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Never in Finer Company: The Men of the Great War's Lost Battalion
Uncover the larger-than-life story of World War I's "Lost Battalion" and the men who survived the ordeal, triumphed in battle, and fought the demons that lingered.
In the first week of October, 1918, six hundred men attacked into Europe's forbidding Argonne Forest. Against all odds, they surged through enemy lines—alone. They were soon surrounded and besieged. As they ran out of ammunition, water, and food, the doughboys withstood constant bombardment and relentless enemy assaults. Seven days later, only 194 soldiers from the original unit walked out of the forest. The stand of the US Army's "Lost Battalion" remains an unprecedented display of heroism under fire.
Never in Finer Company tells the stories of four men whose lives were forever changed by the Major Charles Whittlesey, a lawyer dedicated to serving his men at any cost; Captain George McMurtry, a New York stockbroker who becomes a tower of strength under fire; Corporal Alvin York, a country farmer whose famous exploits help rescue his beleaguered comrades; and Damon Runyon, an intrepid newspaper man who interviews the survivors and weaves their experiences into the American epic. Emerging from the patriotic frenzy that sent young men "over there," each of these four men trod a unique path to the October days that engulfed them—and continued to haunt them as they struggled to find peace.
Uplifting and compelling, Never in Finer Company is a deeply moving and dramatic story on an epic scale.
In the first week of October, 1918, six hundred men attacked into Europe's forbidding Argonne Forest. Against all odds, they surged through enemy lines—alone. They were soon surrounded and besieged. As they ran out of ammunition, water, and food, the doughboys withstood constant bombardment and relentless enemy assaults. Seven days later, only 194 soldiers from the original unit walked out of the forest. The stand of the US Army's "Lost Battalion" remains an unprecedented display of heroism under fire.
Never in Finer Company tells the stories of four men whose lives were forever changed by the Major Charles Whittlesey, a lawyer dedicated to serving his men at any cost; Captain George McMurtry, a New York stockbroker who becomes a tower of strength under fire; Corporal Alvin York, a country farmer whose famous exploits help rescue his beleaguered comrades; and Damon Runyon, an intrepid newspaper man who interviews the survivors and weaves their experiences into the American epic. Emerging from the patriotic frenzy that sent young men "over there," each of these four men trod a unique path to the October days that engulfed them—and continued to haunt them as they struggled to find peace.
Uplifting and compelling, Never in Finer Company is a deeply moving and dramatic story on an epic scale.
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2018
36 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Edward G. Lengel
29 books126 followersIndependent historian, hiker, and voracious reader. As an author, I'm delighted to have reached the stage where I can write purely for personal enjoyment and interest, as my forthcoming works will attest!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 29, 2018
Here is my experience in reading this book: I have been teaching on World War I for the past month or so in my Humanities class on the Modern Age. We have been reading from Barbara Tuchman’s Pulitzer Prize winning book The Guns of August. Then the class read Erich Marie Remarque’s great novel All Quiet on the Western Front. I have been lecturing, passing out maps, and showing a few documentaries as well. To further my own reading, I read Douglas Bond’s novel War in the Wasteland, which I also reviewed on a previous blog. Also, I read Michael Howard’s book The First World War: A Very Short Introduction. More books were and are being stacked on the desk.
In the midst of it, I had dug into Never In Finer Company, trudged along for 140 pages and realized that it wasn’t just a battalion that was lost in the Great War. I was lost in the book. I wondered if the book itself was the problem. But, I started over.
Nope, the book wasn’t the problem. It was the reader. I quickly retraced the ground that had been lost while I retreated from page 140 back to the beginning. The story began coming together much better. (Too many irons in the fire, or books on the stack, had derailed my earlier effort.) This book was being read during one of my favorite reading times in the day: When I go to bed. Reading doesn’t put me to sleep; instead, it brings a great closure to the day.
Often, I have a biography or book on history to read during this late night jaunt, and I have a page-turner novel. I read the non-fiction and enjoy it, but get a little more delight out of the plot twists of the novel. But this book began outshining the fiction reads. As the Lost Battalion was holding its own against the Germans, while facing hunger, thirst, and imminent death, I was entranced with finding out what was going to happen to them.
If this had been a fictional account of soldiers in wartime, it would have make a first class story and could be an incredible movie. But it is even better. It really happened.
World War I is so overshadowed by the Second War. The machines and weapons of WWI seem so awkward, the films portray men walking like Charlie Chaplin, and the sheer static nature of so much of that war leads to a sense of despair. In World War II, soldiers where capturing something. In World War I, they were wasting away in the trenches, or so it seems.
Americans began training for the war some time before we actually entered. The nation entered the war with little actual understanding of the costs, the tactics, the enemy, and the course of the war. The United States was woefully short of weapons. As has often been the case, we did have the old “can-do” spirit and the assurance that the Europeans just didn’t know how to wrap this thing up.
When the American army was finally able to be its own military unit under General John Pershing, the prevailing strategic idea was “advance.” I suspect that had we entered the war one to two years earlier, we would have had our own “Battle of the Somme” or Verdun (referring to British and French battles with incredibly high casualty rates). When we did take to the field, the German army was largely already beaten or worn down, but it was more like a trapped and wounded grizzly bear than like a dead chicken.
Advance was ordered by the Americans, and advance they did. The “Lost Battalion” consisted of about 600 men who were part of the 77th or Metropolitan Division. The battle was known as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. It was a great victory–in the long run–for the Americans, but it was no cake-walk. The Lost Battalion was surrounded by the Germans and completely cut off from supplies, reinforcements, a line of retreat (which was unthinkable anyway), and even communication.
The heroes included a couple of officers named Charles Whittlesey and George McMurtry. Neither man was a soldier by profession. Both were conscientious, self-less, and unhumanly brave. Of course, the soldiers on the ground were heroes as well. Many were threatened with death–either directly or by infection–from lightly or untreated wounds. All were hungry, thirsty, and without any comforts.
In the best of military traditions, city boy and country boy, Christian, Jew, and non-believer, educated and uneducated men melded together and fought for all they were worth. I must confess to being thrilled when Lengel described one of the later attacks by the Germans. The Americans, in danger now of running out of ammunition, were hurling curses across the field to their enemies. They didn’t yield an inch.
Rescue finally came to what was becoming a center of media attention–the Lost Battalion. Several soldiers were sent through the lines to contact the main American forces and guide them to the soldiers under siege. One hero of the story was a pigeon, named Cher Ami, who was badly injured in her flight carrying a message from the battle back to headquarters.
As if this story itself were not enough, there is another part of the larger story that Lengel includes. I supposed I have watched and used the movie Sgt. York three dozen times in my years of teaching history. Alvin York was not a part of the Lost Battalion, but his heroic exploits, which won him fame and resulted in the movie version of his story, took place as the rescue was being effected. York’s story is told here as well.
I am all for honoring heroes and this book is full of them. But life and history is never quite that simple. There were commanders who were out of touch with what was happening. There were cases where responsibility was shifted by those seeking to escape blame. When the battalion was rescued, there were some who were ready to capitalize on the successes.
Post-World War I resulted in plenty of cases of men suffering from the effects of the war. Again, this is often forgotten. The Great Depression and World War II trumps the first war and the post-war period. Yes, lots of men, like Alvin York, returned home, married their sweethearts, had a family, and worked. But even his life was more complicated than that. Some like Charles Whittlesey never recovered from the war, the memories of the death and cries of pain, and the feeling of guilt as a commander.
These men were a fine company, and this book, despite my initial bad start, is a really engaging account.
In the midst of it, I had dug into Never In Finer Company, trudged along for 140 pages and realized that it wasn’t just a battalion that was lost in the Great War. I was lost in the book. I wondered if the book itself was the problem. But, I started over.
Nope, the book wasn’t the problem. It was the reader. I quickly retraced the ground that had been lost while I retreated from page 140 back to the beginning. The story began coming together much better. (Too many irons in the fire, or books on the stack, had derailed my earlier effort.) This book was being read during one of my favorite reading times in the day: When I go to bed. Reading doesn’t put me to sleep; instead, it brings a great closure to the day.
Often, I have a biography or book on history to read during this late night jaunt, and I have a page-turner novel. I read the non-fiction and enjoy it, but get a little more delight out of the plot twists of the novel. But this book began outshining the fiction reads. As the Lost Battalion was holding its own against the Germans, while facing hunger, thirst, and imminent death, I was entranced with finding out what was going to happen to them.
If this had been a fictional account of soldiers in wartime, it would have make a first class story and could be an incredible movie. But it is even better. It really happened.
World War I is so overshadowed by the Second War. The machines and weapons of WWI seem so awkward, the films portray men walking like Charlie Chaplin, and the sheer static nature of so much of that war leads to a sense of despair. In World War II, soldiers where capturing something. In World War I, they were wasting away in the trenches, or so it seems.
Americans began training for the war some time before we actually entered. The nation entered the war with little actual understanding of the costs, the tactics, the enemy, and the course of the war. The United States was woefully short of weapons. As has often been the case, we did have the old “can-do” spirit and the assurance that the Europeans just didn’t know how to wrap this thing up.
When the American army was finally able to be its own military unit under General John Pershing, the prevailing strategic idea was “advance.” I suspect that had we entered the war one to two years earlier, we would have had our own “Battle of the Somme” or Verdun (referring to British and French battles with incredibly high casualty rates). When we did take to the field, the German army was largely already beaten or worn down, but it was more like a trapped and wounded grizzly bear than like a dead chicken.
Advance was ordered by the Americans, and advance they did. The “Lost Battalion” consisted of about 600 men who were part of the 77th or Metropolitan Division. The battle was known as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. It was a great victory–in the long run–for the Americans, but it was no cake-walk. The Lost Battalion was surrounded by the Germans and completely cut off from supplies, reinforcements, a line of retreat (which was unthinkable anyway), and even communication.
The heroes included a couple of officers named Charles Whittlesey and George McMurtry. Neither man was a soldier by profession. Both were conscientious, self-less, and unhumanly brave. Of course, the soldiers on the ground were heroes as well. Many were threatened with death–either directly or by infection–from lightly or untreated wounds. All were hungry, thirsty, and without any comforts.
In the best of military traditions, city boy and country boy, Christian, Jew, and non-believer, educated and uneducated men melded together and fought for all they were worth. I must confess to being thrilled when Lengel described one of the later attacks by the Germans. The Americans, in danger now of running out of ammunition, were hurling curses across the field to their enemies. They didn’t yield an inch.
Rescue finally came to what was becoming a center of media attention–the Lost Battalion. Several soldiers were sent through the lines to contact the main American forces and guide them to the soldiers under siege. One hero of the story was a pigeon, named Cher Ami, who was badly injured in her flight carrying a message from the battle back to headquarters.
As if this story itself were not enough, there is another part of the larger story that Lengel includes. I supposed I have watched and used the movie Sgt. York three dozen times in my years of teaching history. Alvin York was not a part of the Lost Battalion, but his heroic exploits, which won him fame and resulted in the movie version of his story, took place as the rescue was being effected. York’s story is told here as well.
I am all for honoring heroes and this book is full of them. But life and history is never quite that simple. There were commanders who were out of touch with what was happening. There were cases where responsibility was shifted by those seeking to escape blame. When the battalion was rescued, there were some who were ready to capitalize on the successes.
Post-World War I resulted in plenty of cases of men suffering from the effects of the war. Again, this is often forgotten. The Great Depression and World War II trumps the first war and the post-war period. Yes, lots of men, like Alvin York, returned home, married their sweethearts, had a family, and worked. But even his life was more complicated than that. Some like Charles Whittlesey never recovered from the war, the memories of the death and cries of pain, and the feeling of guilt as a commander.
These men were a fine company, and this book, despite my initial bad start, is a really engaging account.
December 7, 2022
Here goes. This account of the Lost Battalion in World War I is written at a fifth grade level with lazy prose and an excessive number of adverbs. This read became little more than a random collection of facts.
The first third of the book was spent on baseball, boxing and life in New York City near where the 77th Division's training camp was constructed on Long Island. This was sadly the best part of the book and it had little to do with the war but more about the mood of the country in 1917.
Other problems include only two maps and a handful of quotes in a book of some three hundred pages. In the end I had to go to Wikipedia to learn about the battle as it was so hard to follow and out in context.
The most interesting fact that I learned was the importance of homing pigeons on the front lines and that sometimes the birds would come back badly wounded from shrapnel flying around.
It is sad that I felt more deeply for the pigeons than I did for the hundreds of men in the battalion waging war and dying for their country. This says that any efforts at personalizing the soldier's story were wholly ineffective.
With all of the great literature that came out of World War I experience, I expected much more from this book.
2 stars at best.
The first third of the book was spent on baseball, boxing and life in New York City near where the 77th Division's training camp was constructed on Long Island. This was sadly the best part of the book and it had little to do with the war but more about the mood of the country in 1917.
Other problems include only two maps and a handful of quotes in a book of some three hundred pages. In the end I had to go to Wikipedia to learn about the battle as it was so hard to follow and out in context.
The most interesting fact that I learned was the importance of homing pigeons on the front lines and that sometimes the birds would come back badly wounded from shrapnel flying around.
It is sad that I felt more deeply for the pigeons than I did for the hundreds of men in the battalion waging war and dying for their country. This says that any efforts at personalizing the soldier's story were wholly ineffective.
With all of the great literature that came out of World War I experience, I expected much more from this book.
2 stars at best.
October 3, 2018
This is the story of 4 men whose lives were intertwined through extraordinary circumstances.
Lengel begins this tale along the waterfront, in 1916.
Can you imagine living then?
These were years when everyone watched baseball and boxing. The years where masses of people crowded silent movies, Vaudeville and, Coney Island.
Now, imagine being awakened after midnight to the irritatingly strong smell of smoke.
When a fire occurred along the pier opposite the Statue of Liberty it gradually moved to create a succession of explosions along Black Tom Island. Sabotage was considered, and it wasn’t till several years later the possibility of an act of terrorism was recognized.
Fusing this backdrop with its historical context WWI is gripping. The United States entered declaring war on Germany on April 6, 1917. On April 28th Congress passed the Selective Service Act to raise a national army for service in World War I and enacted it May 18th, soon after men were eligible to be drafted with Sept 4th hailed as National Draft Day.
The Lost Battalion consisted of several different companies from the 77th Division who were recruited, draftees. During their mission Maj. Charles Whittlesey and Captain George McMurtry of the 308th led nearly 600 men into the uneven terrain at Charlevaux Ravine in the Argonne Forest of France. While this battalion was able to push forward, allied soldiers on either side of them had failed and Germans encircled them.
We learn that leaders touted resilience and aggressiveness. And while many felt the burden of loss, some did not have experience with combat that teaches the closer you are to the frontline the more exhausted you become.
Through this evocative writing, we see The Lost Battalion dug funk holes that got deeper every day. The soldiers defended their position for five days and nights facing a multitude of challenges including the friendly fire which ceased when a homing pigeon, Cher Ami, delivered a message, to stop.
In the midst of all this uncertainty, soldiers ran out of food and relied on rainwater collected in helmets. If they were fortunate, masks kept out noxious gas and the stench of rotting corpses. Survivors grew to anticipate death, when cries, whispers, and groans, faded.
The perseverance and grit really stood out in this novel. Though wounded, Captain George McMurtry and Maj. Charles Whittlesey tried to keep the troops optimistic.
Sergeant Alvin York was able to intervene and led an attack on German machine gun nest, killing enemy soldiers, and capturing 132 men. Sergeant York became one of the most decorated United States Army soldiers of World War I. His actions assisted Major Charles Whittlesey and Captain George McMurtry in leading the remaining 194 survivors of The Lost Battalion out of the ravine at Meuse-Argonne.
William Randolph Hearst sent War Correspondent Damon Runyon to France where Runyon spent time mixing with the troops of regiment 77th. He made the lucid Doughboy Diaries which still stirs our emotions.
Both evocative and atmospheric, this story ensnared me from the very first page. Award-winning historian Edward G. Lengel brilliantly weaves together the hardships of The Meuse-Argonne Offensive which was the Deadliest battle in American History. He points out that The Lost Battalion is made up of men from diverse cultures who become comrades in the trenches - indicating one is Never In Finer Company.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the generosity of Da Capo Press Marketing Manager Quinn Fariel for my honest review.
Lengel begins this tale along the waterfront, in 1916.
Can you imagine living then?
These were years when everyone watched baseball and boxing. The years where masses of people crowded silent movies, Vaudeville and, Coney Island.
Now, imagine being awakened after midnight to the irritatingly strong smell of smoke.
When a fire occurred along the pier opposite the Statue of Liberty it gradually moved to create a succession of explosions along Black Tom Island. Sabotage was considered, and it wasn’t till several years later the possibility of an act of terrorism was recognized.
Fusing this backdrop with its historical context WWI is gripping. The United States entered declaring war on Germany on April 6, 1917. On April 28th Congress passed the Selective Service Act to raise a national army for service in World War I and enacted it May 18th, soon after men were eligible to be drafted with Sept 4th hailed as National Draft Day.
The Lost Battalion consisted of several different companies from the 77th Division who were recruited, draftees. During their mission Maj. Charles Whittlesey and Captain George McMurtry of the 308th led nearly 600 men into the uneven terrain at Charlevaux Ravine in the Argonne Forest of France. While this battalion was able to push forward, allied soldiers on either side of them had failed and Germans encircled them.
We learn that leaders touted resilience and aggressiveness. And while many felt the burden of loss, some did not have experience with combat that teaches the closer you are to the frontline the more exhausted you become.
Through this evocative writing, we see The Lost Battalion dug funk holes that got deeper every day. The soldiers defended their position for five days and nights facing a multitude of challenges including the friendly fire which ceased when a homing pigeon, Cher Ami, delivered a message, to stop.
In the midst of all this uncertainty, soldiers ran out of food and relied on rainwater collected in helmets. If they were fortunate, masks kept out noxious gas and the stench of rotting corpses. Survivors grew to anticipate death, when cries, whispers, and groans, faded.
The perseverance and grit really stood out in this novel. Though wounded, Captain George McMurtry and Maj. Charles Whittlesey tried to keep the troops optimistic.
Sergeant Alvin York was able to intervene and led an attack on German machine gun nest, killing enemy soldiers, and capturing 132 men. Sergeant York became one of the most decorated United States Army soldiers of World War I. His actions assisted Major Charles Whittlesey and Captain George McMurtry in leading the remaining 194 survivors of The Lost Battalion out of the ravine at Meuse-Argonne.
William Randolph Hearst sent War Correspondent Damon Runyon to France where Runyon spent time mixing with the troops of regiment 77th. He made the lucid Doughboy Diaries which still stirs our emotions.
Both evocative and atmospheric, this story ensnared me from the very first page. Award-winning historian Edward G. Lengel brilliantly weaves together the hardships of The Meuse-Argonne Offensive which was the Deadliest battle in American History. He points out that The Lost Battalion is made up of men from diverse cultures who become comrades in the trenches - indicating one is Never In Finer Company.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the generosity of Da Capo Press Marketing Manager Quinn Fariel for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. You could really feel the pain and hopelessness the soldiers had to endure. Recommend for anyone looking for World War I history.
July 15, 2021
In a world where the US's role in the First World War is tragically overlooked, Lengel's work is essential reading for any student of the conflict. Never In Finer Company removes the rosy tones of patriotism from this horrific siege, giving the reader a real glimpse of the men who struggled and suffered and died - and who would ultimately become known as "The Lost Battalion".
Anyone wanting to know more about Major Whittlesey, his comrades, or their exploits should start here. Lengel's craft is impeccable - his research solid, his writing fast and exciting. You'll be surprised how quickly you finish the book.
Anyone wanting to know more about Major Whittlesey, his comrades, or their exploits should start here. Lengel's craft is impeccable - his research solid, his writing fast and exciting. You'll be surprised how quickly you finish the book.
November 11, 2018
The story of the legendary Lost Battalion also features another WWI legend, Sergeant Alvin York whose division was part of a flanking attack which took pressure off the lost Battalion and allowed their relief in fairly short order. Besides York, Lengel's book focuses on the Battalion's leadership -Whittlesley and McMurtry , the 77th Division, New York City's Metropolitan Division, of which they were a part, and Damon Runyon, the quintessential New York journalist and chronicler.
I was surprised to learn the role division and corps command played in getting the Battalion "lost". Usually, its predicament is chalked up to an overly enthusiastic attack which put them behind German lines and cut off. The fact of the matter is that they were given unthinking orders to attack by officers far in the rear who had no idea of conditions at the front. They did move forward but under protest. Lengel also assigns blame to the US Army's unimaginative doctrine of unrelenting forward movement regardless of what was in front of them.
Whittlesey and McMurtry were inspiring but very different leaders and the pressure of leadership for those few days would affect them for the rest of their lives - in Whittesley's case, most tragically.
Lengel tells his story with drama and flair, He sees the significance of the Lost Battalion in its men - a mirror New York City's diversity - coming together as Americans despite their differences. He maintains that because of this, the City would henceforth be thought of a truly American rather than an outpost of alien, un-American Europeans.
I was surprised to learn the role division and corps command played in getting the Battalion "lost". Usually, its predicament is chalked up to an overly enthusiastic attack which put them behind German lines and cut off. The fact of the matter is that they were given unthinking orders to attack by officers far in the rear who had no idea of conditions at the front. They did move forward but under protest. Lengel also assigns blame to the US Army's unimaginative doctrine of unrelenting forward movement regardless of what was in front of them.
Whittlesey and McMurtry were inspiring but very different leaders and the pressure of leadership for those few days would affect them for the rest of their lives - in Whittesley's case, most tragically.
Lengel tells his story with drama and flair, He sees the significance of the Lost Battalion in its men - a mirror New York City's diversity - coming together as Americans despite their differences. He maintains that because of this, the City would henceforth be thought of a truly American rather than an outpost of alien, un-American Europeans.
April 29, 2022
It’s a tale as old as time. A high-level military egomaniac creates a horrible situation because they don’t know how war works, someone else bails them out, and then they celebrate themselves as if it was the plan all along.
The Lost Battalion of World War I was 9 companies of the 77th Division which were dangerously forced beyond their fellow units to their left and right. Ultimately, they were encircled by German forces and were cut off for days.
Lengel takes the reader through the story of how the 77th was formed and their movements which allowed for the story to take place. Lengel mostly focuses on specific characters both in and out of the unit to give a full view of how the Lost Battalion changed many lives. Unfortunately, it was mostly for the worse.
The book is an easy and quick read by history nerd standards, but it’s much deeper than it seems. Lengel touches on a lot of things, such as PTSD and incompetent leadership, but doesn’t use too heavy a hand. His subjects are complex people in horrible situations and he recognizes that.
The Lost Battalion of World War I was 9 companies of the 77th Division which were dangerously forced beyond their fellow units to their left and right. Ultimately, they were encircled by German forces and were cut off for days.
Lengel takes the reader through the story of how the 77th was formed and their movements which allowed for the story to take place. Lengel mostly focuses on specific characters both in and out of the unit to give a full view of how the Lost Battalion changed many lives. Unfortunately, it was mostly for the worse.
The book is an easy and quick read by history nerd standards, but it’s much deeper than it seems. Lengel touches on a lot of things, such as PTSD and incompetent leadership, but doesn’t use too heavy a hand. His subjects are complex people in horrible situations and he recognizes that.
October 14, 2020
Focusing on a couple of key Americans who were involved in the "Lost Battalion" episode in late 1918, Never in Finer Company is a wonderful read for anyone interested in World War I. The book largely focuses on the "Lost Battalion" led by Major Charles Whittlesey, who was under orders from an American general to advance relentlessly at all costs. The Americans were new to the war, and General John Pershing felt it was vital for American troops to be independently led and prove their worth in a major battle to their British and French allies. This led to the intense Battle of the Argonne Forest. Whittlesey's soldiers advanced relentlessly despite the fact the troops on their flanks did not keep up. They got cut off and surrounded by experienced German soldiers. It became a crisis to relieve the Lost Battalion, because if they had been massacred or all taken prisoner, the impact on America's role in the war would have been very negative. With Whittlesey's steely command, the battalion was able to hold out despite miserable conditions, much suffering by the wounded and heavy losses. The men became heroes remembered to this day.
Despite the Lost Battalion and Whittlesey being the primary focus of the book, the author does not seem to much like Whittlesey and goes out of his way to again and again depict him negatively but frankly the facts of the case save Whittlesey each time. He was ordered to advance. He refused to surrender, and his command was saved and because a great national story that helped demoralize the Germans and end one of the worst wars in history.
Also making an appearance is writer Damon Runyon, a kind of Hunter Thompson of his era, who lived big and wrote about the interesting stories of everyday soldiers at the front, taking a break from his epic stories of New York City life and sports. Runyon is not much remembered today but his writing and character come alive in a way few newspaper writers ever have been able to write and is still great reading today.
Curiously appended to the end of this book is the story of the legendary Sgt. Alvin York. Towards the end of the war in one seemingly hopeless engagement, he single-handidly killed 20+ German soldiers and with steely bluff and good shooting took an incredible 132 prisoners. While a great and true story, the tie-in of Sgt. York to the rest of the story which focuses on the Lost Battalion is tenuous.
The book ends telling of the mens' post war lives. Runyon lived through World War II but never returned to the front and increasingly frustrated the story of the Great War was being forgotten. Sgt. York, a simple man, tried to make some earnings off his fame and established a foundation to help his rural county. Sadly Whittlesey was not able to overcome the demons of seeing so many of his men die and suffer under his command. He killed himself jumping overboard during a sea voyage a couple of years after the war.
I have read many books on World War I and this is one of the best, a blend of intense combat history intermixed with important and interesting cultural history. Highly recommended for any student of the Great War.
Despite the Lost Battalion and Whittlesey being the primary focus of the book, the author does not seem to much like Whittlesey and goes out of his way to again and again depict him negatively but frankly the facts of the case save Whittlesey each time. He was ordered to advance. He refused to surrender, and his command was saved and because a great national story that helped demoralize the Germans and end one of the worst wars in history.
Also making an appearance is writer Damon Runyon, a kind of Hunter Thompson of his era, who lived big and wrote about the interesting stories of everyday soldiers at the front, taking a break from his epic stories of New York City life and sports. Runyon is not much remembered today but his writing and character come alive in a way few newspaper writers ever have been able to write and is still great reading today.
Curiously appended to the end of this book is the story of the legendary Sgt. Alvin York. Towards the end of the war in one seemingly hopeless engagement, he single-handidly killed 20+ German soldiers and with steely bluff and good shooting took an incredible 132 prisoners. While a great and true story, the tie-in of Sgt. York to the rest of the story which focuses on the Lost Battalion is tenuous.
The book ends telling of the mens' post war lives. Runyon lived through World War II but never returned to the front and increasingly frustrated the story of the Great War was being forgotten. Sgt. York, a simple man, tried to make some earnings off his fame and established a foundation to help his rural county. Sadly Whittlesey was not able to overcome the demons of seeing so many of his men die and suffer under his command. He killed himself jumping overboard during a sea voyage a couple of years after the war.
I have read many books on World War I and this is one of the best, a blend of intense combat history intermixed with important and interesting cultural history. Highly recommended for any student of the Great War.
December 23, 2023
I've seen the movies ("Sergeant York," and made-for-TV "The Lost Battalion"), and was curious to read an actual history of the fabled unit of the World War I battle of the Meuse-Argonne. This effort blends the stories of four personalities--Major Charles Whittlesey, the unit's commanding officer; Capt. George McMurtry, who became the Major's second in command during their siege; Corporal Alvin York, whose Medal of Honor exploits occurred as his battalion and others attempted to rescue Whittlesey and his men; and New York City newspaperman Damon Runyon, who recorded the stories of the men for Americans back home.
Roughly 550 men and officers of the U.S. 77th Infantry Division endured six days of repeated German attacks and "friendly" artillery fire after being ordered forward without support, and cut off without food, water or supplies. Only when a new offensive to their right drew the enemy off and scouts were able to reestablish contact to the rear did 194 traumatized survivors emerge (the others killed, captured or wounded).
Also of interest is the story of how ambitious superior officers used the survivors to promote the American Expeditionary Force's success as they participated for the first time on the international stage. World War I seems rife with incompetent officers who cared little about the lives expended for basically bragging rights. This book won't make anyone think well of military leaders, but it may make you respect the NYC immigrants and rural Americans who joined forces to hold against superior numbers for a brutal week, in a country not theirs for a cause barely understood.
Unlike many military histories, this volume follows the leading players through their post-war lives, to add real-life pathos to the fables and myths around the battle. At a time when PTSD hadn't been named, the survivors carried the weight of their experiences well beyond the war's end... just three weeks after they emerged from the Argonne Forest.
Worth a read if you are interested in World War I.
Roughly 550 men and officers of the U.S. 77th Infantry Division endured six days of repeated German attacks and "friendly" artillery fire after being ordered forward without support, and cut off without food, water or supplies. Only when a new offensive to their right drew the enemy off and scouts were able to reestablish contact to the rear did 194 traumatized survivors emerge (the others killed, captured or wounded).
Also of interest is the story of how ambitious superior officers used the survivors to promote the American Expeditionary Force's success as they participated for the first time on the international stage. World War I seems rife with incompetent officers who cared little about the lives expended for basically bragging rights. This book won't make anyone think well of military leaders, but it may make you respect the NYC immigrants and rural Americans who joined forces to hold against superior numbers for a brutal week, in a country not theirs for a cause barely understood.
Unlike many military histories, this volume follows the leading players through their post-war lives, to add real-life pathos to the fables and myths around the battle. At a time when PTSD hadn't been named, the survivors carried the weight of their experiences well beyond the war's end... just three weeks after they emerged from the Argonne Forest.
Worth a read if you are interested in World War I.
November 13, 2018
The saga of the “Lost Battalion,” brought back from near-extermination after having been cut off and surrounded by superior German forces for over a week in fall 1918, mesmerized the American and Allied public like few other stories of the “Great War,” the centennial of which we are now commemorating. That this story was so prominently reported was not just due to the precariousness of the unit’s situation, or the stoic heroism borne up by its 194 surviving troops: that a small horde of accredited journalists broke and followed the story was also a major contributing factor. One of those journalists was the picaresque Damon Runyon. Another significant contributor to the survival of the Lost Battalion—although often not thought of precisely as such—was then-Corporal, later Sergeant, Alvin C. York of Tennessee. Each of these men are the major protagonists of "Never in Finer Company: The Men of the Great War’s Lost Battalion."
The story and plot line concerning the portions of two battalions of the 77th “Metropolitan” Division, formed in New York City, which came to be surrounded in the Charlevaux Ravine in France’s Argonne Forest in autumn 1918 is one generally known by many readers of military history. Where Lengel comes into his own is in drawing out the lesser-known elements of the Lost Battalion’s history. For starters, he summons up superbly a place, life and time now lost, that being the New York of 1917-18, the “melting pot” of a city that formed the 77th and its subordinate regiments and battalions. This milieu clearly formed part of what gave the division and its men their edgy, street-smart character—a character that would be tested in the crucible of the Argonne.
Combined with a detachment of Westerners; a lanky, bookish lawyer who became the commander of the Battalion, Charles Whittlesey; and a tough, former Rough Rider turned Wall Street stockbroker, George McMurtry, the men forming the Lost Battalion were driven by an “attack at all costs” division commander, General Robert Alexander. Flogged forward despite faulty intelligence and their exhaustion, Whittlesey’s battalion found itself surrounded on all sides by elements of several tough, battle-hardened German divisions.
Forced to survive for water on a stream covered by German snipers, out of food, desperately short of ammunition, and –in another insult—bombarded several times by their own artillery, it is a wonder that as many men survived the hell of Charlevaux Ravine as they did. The lifelong scars and effects of this week-long ordeal is also amply and sympathetically depicted by Lengel. The ravages of what we now call PTSD, then known as “shell shock,” took a toll on many of the Lost Battalion’s survivors, none less than their “old man,” Major Whittlesey.
There are many aspects to Lengel’s writing that are, if not necessarily new to many historians and general readers, are nevertheless noteworthy, and Lengel is a compelling writer and storyteller. One expression that I can only use to give one idea of the power of Lengel’s writing is this: he summons forth--better than almost any military history I have read--the pungency and reek of a battlefield. Historians such as John Keegan have noted that a recently abandoned battlefield could sometime be smelled before it was actually seen. In Lengel’s words, one can amply visualize—for lack of a better word--the stench of what that must have smelled like.
Lengel also does yeoman service in tying the agonies of the Lost Battalion together with the life of young newspaperman and budding writer, Damon Runyan. Although recalled (if at all) as a raconteur and seemingly “native New Yorker” of the 1920s through 1940s, whose tales of smartalecks, fixers, gamblers and their molls would later for the basis for “Guys and Dolls,” Runyan was not originally a New Yorker. In fact, he was a Westerner who identified closely with the 77th Division. He had befriended many of the unit’s characters, so when the fate of one of its units was at stake, he took a keen personal interest in covering its saga as close to the frontlines as possible—i.e., from the frontlines.
Alvin C. York, Tennessee mountaineer and rifleman, was also a critical player in the relief of the Lost Battalion. What has often been forgotten or neglected is the fact that his well-known combat in the Argonne, for which he received the Medal of Honor, was part of a critical counterattack undertaken by his 82nd Division to take pressure off the beleaguered 77th as the 77th launched its rescue mission for its missing men.
Mr. Lengel comes to his task with impeccable credentials. A longtime scholar of the Great War, he has previously written two well-received books on the U.S. involvement in World War I, "To Conquer Hell" and "Thunder and Flames." An extra fact perhaps adds to his own personal interest in the brutal campaign for the Meuse-Argonne: his family is related to Alvin York.
"Never in Finer Company" is an exceptionally well-written account of a tale of bravery and survival that, while familiar enough to many Americans for decades, is one that has become less familiar to newer generations. Edward G. Lengel’s account goes far to refresh and reiterate the ongoing relevance and importance of this story: not just for its facts and role in U.S. history and the winning of the Great War, but for its still-relevant themes of how Americans from widely disparate backgrounds, ethnic origins and classes pulled together as brothers. By doing so, they forged a legend—a legend stained in the blood of both recent American immigrants and long-settled families—in the dense woods and rugged hills of the Argonne.
The story and plot line concerning the portions of two battalions of the 77th “Metropolitan” Division, formed in New York City, which came to be surrounded in the Charlevaux Ravine in France’s Argonne Forest in autumn 1918 is one generally known by many readers of military history. Where Lengel comes into his own is in drawing out the lesser-known elements of the Lost Battalion’s history. For starters, he summons up superbly a place, life and time now lost, that being the New York of 1917-18, the “melting pot” of a city that formed the 77th and its subordinate regiments and battalions. This milieu clearly formed part of what gave the division and its men their edgy, street-smart character—a character that would be tested in the crucible of the Argonne.
Combined with a detachment of Westerners; a lanky, bookish lawyer who became the commander of the Battalion, Charles Whittlesey; and a tough, former Rough Rider turned Wall Street stockbroker, George McMurtry, the men forming the Lost Battalion were driven by an “attack at all costs” division commander, General Robert Alexander. Flogged forward despite faulty intelligence and their exhaustion, Whittlesey’s battalion found itself surrounded on all sides by elements of several tough, battle-hardened German divisions.
Forced to survive for water on a stream covered by German snipers, out of food, desperately short of ammunition, and –in another insult—bombarded several times by their own artillery, it is a wonder that as many men survived the hell of Charlevaux Ravine as they did. The lifelong scars and effects of this week-long ordeal is also amply and sympathetically depicted by Lengel. The ravages of what we now call PTSD, then known as “shell shock,” took a toll on many of the Lost Battalion’s survivors, none less than their “old man,” Major Whittlesey.
There are many aspects to Lengel’s writing that are, if not necessarily new to many historians and general readers, are nevertheless noteworthy, and Lengel is a compelling writer and storyteller. One expression that I can only use to give one idea of the power of Lengel’s writing is this: he summons forth--better than almost any military history I have read--the pungency and reek of a battlefield. Historians such as John Keegan have noted that a recently abandoned battlefield could sometime be smelled before it was actually seen. In Lengel’s words, one can amply visualize—for lack of a better word--the stench of what that must have smelled like.
Lengel also does yeoman service in tying the agonies of the Lost Battalion together with the life of young newspaperman and budding writer, Damon Runyan. Although recalled (if at all) as a raconteur and seemingly “native New Yorker” of the 1920s through 1940s, whose tales of smartalecks, fixers, gamblers and their molls would later for the basis for “Guys and Dolls,” Runyan was not originally a New Yorker. In fact, he was a Westerner who identified closely with the 77th Division. He had befriended many of the unit’s characters, so when the fate of one of its units was at stake, he took a keen personal interest in covering its saga as close to the frontlines as possible—i.e., from the frontlines.
Alvin C. York, Tennessee mountaineer and rifleman, was also a critical player in the relief of the Lost Battalion. What has often been forgotten or neglected is the fact that his well-known combat in the Argonne, for which he received the Medal of Honor, was part of a critical counterattack undertaken by his 82nd Division to take pressure off the beleaguered 77th as the 77th launched its rescue mission for its missing men.
Mr. Lengel comes to his task with impeccable credentials. A longtime scholar of the Great War, he has previously written two well-received books on the U.S. involvement in World War I, "To Conquer Hell" and "Thunder and Flames." An extra fact perhaps adds to his own personal interest in the brutal campaign for the Meuse-Argonne: his family is related to Alvin York.
"Never in Finer Company" is an exceptionally well-written account of a tale of bravery and survival that, while familiar enough to many Americans for decades, is one that has become less familiar to newer generations. Edward G. Lengel’s account goes far to refresh and reiterate the ongoing relevance and importance of this story: not just for its facts and role in U.S. history and the winning of the Great War, but for its still-relevant themes of how Americans from widely disparate backgrounds, ethnic origins and classes pulled together as brothers. By doing so, they forged a legend—a legend stained in the blood of both recent American immigrants and long-settled families—in the dense woods and rugged hills of the Argonne.
December 3, 2018
This was an excellent and well written book. Starting with the men who made up the Lost Battalion and following them through the horrors of war and then finished up with the horrors of returning to civilian life. The book is very compelling and written in such away that you share the funkholes with the men struggling to survive the brutality that defined World War I. I highly recommend this excellent book. Edward Lengel is a gifted writer. I enjoyed his book about George Washington and will now follow up with other books that he has written.
January 27, 2019
Edward G. Lengel describes, in vivid detail, what is was like to be a soldier in the "Lost Battalion" in October 1918. These soldiers were cut off from the rest of the 77th "Metropolitan" Division of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War I. Facing annihilation at the hands of the German Forces, these men never gave up hope that they would be rescued and continued fighting.
Page turner that kept my interest at all times.
Page turner that kept my interest at all times.
October 30, 2018
Great book! Just finished reading it! I found it very readable, well researched, most interesting and enjoyable.
March 14, 2022
#NetGalley #arc
October 23, 2020
Great WWI story about a group of soldiers who followed orders and lost many lives. It is to me a story of the stupid futility and hopelessness of war; loss and destruction. So many lives lost and changed. The men in this story are heros. Their leaders were lawyer Charles Whittlesey, stockbroker George McMurty, simple guy Alvin York and writer Damon Runyon. They were last together nearly 100 years ago on November 11, 1921 to establish the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington. This book is very well written and helps to remember the sacrifices of these and others.
October 30, 2019
I hope to pen a review of this fine book for the Army's "On Point" historical journal, but in the meantime I strongly recommend it to anyone with an interest in military history, the First World War, or leadership. Ed is a wonderful writer and historian who has done a phenomenal job bringing the mostly forgotten men of this tragic drama vividly back to life.
October 27, 2022
A harrowing tale of the Lost Battalion in WWI.
December 10, 2018
This book, Never in Finer company by Edward G. Lengel, tells the story of the famous 'lost battalion' of World War I. Focusing on four men who, one way or another, were connected with the lost battalion, either by being a part of it, or by being involved in relief efforts or reporting on it. Charles Whittlesey, commander of the battalion, , George McMurtry, executive officer, Alvin York a sergeant who was Involved in the attempt to rescue the lost battalion and Damon Runyon a newspaper man reporting from as near the front as he could.
Edward Lengel takes you through the days before the war and introduces you to each man They each have their own unique background, personal struggles and their own perspective on life. They all end up around the same geographic area during the war.
Ironically, the lost battalion was lost twice. They were commanded to keep pushing forward even if the groups on their flanks fell away. They did so both times they were sent out. The first time they were only lost for a short while, the second, they were surrounded by the enemy for days. The days that Whittlesey and his men went through were particularly horrific. Lacking food and water and even being fired on by their own side, their circumstances became more and more desperate. But Whittlesey was determined to stand by their orders and hold out, not surrendering to the Germans.
Finally, a plan was put in motion to save the lost battalion, and that's where York came in, he was a part of the initial relief effort to press through the Argonne, and ended up performing his famed exploits not long after the lost battalion was rescued.
Lengel writes quite well, more in a narrative style without a lot of quoted dialogue. He seems to have somewhat of a liberal mindset, at least, that's how some of his perspectives of the happenings of this time came across to myself. But even though I have a more politically conservative perspective, I was able to see past his commentary and still learn about and find interest in this particular event in history. But there were several times when the author would make statements about what people were thinking, what their perspective was of certain things, and I kept wondering if some of this was just added for dramatic effect? For instance, after York has killed many people in the Argonne, at one point it is stated that, "York didn't realize what brought him to this point in his life, or why he behaved as he did despite his renunciation of violence years before." That statement confused me, because the author, at another point in the book quotes York saying that his conscience was clear, and York seems to take some pride in his exploits of killing and of how good of a shot he was. Didn't sound like a guy struggling with emotional turmoil. But perhaps Lengel pulled that information from a diary or letter that York wrote? (Or perhaps parts like this were changed in the published book)*
I have to admit, this book doesn't make one feel patriotic or happy when you finish it. This is a very sobering account. Only one of the four main characters of this account appeared to have a hope beyond the grave and so could see past some of the horrors of this present reality. A lot of the men in the lost battalion were terrified of dying, or even struggled to find a purpose for living. It really brings out the realization that these guys really were human beings, not just characters in a heroic feat. Speaking of York trudging over a battlefield, the author notes that "Many of these had died close enough for him to see the expressions on their faces as they went, all unprepared to meet their maker." That's just plain scary.
Whittlesey and Damon Runyan especially seemed to find no real purpose in life. Whittlesey was haunted by the events in the Argonne, and ultimately committed suicide. Runyan died unhappy, despite living quite a hedonistic life. York is really the only bright spot in the book, as he actually had purpose, though he didn't necessarily understand everything that happened. I'm glad that it ended with him and his more God focused perspective. All in all, if you want to get more of a sense of the individual in the military this book does a pretty good job of bringing the reality of that individuality alive to ones thinking.
*Many thanks to the folks at De Capo Press for sending me a free review advance copy of this book (My review did not have to be favorable).
Edward Lengel takes you through the days before the war and introduces you to each man They each have their own unique background, personal struggles and their own perspective on life. They all end up around the same geographic area during the war.
Ironically, the lost battalion was lost twice. They were commanded to keep pushing forward even if the groups on their flanks fell away. They did so both times they were sent out. The first time they were only lost for a short while, the second, they were surrounded by the enemy for days. The days that Whittlesey and his men went through were particularly horrific. Lacking food and water and even being fired on by their own side, their circumstances became more and more desperate. But Whittlesey was determined to stand by their orders and hold out, not surrendering to the Germans.
Finally, a plan was put in motion to save the lost battalion, and that's where York came in, he was a part of the initial relief effort to press through the Argonne, and ended up performing his famed exploits not long after the lost battalion was rescued.
Lengel writes quite well, more in a narrative style without a lot of quoted dialogue. He seems to have somewhat of a liberal mindset, at least, that's how some of his perspectives of the happenings of this time came across to myself. But even though I have a more politically conservative perspective, I was able to see past his commentary and still learn about and find interest in this particular event in history. But there were several times when the author would make statements about what people were thinking, what their perspective was of certain things, and I kept wondering if some of this was just added for dramatic effect? For instance, after York has killed many people in the Argonne, at one point it is stated that, "York didn't realize what brought him to this point in his life, or why he behaved as he did despite his renunciation of violence years before." That statement confused me, because the author, at another point in the book quotes York saying that his conscience was clear, and York seems to take some pride in his exploits of killing and of how good of a shot he was. Didn't sound like a guy struggling with emotional turmoil. But perhaps Lengel pulled that information from a diary or letter that York wrote? (Or perhaps parts like this were changed in the published book)*
I have to admit, this book doesn't make one feel patriotic or happy when you finish it. This is a very sobering account. Only one of the four main characters of this account appeared to have a hope beyond the grave and so could see past some of the horrors of this present reality. A lot of the men in the lost battalion were terrified of dying, or even struggled to find a purpose for living. It really brings out the realization that these guys really were human beings, not just characters in a heroic feat. Speaking of York trudging over a battlefield, the author notes that "Many of these had died close enough for him to see the expressions on their faces as they went, all unprepared to meet their maker." That's just plain scary.
Whittlesey and Damon Runyan especially seemed to find no real purpose in life. Whittlesey was haunted by the events in the Argonne, and ultimately committed suicide. Runyan died unhappy, despite living quite a hedonistic life. York is really the only bright spot in the book, as he actually had purpose, though he didn't necessarily understand everything that happened. I'm glad that it ended with him and his more God focused perspective. All in all, if you want to get more of a sense of the individual in the military this book does a pretty good job of bringing the reality of that individuality alive to ones thinking.
*Many thanks to the folks at De Capo Press for sending me a free review advance copy of this book (My review did not have to be favorable).
November 20, 2022
Never in Finer Company follows a handful of "doughboys" - infantry soldiers of World War I - along with their officers and NCOs. Author Edward Lengel introduces the readers to each of these in a series of individual biographies, which gradually coalesce in the infamous and infernal hell of a battle in the forest in northeast France. This, The Meuse-Argonne Offensive, was one of the last and greatest battles the Americans fought in The Great War. As one Battalion was ordered to keep going "at any cost," the cost was horrific, and the battalion became cut off, surrounded by German forces - out of food, water, ammunition, and even out of carrier pigeons. The desperate struggle welded the mens' hearts and commitment to each other, to courage, to refusing to give up, forging bonds that would survive until the last man's final breath.
This unity was between farm boys, factory boys, university boys, brand new immigrants, some who spoke several languages, some who barely spoke English yet. A great many were fresh off the streets and out of the tenements of New York. In the furnace of the military and the hellishness of war, they became brothers. They became Americans together.
The cast of characters includes Sgt. Alvin York, General Foch of France, Presidents, William Randolph Hearst, Generals, movie stars, and many Medal of Honor winners.
This book has a calm tempo - factual, and not emotionally manipulative - but still the story itself made me cry tears of grief, tears of gratitude, tears of honor and compassion. It made me cheer, yell at the General when no one was around to think I was crazy, and it made me swell up inside with, as the kids say, "all the feels."
This unity was between farm boys, factory boys, university boys, brand new immigrants, some who spoke several languages, some who barely spoke English yet. A great many were fresh off the streets and out of the tenements of New York. In the furnace of the military and the hellishness of war, they became brothers. They became Americans together.
The cast of characters includes Sgt. Alvin York, General Foch of France, Presidents, William Randolph Hearst, Generals, movie stars, and many Medal of Honor winners.
This book has a calm tempo - factual, and not emotionally manipulative - but still the story itself made me cry tears of grief, tears of gratitude, tears of honor and compassion. It made me cheer, yell at the General when no one was around to think I was crazy, and it made me swell up inside with, as the kids say, "all the feels."
September 16, 2019
The real Sgt. York... This book caught my attention because of the part that Sgt. Alvin York played in the story that it tells. This isn't the Hollywood version of York. And he is actually only one part of the story of the Lost Battalion in the Argonne during WWI. The book focuses mainly on Major Charles Whittlesey and Captain George McMurtry, who were the officers in charge of the battalion. York's part of that aspect of the book comes in much later in the book. Lengel does a great job of telling the origin stories of all three men, and what lead them to the events that brought them to the front during the war. What was most compelling to me was the struggle of the battalion as they held on while awaiting support and relief. This is the telling of true leadership and heroism. One of the other fascinating aspects of the story is the lives of these men following the war. Hollywood and the media, as is their wont, quickly sought to make a celebrity of York, while pretty well overlooking Whittlesey and McMurtry. Then, once the afterglow of the story wore off, when York was no longer the "shiny object," his struggles to get by. Overall, this is a very good read about the events surrounding the Lost Battalion and the men involved, and the shameful way they were treated after the war.
October 10, 2020
This book was a major disappointment. I'd never heard of this unit until I read "The Great War in America" last month, so I was looking forward to an in-depth treatment of this engagement. The dust cover bills the author as a military historian but I really can't call "Never in Finer Company" a military history, rather a collection of profiles of some of the men who served in this fight. The dialogue is confusing, jumping around between various officers and EMs and their actions during the battle. There are only two maps in the book, both large scale where the lost battalion shows up as a small oval. A small scale map of the battalion's perimeter showing troop dispositions would have really helped my understanding of what was going on. No chain of command chart either, indicating company commanders and platoon leaders, including the NCOs and EMs mentioned in the book. The first 70 or 80 pages are background, talking about baseball and other semi-unrelated topics. The last ~70 pages deal with the aftermath of the battalion's relief. I think these publishers pressure authors to write long books so more $$$ can be charged. The result I find is: a lot of books are puffed out with chaff, stuff that could easily have been edited out. So, I skimmed the first and third portions of the book, read the middle part about the battle closely, and still don't know that much about it.
October 9, 2022
Very well written account of the 77th Metropolitan Division and their plight in the Argonne Forest in October 1918. Commanded to "Advance" at any cost, Major Charles Whittlesey, a lawyer by trade, led his 600 man battalion into the dense Argonne Forest in France. They miraculously broke through the German lines and continued to advance, while the rest of the US forces became bogged down. They were soon surrounded by German forces, cut off from food, supplies, ammunition, the men dug in and fended off so many German probes and attacks on their position. Edward Lengle's very well researched book captures the stories of the leading characters leading up to the siege, as well as the training and the mood in America as it prepared for war "over there." You meet Captain George McMurtry, a New York stock broker before the war, Damon Runyon, a writer that skipped HQ's general to interview and travel with the doughboys on the lines to report the real stories of the war, and Corporal Alvin York, a country farmer from Tennessee with the 82nd helped rescue the beleaguered battalion. An amazing story of a very diverse group of men that came together in war and survived a terrible ordeal; they triumphed in battle and fought the demons that lingered.
February 2, 2019
‘Never in Finer Company’ succeeds because it provides mountains of context for the story it tells. More than a third of the story discusses the lead up to the war and the aftermath through the eyes of the common man and journalists of the time. The overarching theme of the story is the change and modernization of American culture. The “action” sequences are easy to understand, well-researched and gritty. The plight of the Lost Battalion translates well and the heroics of the men involved are vividly explained in deep detail. Overall I enjoyed learning about the exploits of the men in the Meuse-Argonne region, and getting to know some of America’s heroes from the early 1900’s. This is certainly a worthwhile read for someone with basic World War I education.
January 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this read, and I appreciated how the author spent most of his time delving into the people behind the events and not the events themselves, although he spent plenty of time fully describing the events.
The reader gets an intimate look at the main players in the famed lost battalion, as well as many of the supporting characters. The author profiles individuals from the top (generals in charge) all the way down the chain of command (privates). In the end, the reader sees the event in its entirety, and they get the closure of knowing how the main characters lived out their lives.
I appreciated how the author gave readers more books to delve deeper into the characters within his acknowledgements. Bravo, and great work. Well worth the read.
The reader gets an intimate look at the main players in the famed lost battalion, as well as many of the supporting characters. The author profiles individuals from the top (generals in charge) all the way down the chain of command (privates). In the end, the reader sees the event in its entirety, and they get the closure of knowing how the main characters lived out their lives.
I appreciated how the author gave readers more books to delve deeper into the characters within his acknowledgements. Bravo, and great work. Well worth the read.
September 23, 2020
I read several of Lengel’s books but I was not to thrilled with this one. The eve of WW1 anniversary I watched him discuss it on C-Span with several other authors and historians along with Col. York USA-Ret (Alvin York’s grandson.). I was expecting more solely on the 77th Lost Battalion not a mix of other situations.
My great grandfather was a sergeant in the artillery of the 77th and he was a Distinguished Service Cross Recipient (saving many men when the ammunition dump was hit) along with a Purple Heart 💜. My grandmother gave me all his items along with his uniform. I have it displayed proudly in my man cave.
My great grandfather was a sergeant in the artillery of the 77th and he was a Distinguished Service Cross Recipient (saving many men when the ammunition dump was hit) along with a Purple Heart 💜. My grandmother gave me all his items along with his uniform. I have it displayed proudly in my man cave.
April 21, 2023
I really did enjoy this book. Its a history narrative not a historical fiction piece. It reads a bit like a newspaper. Simple language and somewhat impersonal at times with regards to the characters. I have to give it a pass for always using last names because that is how a military setting operates. This is a fascinating true story of American heroes. It does follow the key men (those that survived) through the end of the wars and their civilian life after the war. I recognized some of the names of famous military men. I enjoyed learning about these hero’s about whom I previously knew nothing more than the name. This is quite a story and it’s true
February 22, 2020
It has some very good historical fact and descriptions. Unfortunately, I wasn’t all that interested in the glorification of America’s participation in the war. I understand that the country was inherently patriotic about it. However, the “in your face intrepid America is best” over detailed explanation of how these men felt took away from the book for me personally. Felt forced. Still some good parts though. Loved learning more about the metropolitan division and the individual men as well.
August 23, 2024
A very readable and personal account of the Lost Battalion of the 77th Division. In a nutshell, the "Lost Battalion" became cutoff behind enemy lines after a successful offensive, and remained isolated for nearly a week without resupply of food, water or ammunition. I'm sure you could find more in-depth information of the saga from a military perspective, but the author instead focuses on several key people, following their experiences before, through, and after the war.
April 14, 2023
Excellent book. I learned a lot about the lost battalion. An amazing story. What those guys had to endure was horrifying…much due to incompetent generals. The book spends quite a bit of time on the lead up to America’s entry into WWI and a fair amount after the battalion was rescued to describe life for some of the men back home. Glad I read this one.
January 31, 2024
I was thoroughly engrossed and deeply moved by the story of the Lost Battalion. Lengel pulled off the narratival style very well, I thought, and clearly depicted these soldiers' sufferings...both during and after their time trapped 'in the pocket.' With that said, prepare to be sobered and saddened by this book—but please do read it.
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