First Across the Rhine: The Story of the 291st Engineer Combat Battalion in France, Belgium, and Germany

by Col. David E. Pergrin, Eric Hammel

Colonel David Pergrin recounts how, at the age of 26, he mobilized the companies of his 291st Engineers to help bring Hitler's advancing forces to a grinding halt in the Battle of the Bulge. Small but battle-wizened units under Colonel Pergrin's command went to work with mines, crater charges, bazookas, and small arms, effectively denying the German tanks further inroads. Colonel Pergrin goes on to retell how his recruits were then chosen to build up the bridgehead that would support the flow of Allies over the Rhine into the heart of Germany. A gritty yet wonderful tale of how skilled young soldiers and their leader applied their skills and enthusiasm during a critical moment in our nation's history.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction, Military Fiction

337 pages, Paperback

Published June 29, 1999

Reviews

[Jesper Jorgensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting account about Combat Engineers and the myriad of jobs they had. Like building temporary and permanent bridges, laying or clearing mine fields, road repair and maintenance, running saw mills and quarries and . . .
The book created many a 'Aha!', 'Naturally!', 'Of course!' 'Oh?!' and so forth. Good background info

[James Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend - one of the most enjoyable reads of courage, character, ingenuity, loyalty, quality leadership skills, determination, . . .. For a war story it leaves you with a recipe for the honourable warrior, fighting because it had to be done, no glory seeking, just wanting to get rid of the devil and return to family and home.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book thinking it would give me insight into the area I'll be visiting on my Rhine River cruise, but I didn't find a lot of value in that regard. Still, First Across the Rhine was an interesting story of the Army Engineering Corps who were the tip of the spear in pushing back the Germans after the Battle of the Bulge. I had never thought much about the civil engineering that went with waging war, and was amazed at how quickly these organized companies of men could erect bridges over rivers, grade temporary roadways, and sweep for mines in enemy territory. It made me appreciate that the armed forces are so much more complex than just soldiers carrying guns!

This account is written by David E. Pergrin, the commander of the 291st Army Engineer Corps, and he showed on every page how much he respected his men. He constantly is making sure every cog in the machine is recognized and thanked for their part in the overall job. I also loved his positivity and his quickness to acknowledge God's hand. He's a great representative of what is often called "The Greatest Generation."

[Eric Wishman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, concise, and detailed account of the 291st Engineer Combat Battalion by its commander, Colonel David Pergrin. The majority of the book focuses on the battalion's actions during the Battle of the Bulge and its efforts to build a tread bridge at Remagen. The rest of the book covers their support during the Normandy breakout and their support at the Danube River at the end of the war. One of the most interesting and enjoyable combat memoir I've read and one that I would recommend to anyone interested in a first person account of battle during World War II.

[Darin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of my favorite WWII books, it is one of the first that I read that made me start enjoying the genre. It follows the 291st Engineer combat Battalion through their ww2 doings, from stopping the Germans in the Battle of the Bulge to building a bridge across the Rhine. I would highly advise this book to any ww2 readers, I don't remember hardly any bad language or objectionable content which made it more enjoyable.

[Steve Dedier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable account of this fabled unit. There is enough detail to satisfy your tactical interest in specific battles but not overly so. There is also good basic information on the role of the combat engineers. There is quite a bit of self back slapping but that can be forgiven as this is a storied unit.

[ANDREW STANNER · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a retired Army engineer, this is the most extraordinary book of my profession. I found it absolutely compelling. Highly recommended.

[Andrew Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting tale of US combat engineers. One doesn't often get the story of the just behind the frontline troops. And these guys were on the front line in the Battle of the Bulge and at Remagen (almost).

Pergrin's writing style is a bit list-like, but the range of action they saw is interesting. I now know a lot about how Bailey Bridges are built!

[Tom D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Col. Pergrin did a great job. Most military memoirs I have read have been written by enlisted personnel, therefore giving off a more "rugged" vibe. However, this book has educated me in a way in which I'm very appreciative. First off, I have a new found respect for all of our military personnel who cleared the mines, paved the roads, and built the bridges that led to victory in WWII. Secondly, I appreciated how Col. Pergrin described how the operations were put in action through the chain of command. He gave me insight on how the army, at least in Europe, reached their objects like a well oiled machine.