he parachuted into France straight into combat. We then follow him and the Allied advance to Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, through the discovery of the concentration camps and eventually the Eagle’s nest
Shames really was the typical, brave guy you would want him to be. A bit is made of him being Jewish and the occasional bias he met which was an interesting perspective of those times and attitudes. But he was a natural leader who would not take any nonsense from anybody and passionate about getting his men through the conflict alive. And he doesn’t hold back either, and tells of shooting a German prisoner and of the US troops killing SS troops they found manning the concentration camps.
So yes, this is another view of the Band of Brothers, personalised onto one individual but well balanced with the wider view. It did take Pearl Harbor for the US to enter the war, but once they did they fought hard and tough and made many sacrifices and Ed Shames stands tall as the best of them.
Part of the famous Band of Brothers, Ed Shames was a tough and smart soldier. His story is told by a blend of the author providing background to the US campaign in Europe and then excerpts from interviews with S himself, it works very well to help put things into context and give a personal view
We start with Shames as a young man joining the elite parachute regiment that was set up following the Pearl Harbor attack and the US joining the war. We follow him through his (very tough) training in the US and then the D-Day landings where he parachuted into France straight into combat. We then follow him and the Allied advance to Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, through the discovery of the concentration camps and eventually the Eagle’s nest
Shames really was the typical, brave guy you would want him to be. A bit is made of him being Jewish and the occasional bias he met which was an interesting perspective of those times and attitudes. But he was a natural leader who would not take any nonsense from anybody and passionate about getting his men through the conflict alive. And he doesn’t hold back either, and tells of shooting a German prisoner and of the US troops killing SS troops they found manning the concentration camps.
So yes, this is another view of the Band of Brothers, personalised onto one individual but well balanced with the wider view. It did take Pearl Harbor for the US to enter the war, but once they did they fought hard and tough and made many sacrifices and Ed Shames stands tall as the best of them.
April 21, 2015
Ed Shames may not have gotten the publicity of other members of Easy Company as depicted in Band of Brothers, but it certainly sounds like his story is one that is worth telling. Just like the title suggests, this is the combat story of Ed Shames, very little of his pre and post war life are covered, which meant that the reader may leave feeling as though they only know about part of a person. It might have been more helpful to contain more on his experience following WW2, if for no other reason than to show this is how combat shaped Ed Shames into x or y.
I was also a little thrown by the narrative style which is Ian Gardner providing descriptions followed by direct quotations/reflections from Ed Shames. While this tactic was probably necessary for the general public who did not serve in World War II, it really disrupted the narrative for me, preventing me from getting as engrossed in the narrative as I would've liked. But on the positive side, Ian Gardner and Ed Shames have teamed up to create a combat story complete with humility and grace, along with some remarkably humorous moments given the circumstances that he found himself.
It is a decent, if unremarkable story of World War II
I was also a little thrown by the narrative style which is Ian Gardner providing descriptions followed by direct quotations/reflections from Ed Shames. While this tactic was probably necessary for the general public who did not serve in World War II, it really disrupted the narrative for me, preventing me from getting as engrossed in the narrative as I would've liked. But on the positive side, Ian Gardner and Ed Shames have teamed up to create a combat story complete with humility and grace, along with some remarkably humorous moments given the circumstances that he found himself.
It is a decent, if unremarkable story of World War II
March 3, 2015
3.25-3.5 Stars
A detailed biography of Ed Shames during WWII. If you haven't read many E Company or 101st Airborne histories, then this book is an excellent start. The chronological descriptions are very thorough. At times, the writing is a bit technical or dry, but there are some good mini stories mixed in here and there. It's interesting to see where Ed Shames' story merged with the popular ones known throughout the world, but nice when it splits off to something new as well. There are some great photos included and a good sources list (primary and secondary) at the end which is perfect for further reading.
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A detailed biography of Ed Shames during WWII. If you haven't read many E Company or 101st Airborne histories, then this book is an excellent start. The chronological descriptions are very thorough. At times, the writing is a bit technical or dry, but there are some good mini stories mixed in here and there. It's interesting to see where Ed Shames' story merged with the popular ones known throughout the world, but nice when it splits off to something new as well. There are some great photos included and a good sources list (primary and secondary) at the end which is perfect for further reading.
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March 30, 2023
Probably the last book to be written the first person from the Band of Brothers, as he passed away in 2021, the last of the officers to go.
This book wasn’t as good as some of the others, Guarnere, Malarky, Powers, Compton, and certainly can’t touch Winters books.
But all in all, confirmed much of what has been written before, particularly the execution of POWs. It was a different time and a different war.
This book wasn’t as good as some of the others, Guarnere, Malarky, Powers, Compton, and certainly can’t touch Winters books.
But all in all, confirmed much of what has been written before, particularly the execution of POWs. It was a different time and a different war.
July 13, 2016
Another Great Story About Easy Company
Band of Brothers was a great introduction to the heroes of Easy Company but the picture of their exploits is incomplete without reading this book with Ed Shames viewpoints. Must read for complete view of all the outstanding accomplishments of the heroes of Easy Company.
Band of Brothers was a great introduction to the heroes of Easy Company but the picture of their exploits is incomplete without reading this book with Ed Shames viewpoints. Must read for complete view of all the outstanding accomplishments of the heroes of Easy Company.
September 22, 2016
I was lucky enough to meet and hear Col Ed Shames talk about his WWII experiences a few weeks ago. An extraordinary man. The book is not a detailed accounting on. Normandy and Bastogne but basic information along with all of his personal insights and recollections. A great addition for any Band of Brothers and WWII history buff.
April 14, 2015
The quotes and story told by Ed Shames were good and generally humorous. The rest of the novel was drull and confusing. It needed maps and more explanation of military words/life to make sense to non-military persons such as myself.
October 7, 2015
One of the best I have read
This is one of the best books I have read on the Airborne during WWII. The men from the 101st were all heroes in my opinion. It filled in some blanks from "The Band Of Brothers" and I will read more of this authors books.
This is one of the best books I have read on the Airborne during WWII. The men from the 101st were all heroes in my opinion. It filled in some blanks from "The Band Of Brothers" and I will read more of this authors books.
June 6, 2023
Very well researched, written, and worth the read.
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