A Foot Soldier for Patton: The Story of a "Red Diamond" Infantryman with the US Third Army

by Michael Bilder, James Bilder

This candid memoir of a GI serving under Gen. Patton offers a rare glimpse into the realities of life and combat in Europe during WWII.   Though Gen. Patton’s army is famous for dashing armored attacks, some of the most intensive fighting of World War II was done by Patton’s infantry—the foot sloggers who were deployed to reduce enemy strong points. This candid account of the US infantry in the European theater takes the reader from the beaches of Normandy to the conquest of Germany—all through the eyes of an infantryman who had the unique perspective of speaking the enemy’s language.   A fluent German speaker, Michael Bilder was called upon for interrogations and other special duties. As a combat lifeguard, he also played a key role in successive river crossings. Here, Bilder relates his experiences of infantry life, from German snipers to intoxicated Frenchwomen, to the often morbid humor of combat. He also describes the Battle of Metz in all its horror, as well as the 5th Infantry’s drive into the Bulge, where they faced their first winter battle against enemy veterans of Russia.

Genres: World War II, History, Nonfiction

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2008

Reviews

[JD · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a good book about a bit of a braggart who seems to be one of those guys who always have a better story to tell, which I do not find very endearing. He also tries to portray himself as a bit of a tough guy and a rebel, and has a big chip on his shoulder, which he self admits, so credit to him for that. The author also gives needless information which just lengthens an already too long book and my attention was lost in the second chapter already. Not a good book and there are many better World War 2 memoirs to read instead of this book.

[Paul and Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving and real account about life as a soldier in the front lines throughout the war in Europe

Of the numerous books I have read regarding what my father's generations endured, this book is the best one I have read on the European theater of war. The story pulls no punches. It details the humorous events, the gore of battle, the bravery of men, and the atrocious things humans are so capable of committing in war.

This is one man's story, but it is a story easily generalized to the good and bad of war and upon those involved.

This is one book that live in my mind.

I am thankful for the service of the father. I am indebted to his son who had the sensitivity and tenaciousness to help his father write his story for us so we can better understand what he and his generation endured and for what he and other soldiers did for us.

[Robert M. Roth MD · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting tale

This book encompasses one man’s journey through WWII, starting with his induction into the army, service in Iceland and entry into France shortly after D Day. His encounters in battle are very interesting, but lacks the “you are there with him” element. To his credit, he doesn’t hold back in telling his story and he survived a very long war without injury. There is an epilogue which informs the reader of his post-war life. There are a few parts toward the end which reads more like a regimental history and loses a bit of the personal perspective. All in all a good book to read f you like books about personal service during the war.

[Robert S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book twice. It is a great read of what was going on at home before the war started. I liked the flow of the book. The accounts are of that of someone who was actually there. The author shares his honest feelings about how the average foot soldier viewed the war. You read of personal losses and the how the foot soldier viewed those in command. Nothing is held back in the book. I love history and you get accurate accounts of what happened in Europe.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My dad was in Patton's army and he died years later with virtually all his memories unshared. So, to get an inkling of his experiences, I have to rely on other sources, like books. This one is pretty good.

[David Engel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather than a story of the strategies and engagements, this narrative tells the personal experiences of an infantryman in the European campaigns from Normandy to occupation. Recently, I have preferred this kind of story...the personal accounts of those who were there.

[Jeannie N Sommers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because my maternal Grandfather died in the Battle of the Bulge and was part of that Red Diamond 5th division. I am not a fan of war books or movies but I wanted to learn about his experiences. I learned a lot and have increased respect for our WWII veterans..

[Elijah Meggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read dozens of memoirs from combat soldiers from all of the major combatants in WWII and this is one of the best.

[Sean Rosekrans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting to me as my father served in one of Patton's tanks.

[Jacob Fershee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cool read if you like ww2 history.

[Winnie The Pooh The Chinese President · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's quite bad. I literally did not know the guy's name until I was two thirds into the book. It feels like one of those WWII books trying to imitate the success of Band of Brothers without trying anything new.