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Road to Huertgen: Forest in Hell
“It’s hell,” he said flatly. “Pure unadulterated hell. That’s the only word for it. It’s hell.”
The Battle of Huertgen Forest was one of the bloodiest engagements of the Second World War.
Fought between American and German forces between 19th September to 16th December it was the longest single battle the U.S. Army has ever fought.
During those three months six American Infantry Divisions — the 1st, 4th, 8th, 9th, 28th and 83rd — and part of the 5th Armored Division fought against the battle-hardened Germans.
Lt. Paul Boesch provides an eyewitness account of the horrors that he and his men saw as they struggled through the rain and mud, avoiding artillery, mortars and mines.
This book is a remarkable account of one of the most vicious battles in World War Two told honestly by a man who was there.
“A true but little-told account of what it means to be an Infantryman.” Major General William G. Weaver
“To an old soldier this book will arouse memories; to the man in uniform who has never heard a shot fired in anger this book will stimulate reflexes which are life savers when the chips are down; to the youngster who eventually will be given the opportunity and privilege of wearing the uniform of his country, this book demonstrates the heights of heroism Americans can reach under the most deadly and difficult circumstances.” Major General P. D. Ginder
Paul Boesch was awarded two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and the French Croix de Guerre for his bravery and leadership through the course of the Battle of Huertgen Forest. At the outbreak of the war he volunteered for the join the army and served with the 8th infantry Division. After the war he became a professional wrestler and promoter, most famous for his work as an announcer and promoter for Houston Wrestling. His book Road to Huertgen was first published in 1962 and he passed away in 1989.
The Battle of Huertgen Forest was one of the bloodiest engagements of the Second World War.
Fought between American and German forces between 19th September to 16th December it was the longest single battle the U.S. Army has ever fought.
During those three months six American Infantry Divisions — the 1st, 4th, 8th, 9th, 28th and 83rd — and part of the 5th Armored Division fought against the battle-hardened Germans.
Lt. Paul Boesch provides an eyewitness account of the horrors that he and his men saw as they struggled through the rain and mud, avoiding artillery, mortars and mines.
This book is a remarkable account of one of the most vicious battles in World War Two told honestly by a man who was there.
“A true but little-told account of what it means to be an Infantryman.” Major General William G. Weaver
“To an old soldier this book will arouse memories; to the man in uniform who has never heard a shot fired in anger this book will stimulate reflexes which are life savers when the chips are down; to the youngster who eventually will be given the opportunity and privilege of wearing the uniform of his country, this book demonstrates the heights of heroism Americans can reach under the most deadly and difficult circumstances.” Major General P. D. Ginder
Paul Boesch was awarded two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and the French Croix de Guerre for his bravery and leadership through the course of the Battle of Huertgen Forest. At the outbreak of the war he volunteered for the join the army and served with the 8th infantry Division. After the war he became a professional wrestler and promoter, most famous for his work as an announcer and promoter for Houston Wrestling. His book Road to Huertgen was first published in 1962 and he passed away in 1989.
230 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 8, 2019
Personal account of World War II
Super book about World War II. The the author gives a first-hand account of what it was like to take the village of Huergen and gives a glimpse into the minor details of war that were often the difference between success and failure. From the kinds of KNC rations the soldiers had to the details of what it takes to be a commander.
I truly great book
Super book about World War II. The the author gives a first-hand account of what it was like to take the village of Huergen and gives a glimpse into the minor details of war that were often the difference between success and failure. From the kinds of KNC rations the soldiers had to the details of what it takes to be a commander.
I truly great book
March 28, 2021
This has to be the best single hand account I read from an American soldier. Nothing is hidden. Boesch pulls no punches nor does he glamorize battle. He gives a straight forward, no-nonsense view of what he and his brothers-in-arms endured on the battlefield. The only glory in battle is when the fight is over, the guns are silent and the terrible cost is tallied. No medal can console those who survived while they watched their buddies blown to bits, limbs detached by mines, corpses ground into the mud or frozen stiff. For them, they will suffer no more. For the living, they must continue with the job they were sent to perform.
He also points out the shenanigans of rear offices who continually issue orders that make zero sense!
If you are an avid fan of World War Two and want to get a perspective from a dog face who saw more than his fair share of combat, get a copy today.
He also points out the shenanigans of rear offices who continually issue orders that make zero sense!
If you are an avid fan of World War Two and want to get a perspective from a dog face who saw more than his fair share of combat, get a copy today.
February 19, 2020
Outstanding autobiographical account of an infantry officer on the front lines through France and into the Huertgen Forest. Published in 1962, it is written with extraordinary detail. I only wish it were longer.
April 11, 2021
Awesome account of Lt. Paul Boesch’s experiences in Europe during WWII. He was awarded two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and the French Croix de Guerre for his bravery and leadership through the course of the Battle of Huertgen Forest. After the war, he became a professional wrestler and promoter.
A true American hero as is everyone who served.
A true American hero as is everyone who served.
May 8, 2021
If you really want to know how an infantryman in combat really thinks and feels, read this book! If you want to know what a combat leader should do and has the responsibility to do, read this book! Lieutenant Paul Boesch served as a Platoon Leader, Executive Officer and Company Commander in the 121Infantry Regiment of the 8th Infantry Division. He is the best example of what a leader in combat should be that I have come across. No less than historian, LTC Charles B. MacDonald writes of this book, "Many of us who fought in World War II - whether in Europe, the Pacific, the Mediterranean - will quickly recognize that someone has at last emerged to tell our story as it actually happened" (Boesch. p. 10). This book evokes pathos, joy, confidence, temerity, fear, indignation, and humor from the Reader! This is the narrative of a Lieutenant fighting through some of the most odious combat in the European Theater. The 8th Infantry Division after fighting in Brittany was sent to relieve units of the 5th Armored Division fighting to take the town of Huertgen and fighting through the Huertgen forest as the subtitle of the book reads, Forest in Hell. He took over command of G Company when the previous commander was evacuated because of battle fatigue. One of his platoon leaders deserted his platoon in the middle of an attack and ran to the rear because of fear. He could account for only thirty of the 190 soldiers in the company. He had to lead an attack with those thirty! He rounded up another 30 soldiers and with four officers attacked. At one point in time during the attack he was down to six men and two lieutenants and himself. In the heat of battle and in darkness he could not account for the remainder of his company. The attack succeeded and after all the combat Lieutenant Boesch slipped on the stairs going down to his basement command Post (CP). He had to be evacuated. He spent the remainder of the war in hospitals recovering. This is a great read for anyone interested in World War II. It should be mandatory reading for all officers in the US Army! Lieutenant Boesch is the epitome of a leader!
December 25, 2019
A love of mine for years has been reading about the fighting in the Hürtgen Forest, while many fights were tough in WWII few were like the fighting in what was called the Green Hell. For a time I always tried to read a book about the Forest between October and December to better set the mood of the scene. Of particular love for me was Follow Me and Die, the story of the 28th ID and their time there. Have to say I’ve looked for many books for something that gave me the feeling Follow Me and Die gave me and can. Honestly say I found it in Road to Huertgen (for those not familiar there are several different spelling for the Hürtgen Forest or wald).
Road to Huertgen is the personal account of Lt. Boesch’s experience from the Brittany peninsula until he’s evacuated (read the book to find out how/why).ill be simple and sincere and simply say he wrote a top shelf personal account. It’s not as emotional as Guy Sajer’s but you feel Lt. Boesch’s feeling all throughout. His remembrance of people and actions is hard to beat, his descriptions a great, perfect for wargamers who want to look at small unit actions and better understand what it was like to lead men in battle. Honestly I put this a half step above Captain MacDonald’s account in Company Commander. What was arguably best in Road to Huertgen was Lt. Boesch’s account of the presence of the Forest. How overpowering and intimidating it was when merged with how dark it got, the muddy conditions, and the artillery. The feeling he transfers to paper merged with the descriptions makes this a solid 5 star account.
Road to Huertgen is the personal account of Lt. Boesch’s experience from the Brittany peninsula until he’s evacuated (read the book to find out how/why).ill be simple and sincere and simply say he wrote a top shelf personal account. It’s not as emotional as Guy Sajer’s but you feel Lt. Boesch’s feeling all throughout. His remembrance of people and actions is hard to beat, his descriptions a great, perfect for wargamers who want to look at small unit actions and better understand what it was like to lead men in battle. Honestly I put this a half step above Captain MacDonald’s account in Company Commander. What was arguably best in Road to Huertgen was Lt. Boesch’s account of the presence of the Forest. How overpowering and intimidating it was when merged with how dark it got, the muddy conditions, and the artillery. The feeling he transfers to paper merged with the descriptions makes this a solid 5 star account.
November 16, 2019
A grunts’ eye view if the European war. The author was a lieutenant in the infantry in the Huertgen Forest during the Battle of the Bulge. The most remarkable part of the book is the lack of contact he had with the enemy. His war involved avoiding artillery fire and mines which took a tremendous toll on the infantry. It was not until his company was ordered to attack the town of Huertgen that he experienced combat at close quarters. His account of the witnessing a German die who he shot gives insight into the psychology of war:
“Here, I thought to myself, is the first man I can truly say without doubt that I killed. It is strange how much war a man can see without ever being certain he has accomplished the primary purpose of killing the enemy. I had fired at many Germans, of course, and I had presumed in a number of cases that I had hit them. But never before had I had definite proof. Of this one, there could be no doubt. Yet I could stand there and watch him die and feel absolutely no qualms of any kind. This seemed particularly strange to me, for I was a man who had never gone hunting simply because I had neither the urge nor the heart to kill an animal. But I could shoot a man and then watch him die without feeling either sorry for him or for the fact that I was the one who had done it. It was as if I were a carpenter and had driven home a nail which secured one beam to another, the job I was assigned to do.”
This is one of the better personal accounts of WWII.
“Here, I thought to myself, is the first man I can truly say without doubt that I killed. It is strange how much war a man can see without ever being certain he has accomplished the primary purpose of killing the enemy. I had fired at many Germans, of course, and I had presumed in a number of cases that I had hit them. But never before had I had definite proof. Of this one, there could be no doubt. Yet I could stand there and watch him die and feel absolutely no qualms of any kind. This seemed particularly strange to me, for I was a man who had never gone hunting simply because I had neither the urge nor the heart to kill an animal. But I could shoot a man and then watch him die without feeling either sorry for him or for the fact that I was the one who had done it. It was as if I were a carpenter and had driven home a nail which secured one beam to another, the job I was assigned to do.”
This is one of the better personal accounts of WWII.
July 16, 2025
What can I say? My father survived this horrific battle. This was the only event I could get Father to open up about and he only talked about it while we were out on the lake in our tiny boat. His reflections were raw. Paul Boesch and his account reminds me of those days fishing with Dad. Their stories are so similar. I highly recommend this book in that it is raw. The tales of the German 88s and their goal to tree top the tall pines. Soldiers died from falling timbers that were shattered by the 88s. This story is the account of the day-to-day hell faced by the US Army infantry in a battle so few know about as this was near the end of the War and most American citizens were, at the time, overdosed on the War. The weather, their biggest adversary next to the German Army, was like no other campaign as you will see from the splendid narratives throughout the book. A great read! The casualty numbers are mind boggling! I have read several books about the Hurtgen battle...this is by far, my favorite as this book mirrors the discussions my father and I had. The 1998 TV movie, When Trumpets Fade, I think does a fantastic job of depicting the horrors of the battle. I have watched it multiple times and each time, I have picked up this book and re-read several chapters. It feels good to me as I reflect back to those days of fishing with Father.
March 15, 2019
A well-written first person war story
A gritty story of one of the most fierce battles of WW II by someone who experienced it. Gripping and graphically descriptive of the horrors of war. An exhibition of devotion to duty and another example of the fierce fighting spirit of an ordinary American called to serve his country. A must read if you want a first-hand description of courage and cowardice and the leadership skills of a platoon leader who truly went above and beyond.
A gritty story of one of the most fierce battles of WW II by someone who experienced it. Gripping and graphically descriptive of the horrors of war. An exhibition of devotion to duty and another example of the fierce fighting spirit of an ordinary American called to serve his country. A must read if you want a first-hand description of courage and cowardice and the leadership skills of a platoon leader who truly went above and beyond.
May 15, 2019
This was an outstanding book on war at the individual Soldier, Squad, Platoon and Company level. I have read hundreds of military books over the years, and the quality of writing in this book is among the best and most interesting. The only negative is that about 1/3 of the way through the story, it cuts off due to the protagonist being injured and shipped home. The story was written from his notes, so the rest of the story of Huertgen Forest is not addressed in this book. I still highly recommend this book.
February 14, 2019
Boesch really tells it like it is for the Infantryman. Cold,snow,rain,mud and death, this book follows a path from clearing the Brittany Pennisula to the brutal battle for the town of Huertgen. This is a quick read and hard to put down, it's hard to imagine most of this book takes place from September to December 1944. From this foot soldiers point of view, these guys were tough as nails.Check it out.
February 26, 2019
Great book
This book gives great insight into the view of combat from a platoon or company leader. The author fought in southern France and his experience culminates in the Battle in the Huertgen Forest. Written with grit and honesty, this is a tale of one man’s perspective of a larger battle. One of the best combat memoirs of World War II in Europe that I have read. Highly recommend.
This book gives great insight into the view of combat from a platoon or company leader. The author fought in southern France and his experience culminates in the Battle in the Huertgen Forest. Written with grit and honesty, this is a tale of one man’s perspective of a larger battle. One of the best combat memoirs of World War II in Europe that I have read. Highly recommend.
March 23, 2019
Just finished it
First hand detailed description of combat from an incredibly brave and dedicated lieutenant who survived and prevailed despite incredible close calls. Makes the reader realize the caliber of men this country mustered to win the war. Besides the combat there is remarkable memories of a soldiers life when not fighting. Paul Bleach has an incredibly good memory and writes very well.
First hand detailed description of combat from an incredibly brave and dedicated lieutenant who survived and prevailed despite incredible close calls. Makes the reader realize the caliber of men this country mustered to win the war. Besides the combat there is remarkable memories of a soldiers life when not fighting. Paul Bleach has an incredibly good memory and writes very well.
January 7, 2019
A brave man fights hard
This is not a boring book about movements of units and staff decisions. Here you will read about a likeable officer who cared for his men and personality fought the Krauts under the toughest circumstances. America is probably full of these brave men. We couldn't have enough of them. Jeff Lahar
This is not a boring book about movements of units and staff decisions. Here you will read about a likeable officer who cared for his men and personality fought the Krauts under the toughest circumstances. America is probably full of these brave men. We couldn't have enough of them. Jeff Lahar
March 14, 2019
I felt the mud!
I enjoyed this book very much. I especially like military history written from the perspective of the guy in the trenches rather than the what division was where and who commanded what unit. Excellent descriptions of the actual tactical situations. Only down side was the lack of maps which help to visualize the action.
I enjoyed this book very much. I especially like military history written from the perspective of the guy in the trenches rather than the what division was where and who commanded what unit. Excellent descriptions of the actual tactical situations. Only down side was the lack of maps which help to visualize the action.
May 7, 2019
War is hell
I myself being a Vietnam veteran (infantry) retired, was very familiar with the suffering of the grunts out in the front, living a miserable life, wet, cold, coping with the death and injuries among your buddies. I like the way it was written, that sometimes it put right in the front lines. Great book.
I myself being a Vietnam veteran (infantry) retired, was very familiar with the suffering of the grunts out in the front, living a miserable life, wet, cold, coping with the death and injuries among your buddies. I like the way it was written, that sometimes it put right in the front lines. Great book.
July 11, 2019
Through the Eyes of an Infantry LT
It is not often that a book is written by a man who personally endured the horrors of war in very intimate terms. The reader really becomes attached to this LT as he and his unit fight against the German Army. I recommend this book to anyone who in some small way desire to appreciate what a combat infantry man endures .
It is not often that a book is written by a man who personally endured the horrors of war in very intimate terms. The reader really becomes attached to this LT as he and his unit fight against the German Army. I recommend this book to anyone who in some small way desire to appreciate what a combat infantry man endures .
December 28, 2019
Excellent
Although written by an officer, it could have been a private. This Lt was every bit the infantrymen. Good writing and description of the war he fought, but it did feel like he glossed over some of the actual fighting. He never brags and is always humble, which reads well.
Definitely a good read!
Although written by an officer, it could have been a private. This Lt was every bit the infantrymen. Good writing and description of the war he fought, but it did feel like he glossed over some of the actual fighting. He never brags and is always humble, which reads well.
Definitely a good read!
April 15, 2020
Pretty good book.
This is a pretty good book about a battle in WW2. I don't write books so I really don't like to be critical. I would have liked to get more information about the soldiers who fought on the battle. The battle scenes were great but more information about the soldiers would have been better.
This is a pretty good book about a battle in WW2. I don't write books so I really don't like to be critical. I would have liked to get more information about the soldiers who fought on the battle. The battle scenes were great but more information about the soldiers would have been better.
September 8, 2020
One of the better World War 2 Intimate Histories
This book was written by the man who won the silver star among other awards for his leadership in a significant battle of world war 2. In addition to telling a very compelling tale about what life was really like for the front line infantry soldier, he's also a damn good writer.
This book was written by the man who won the silver star among other awards for his leadership in a significant battle of world war 2. In addition to telling a very compelling tale about what life was really like for the front line infantry soldier, he's also a damn good writer.
December 10, 2020
This is an excellent memoir of a platoon and company commander fighting in Europe after D-Day and before the Battle of the Bulge. It reads like a novel as it is that intimate. He discusses his emotions before, during and after combat with frankness and honesty. I recommend this to anyone interested in WW 2.
June 7, 2022
Really good first hand account of an infantry man in WW2. Some parts hard to read as written but overall good. The end came to fast and a little anticlimactic but it's non fiction so not much more you can do, it's a testament to the author that it left you wanting more. And I found myself looking for books similar so I could keep reading on the subject.
January 13, 2019
Horror of Huertgen
This is one of the most accurate account of combat that I have read. My oldest brother fought and was wounded in the Huertgen Forest. He told of the horror and gloominess that mirrors Lt. Boesch’s book.
This is one of the most accurate account of combat that I have read. My oldest brother fought and was wounded in the Huertgen Forest. He told of the horror and gloominess that mirrors Lt. Boesch’s book.
February 16, 2019
A great read!! God bless these men! Tells the reality of war! Makes you feel or at least paints a picture of the way these soldiers lived and died!
A great read! Truly amazing what these men went through day to day! Glad I read this book. Enjoy the story and know!
A great read! Truly amazing what these men went through day to day! Glad I read this book. Enjoy the story and know!
February 18, 2019
Brings you into combat
This book is one of the best I have ever read about combat during WWIJ.
As you read it it makes you realize the strength,bravery and shear tenacity of the men who fought this war.
This book is one of the best I have ever read about combat during WWIJ.
As you read it it makes you realize the strength,bravery and shear tenacity of the men who fought this war.
March 3, 2019
Gritty
This is a terrific first person account of the early part of the battle that would claim more than 30,000 casualties, including 12,000 dead. There are heroes and there are some who just turned and ran. War is hell and Lt. Boesch paints it as such.
This is a terrific first person account of the early part of the battle that would claim more than 30,000 casualties, including 12,000 dead. There are heroes and there are some who just turned and ran. War is hell and Lt. Boesch paints it as such.
March 3, 2019
Riveting - the author paints a picture of what the dog face soldier endured as they moved through France.
He captures details that only the brave men that experienced the hell of war can truly relate to. There is a reason his is the greatest generation. A must read.
He captures details that only the brave men that experienced the hell of war can truly relate to. There is a reason his is the greatest generation. A must read.
March 12, 2019
Outstanding firsthand account of the battle for Hurtgen
Honest, thoughtful narrative from a soldier who lived the horrors of the Hurtgen Forest infantry battles and survived despite his extensive close combat with a determined enemy.
Honest, thoughtful narrative from a soldier who lived the horrors of the Hurtgen Forest infantry battles and survived despite his extensive close combat with a determined enemy.
March 12, 2019
Feels like you’re there
Extremely well written and engaging first hand account of a small piece of World War II. God bless the sacrifices of the living and dead, and the freedoms that they fought for.
Extremely well written and engaging first hand account of a small piece of World War II. God bless the sacrifices of the living and dead, and the freedoms that they fought for.
March 18, 2019
World war 2 in reality
This is the most interesting read since getting my iPad. The details of world war 2 events are breathtaking and emotional. The men appearing in this material are, realistic and presented in the reality of war. WOW!
This is the most interesting read since getting my iPad. The details of world war 2 events are breathtaking and emotional. The men appearing in this material are, realistic and presented in the reality of war. WOW!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews