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The Rifle: Combat Stories from America's Last WWII Veterans, Told Through an M1 Garand
It all started because of a rifle.
The Rifle is an inspirational story and hero’s journey of a 28-year-old U.S. Marine, Andrew Biggio, who returned home from combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, full of questions about the price of war. He found answers from those who survived the costliest war of all -- WWII veterans.
It began when Biggio bought a 1945 M1 Garand Rifle, the most common rifle used in WWII, to honor his great uncle, a U.S. Army soldier who died on the hills of the Italian countryside. When Biggio showed the gun to his neighbor, WWII veteran Corporal Joseph Drago, it unlocked memories Drago had kept unspoken for 50 years. On the spur of the moment, Biggio asked Drago to sign the rifle. Thus began this Marine’s mission to find as many WWII veterans as he could, get their signatures on the rifle, and document their stories.
For two years, Biggio traveled across the country to interview America’s last-living WWII veterans. Each time he put the M1 Garand Rifle in their hands, their eyes lit up with memories triggered by holding the weapon that had been with them every step of the war. With each visit and every story told to Biggio, the veterans signed their names to the rifle. 96 signatures now cover that rifle, each a reminder of the price of war and the courage of our soldiers.
The Rifle is an inspirational story and hero’s journey of a 28-year-old U.S. Marine, Andrew Biggio, who returned home from combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, full of questions about the price of war. He found answers from those who survived the costliest war of all -- WWII veterans.
It began when Biggio bought a 1945 M1 Garand Rifle, the most common rifle used in WWII, to honor his great uncle, a U.S. Army soldier who died on the hills of the Italian countryside. When Biggio showed the gun to his neighbor, WWII veteran Corporal Joseph Drago, it unlocked memories Drago had kept unspoken for 50 years. On the spur of the moment, Biggio asked Drago to sign the rifle. Thus began this Marine’s mission to find as many WWII veterans as he could, get their signatures on the rifle, and document their stories.
For two years, Biggio traveled across the country to interview America’s last-living WWII veterans. Each time he put the M1 Garand Rifle in their hands, their eyes lit up with memories triggered by holding the weapon that had been with them every step of the war. With each visit and every story told to Biggio, the veterans signed their names to the rifle. 96 signatures now cover that rifle, each a reminder of the price of war and the courage of our soldiers.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
147 people are currently reading
952 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 10, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. The author, who is a veteran himself, wants to find out more about his great uncle, Andy Biggio (his namesake), who died in the Italian campaign during World War 2 buys an old M1 Garand rifle and sets out on an unlikely journey to have World War 2 veterans sign the rifle after talking to his veteran neighbor. Seeing that he set out on this epic task more than 70 years after the end of World War 2 and that most of these veterans were in their late 90's, you can see how difficult this was.
In the end he got 175 veterans to sign the M1, though the book only contains 20 of these men's stories from the war, which is the only pity of this book as I would have read all 175. The author does a great jobs at having a good spread of operational theatres, campaigns, units and experiences being represented and all these stories are interesting and unique, though some stories are better than others as can be expected. He does not only cover the infantry that would have used the M1, but also air crew, medics, POW and tankers, yet it would have been nice to have a navy and artillery representative too. Also of interest is that most of these men fought in later campaigns in the war and quite a few were drafted in the forces.
He set out with the journey to show that veterans can have full lives after war and to motivate modern day veterans with disabilities and PTSD that they can, and I hope this book fulfills this mission. Highly recommended read and a very unique book.
In the end he got 175 veterans to sign the M1, though the book only contains 20 of these men's stories from the war, which is the only pity of this book as I would have read all 175. The author does a great jobs at having a good spread of operational theatres, campaigns, units and experiences being represented and all these stories are interesting and unique, though some stories are better than others as can be expected. He does not only cover the infantry that would have used the M1, but also air crew, medics, POW and tankers, yet it would have been nice to have a navy and artillery representative too. Also of interest is that most of these men fought in later campaigns in the war and quite a few were drafted in the forces.
He set out with the journey to show that veterans can have full lives after war and to motivate modern day veterans with disabilities and PTSD that they can, and I hope this book fulfills this mission. Highly recommended read and a very unique book.
January 11, 2024
I'm not into collecting weapons and certainly not fetishizing them, so I passed on The Rifle a number of times before really taking a look at what it was all about. It's more about the stories of individuals who fought on the American side during WWII. An actual M1 Garand rifle ties them together, before more so because it was used to gather the signatures and stories of some of the last soldiers still alive from that war. And what stories! My god. I've read many WWII accounts before, but this one still managed to astound me, as well as bringing me to tears.
August 11, 2021
Andrew Biggio did an outstanding job writing this book honoring some of our nations remaining WW2 veterans and telling their stories. I believe all Americans should read this book.
June 21, 2021
Extraordinary accounts of war experiences shared from one generation of veterans to another. Heartfelt and emotional memories are presented from a broad spectrum of veterans that served on all fronts. The photos of these proud soldiers as young men and then as proud veterans in their 90s add a gritty texture to the experience one has when reading this book.
October 29, 2023
This is a difficult book to rate but I've finally decided that it's a 3 star book, good and worth reading but not necessarily great. The book accomplishes what the author intended and what the reader expected and that's enough for 3 stars. I think the fact that I have read so many more books about WWII that are in this vein that this author suffers from their comparison. The authors I am talking about are people like Adam Makos, Alex Kershaw, and of course Robert Leckie. Andrew Biggio is not a professional writer or historian so he should be commended for his efforts in producing this book because it is something worth keeping and preserving and definitely worth reading and sharing.
The author is the great nephew of a young man killed in action in Italy during WWII. The author's father was named after his deceased uncle and the author, in turn, was named after his father and bears the name of his deceased great uncle. Near where the author grew up the town named a small square after his great uncle and young Andrew would frequently pass through the square named for his uncle but the author never really knew much about this man that he never had a chance to know. The author, himself a Marine veteran of two tours of duty in Iraq and then Afganistan, decided to correct that. The author wanted to know more about his uncle and how he died and started doing research. During his research he was able to learn some things about his uncle's unit but he also learned about stories of other vets, now in their 90's, that were not recorded or preserved in any way. The author decided to do more than just search for his uncle's story he wanted to help preserve some of the stories of these aging vets. To assist in this quest the classic weapon of the WWII infantry soldier, the M1 Garand rifle, was purchased with the intention of finding WWII vets and having them sign the weapon while telling their stories.
The book is the story of the author's efforts to locate those vets, the youngest was 92, and persuade them to tell him about their combat experiences, something most of them had never mentioned to anybody before speaking with Mr. Biggio. The author's efforts resulted in collecting nearly 200 signatures on the rifle and all the stories that go with them. The author has selected a number of these stories for inclusion in this book and the last story is maybe the saddest for the vet and the author. It is books like this, telling the story of war from the perspective of the people that have to fight them that I find the most interesting and moving because they strip war of its undeserved attractiveness and glory. It is books like this that need to be read so that we all learn what war is really like. The actions described by these soldiers happened almost 80 years and the weapons of war have become so much more sophisticated, accurate, and deadly since then. One can only imagine the carnage produced in our modern wars with their modern weaponry and yet war is still the accepted method of settling our international problems. There is no honor in war only tragedy and books like this make that clear. Enjoy.
The author is the great nephew of a young man killed in action in Italy during WWII. The author's father was named after his deceased uncle and the author, in turn, was named after his father and bears the name of his deceased great uncle. Near where the author grew up the town named a small square after his great uncle and young Andrew would frequently pass through the square named for his uncle but the author never really knew much about this man that he never had a chance to know. The author, himself a Marine veteran of two tours of duty in Iraq and then Afganistan, decided to correct that. The author wanted to know more about his uncle and how he died and started doing research. During his research he was able to learn some things about his uncle's unit but he also learned about stories of other vets, now in their 90's, that were not recorded or preserved in any way. The author decided to do more than just search for his uncle's story he wanted to help preserve some of the stories of these aging vets. To assist in this quest the classic weapon of the WWII infantry soldier, the M1 Garand rifle, was purchased with the intention of finding WWII vets and having them sign the weapon while telling their stories.
The book is the story of the author's efforts to locate those vets, the youngest was 92, and persuade them to tell him about their combat experiences, something most of them had never mentioned to anybody before speaking with Mr. Biggio. The author's efforts resulted in collecting nearly 200 signatures on the rifle and all the stories that go with them. The author has selected a number of these stories for inclusion in this book and the last story is maybe the saddest for the vet and the author. It is books like this, telling the story of war from the perspective of the people that have to fight them that I find the most interesting and moving because they strip war of its undeserved attractiveness and glory. It is books like this that need to be read so that we all learn what war is really like. The actions described by these soldiers happened almost 80 years and the weapons of war have become so much more sophisticated, accurate, and deadly since then. One can only imagine the carnage produced in our modern wars with their modern weaponry and yet war is still the accepted method of settling our international problems. There is no honor in war only tragedy and books like this make that clear. Enjoy.
June 21, 2021
A treasure forever.
Biggio just compiled the greatest ww 2 stories for the ages to read. He tells it like it was. From another vet.
Biggio just compiled the greatest ww 2 stories for the ages to read. He tells it like it was. From another vet.
August 22, 2024
One of the greatest world war 2 books I've ever read. This book is full of harrowing stories from the last ww2 vets living in the US. The author did such an amazing job telling each story. This book had me laughing, feeling horror, feeling emotional and blown away. Every veteran and civilian should read this book if nothing else. Thank you Andy for going on your rifle mission and sharing this amazing story with all of us. I've already bought the rifle 2 and I'm so stoked to start it.
September 28, 2022
A book of short stories about the Greatest Generation and what they did to save the world.
January 4, 2024
Interesting read that covered a variety of veterans experiences, including some from lesser know theatre’s of WW2
June 18, 2025
Excellent. These stories need to be told and recorded for posterity. But war is ugly, and this book maybe a little too much for some. Read with caution.
July 2, 2021
Very creative idea the author had about purchasing the M1 Garland and taking it around the country to hear the stories of the limited WW2 Veterans still around. These men all have amazing stories and every American should be extremely grateful for their service.
December 5, 2025
Beautiful premise; a very honorable undertaking by the author to preserve these stories in a unique way. Thoroughly enjoyed the book.
December 2, 2021
Andrew Biggio, himself a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and an advocate for veterans through the New England Wounded Veterans group, has done the rest us a great service in collecting the stories of 18 World War II Veterans into a single volume. Biggio collected these stories by making in-person visits with the veterans when they were at the end of their lives, over 90 years old, augmented by Biggio’s research into historical records. Using a vintage Winchester M1 Garand rifle as a focal point that Biggio enticed the veterans to sign with a white paint pen, these veterans released long repressed memories to share the psychological pain and sorrow of fighting other human beings, inflicting and having inflicted upon them horrible injuries and death. But, it was war and, for the featured warriors, it was a righteous war to prevent evil from enslaving and oppressing large numbers of the world’s inhabitants.
The theme of The Rifle is defined in the closing chapter, where Biggio writes:
“On my mission to hear these soldiers’ stories, I was able to say goodbye to some of America’s last veterans of World War II. They passed on some of life’s most important lessons to me.
“They taught me that there is life after war. They showed me how to be a survivor, not a victim. They encouraged me to find something after the military to keep myself occupied. They told me not to dwell on things that can’t be changed. And they drilled it in me that veterans owe it to the men who didn’t come home to carry on with integrity, even when times get tough – and to live a good life, have a family, another career, and a purpose.”
In each of the chapters featuring the 18 veterans, Biggio manifests personal empathy for the veterans. Even when the veteran reveals remorse and regret for some particularly horrific personal wartime action, done in the heat of battle and for self-preservation, Biggio is not judgmental. Biggio has been there himself. He knows how it feels to be caught in uncontrollable, life and death circumstances where an individual is fighting against fear as much as to advance the cause of the action.
It is inspiring to contemplate the stories of these veterans because they were fighting in a righteous war against clearly evil designs. Yes, war itself is evil and should be avoided if at all possible. But, the best deterrent to war is to convincingly show those who might be inclined to foment war in an evil attempt to conquer others with the aim to dominate and control for their own benefit, that the cost will be too dear and will likely result in their own destruction. If we are not willing to fight and die to defend our freedom and natural human rights, then we risk inviting evil people to take advantage of our fear and weakness.
The theme of The Rifle is defined in the closing chapter, where Biggio writes:
“On my mission to hear these soldiers’ stories, I was able to say goodbye to some of America’s last veterans of World War II. They passed on some of life’s most important lessons to me.
“They taught me that there is life after war. They showed me how to be a survivor, not a victim. They encouraged me to find something after the military to keep myself occupied. They told me not to dwell on things that can’t be changed. And they drilled it in me that veterans owe it to the men who didn’t come home to carry on with integrity, even when times get tough – and to live a good life, have a family, another career, and a purpose.”
In each of the chapters featuring the 18 veterans, Biggio manifests personal empathy for the veterans. Even when the veteran reveals remorse and regret for some particularly horrific personal wartime action, done in the heat of battle and for self-preservation, Biggio is not judgmental. Biggio has been there himself. He knows how it feels to be caught in uncontrollable, life and death circumstances where an individual is fighting against fear as much as to advance the cause of the action.
It is inspiring to contemplate the stories of these veterans because they were fighting in a righteous war against clearly evil designs. Yes, war itself is evil and should be avoided if at all possible. But, the best deterrent to war is to convincingly show those who might be inclined to foment war in an evil attempt to conquer others with the aim to dominate and control for their own benefit, that the cost will be too dear and will likely result in their own destruction. If we are not willing to fight and die to defend our freedom and natural human rights, then we risk inviting evil people to take advantage of our fear and weakness.
March 11, 2023
Andrew did an outstanding job chronicling some of the heros of what is the greatest generation ever!
July 21, 2021
Wow! Powerful! Andrew Biggio did an excellent job recording these select members of “the greatest generation” stories of their service in WW II. He also gave the reader marvelous insight on how their service affected them after the war and how it still affects them. There will never be men like these again...never. Andrew captured their stories just under the wire of when their stories will be lost forever.
Every day we are in danger of losing the last of these brave men. Andrew was able to take a passion and a wild idea and hit a home run. The dust jacket reads, “The Rifle is a must read for anyone interested in service and sacrifice of our veterans.” Let me add it’s a must read for anyone interested in military history, WW II, and really a must read for any patriot. Biggio gives us a deep appreciation for this generation of soldiers and should provide us an appreciation of ANY veteran. Andrew Biggio, thank you for these stories and your service to our country.
Every day we are in danger of losing the last of these brave men. Andrew was able to take a passion and a wild idea and hit a home run. The dust jacket reads, “The Rifle is a must read for anyone interested in service and sacrifice of our veterans.” Let me add it’s a must read for anyone interested in military history, WW II, and really a must read for any patriot. Biggio gives us a deep appreciation for this generation of soldiers and should provide us an appreciation of ANY veteran. Andrew Biggio, thank you for these stories and your service to our country.
August 23, 2021
This was an amazing book reflecting on the accounts and experiences of many World War 2 veterans. The author realized that most of those who served in World War 2 were coming towards the ends of their lives and that their stories, experiences, and post war experiences would soon be forgotten forever unless their stories were told. Many veterans never truly opened up about their experiences and the author of this book did incredible job of researching and seeking out living WW2 Veterans with diverse WW2 experiences. When he found veterans willing to tell their stories (mostly harsh, harrowing, and tragic accounts), he made them comfortable and allowed them to open up about their experiences overseas, but also tried to give the full picture of these veteran's lives, especially their returns back to society post war. Hopefully this book can help those who've come back from serving our country and inspire them to positively integrate back into society. I've always respected our military heroes, those who've served and serve today to protect our freedoms, but this book gave me an incredibly deep respect and new understanding for those young men who left their comfortable lives to save the world of tyranny. Many had no idea what they would experience, and many made the ultimate sacrifice. For those that did come home, thank you for your fight. For those that didn't, thank you for your sacrifice. May God bless.
Thanks again Andrew, one of the best books I've read. Each story was about 10-15 pages, but gave the reader a true picture for the adversity these men faced. This book should be read in schools today, so that those who served and protected our freedoms over 75 years ago, may never be forgotten. Truly the Greatest generation.
Thanks again Andrew, one of the best books I've read. Each story was about 10-15 pages, but gave the reader a true picture for the adversity these men faced. This book should be read in schools today, so that those who served and protected our freedoms over 75 years ago, may never be forgotten. Truly the Greatest generation.
July 10, 2021
Social Studies teacher here.
This is one of THOSE books. I have a feeling I’ll be coming back to this one, not just for professional purposes, but for personal reasons as well. The author perfectly balances having a personal stake in his research material, while focusing on the content.
As this is a compilation of WWII veterans’ stories, the content is obviously of the utmost importance. Their war stories are harrowing and humbling, and yet it’s the way the author weaves in the personal insights and histories of each individual veteran that truly set this book apart for me.
There have been books about WWII, there have been books about soldiers, there have been books about veterans; autobiographies, biographies, memoirs. The Rifle is all of those in one.
This is one of THOSE books. If only there were more.
This is one of THOSE books. I have a feeling I’ll be coming back to this one, not just for professional purposes, but for personal reasons as well. The author perfectly balances having a personal stake in his research material, while focusing on the content.
As this is a compilation of WWII veterans’ stories, the content is obviously of the utmost importance. Their war stories are harrowing and humbling, and yet it’s the way the author weaves in the personal insights and histories of each individual veteran that truly set this book apart for me.
There have been books about WWII, there have been books about soldiers, there have been books about veterans; autobiographies, biographies, memoirs. The Rifle is all of those in one.
This is one of THOSE books. If only there were more.
January 17, 2022
If I would give this book an infinite amount of stars. As the daughter of a World War II veteran who has passed on, I know very little about his service. He refused to talk about it. After the government declassified World War II records, I wrote to get his, only to learn that the warehouse in St Louis had burned down in the 1970’s. I have his medals, his discharge papers and a few pictures, that is all. By reading this book I understood why my father never spoke about the war. What these men endured, their pain, their suffering, their fears and their courage will forever stay with me… I thank them for their service, their sacrifice and for all that they did upon returning home and living full and productive lives. ❤️🇺🇸
July 11, 2023
Wow. Just wow. I don’t usually read books like this. My grandfather was in WWII and now that he’s passed on, books about the war usually make me even more sad. However- I could not stop reading this book. Every person in American needs to read this book. Everyone needs to read these real stories from the men who lived through the hellish war. Americans need to be reminded of WHY we have the freedoms we have today. It’s because of these brave men. I’ve already pre-ordered the Rifle 2. I know it will be just as heart wrenching BUT amazing. We as Americans should never let any veteran of any war walk by us without stopping to thank them.
June 19, 2023
Great first person accounts I’d WWII veterans compiled by a Marine who is named for an uncle who died in Italy in ‘44.
Each veteran signed an M1 Garand rifle the author carried across the US as they told their stories.
Each veteran signed an M1 Garand rifle the author carried across the US as they told their stories.
May 23, 2023
I'll open this review by saying Andrew Biggio is a man who has done more than I will in my life both for this country, and for veterans. Also, the men interviewed had amazing stories, and their legacy as 'the greatest generation' holds true in the telling.
That being said, this book was unfortunately a let-down. The title is deceptive, in its way, as I initially thought it would be about THE RIFLE, as in the industrial narrative of the firearm and tales of the weapon's actions and legacy from firsthand wielders. In a way, it was at times, and of course the stories of the men involved are immortalized in the book, but really it falls flat for want of more skillful, more focused writing.
It really read more like a series of blog entries. Brief but unfulfilling, the research and background loosely assembled to give more some kind of grounding for the writing, constantly cutting back around to the author's oft mentioned inner turmoil trying to piece together his grandfather's final days on the front in Italy. This premise alone would have been a great guide if handled by someone with more adept research and writing ability. Instead it jumps from man to man with little connective tissue other than THE RIFLE, which is a singular, physical rifle the author bought and brought along for signatures. It all feels underwhelming and thin, like a book report, a second draft, not even a coffee-table book as it is brisk text summaries with a picture here and there.
Again, the author is admirable, someone due respect, as are the men detailed in the pages of this book, but unfortunately all parties involved feel underserved, their astounding and summarized stories begging for more detail, more depth, but passing by in 5 pages or so, if you're lucky.
The book would have benefitted greatly, even with the brisk interviews and research, by delving deeper into their search for greater knowledge of and closure surrounding their Grand-Uncle's service and death on a lonely hill in Italy. It does, at times, and those feel the most meaty, the most ripe for further investigation and introspection. But unfortunately it's over in a flash. Him riding hundreds of miles with a motorcycle club to interview one of the veterans was such a quick thrill that also faded quickly. His advocacy briefly summarized, bypassed.
There was so much material here, but little was fully developed.
I hope Mr. Biggio pursues a revised edition of this book because, despite my criticisms, IT IS WORTHWHILE, and I was intrigued and motivated to read more about the units and battles mentioned, though it was out of a hunger for more than the lean narrative gave me.
Worth a read, wouldn't re-read other than as a reference for further reading.
That being said, this book was unfortunately a let-down. The title is deceptive, in its way, as I initially thought it would be about THE RIFLE, as in the industrial narrative of the firearm and tales of the weapon's actions and legacy from firsthand wielders. In a way, it was at times, and of course the stories of the men involved are immortalized in the book, but really it falls flat for want of more skillful, more focused writing.
It really read more like a series of blog entries. Brief but unfulfilling, the research and background loosely assembled to give more some kind of grounding for the writing, constantly cutting back around to the author's oft mentioned inner turmoil trying to piece together his grandfather's final days on the front in Italy. This premise alone would have been a great guide if handled by someone with more adept research and writing ability. Instead it jumps from man to man with little connective tissue other than THE RIFLE, which is a singular, physical rifle the author bought and brought along for signatures. It all feels underwhelming and thin, like a book report, a second draft, not even a coffee-table book as it is brisk text summaries with a picture here and there.
Again, the author is admirable, someone due respect, as are the men detailed in the pages of this book, but unfortunately all parties involved feel underserved, their astounding and summarized stories begging for more detail, more depth, but passing by in 5 pages or so, if you're lucky.
The book would have benefitted greatly, even with the brisk interviews and research, by delving deeper into their search for greater knowledge of and closure surrounding their Grand-Uncle's service and death on a lonely hill in Italy. It does, at times, and those feel the most meaty, the most ripe for further investigation and introspection. But unfortunately it's over in a flash. Him riding hundreds of miles with a motorcycle club to interview one of the veterans was such a quick thrill that also faded quickly. His advocacy briefly summarized, bypassed.
There was so much material here, but little was fully developed.
I hope Mr. Biggio pursues a revised edition of this book because, despite my criticisms, IT IS WORTHWHILE, and I was intrigued and motivated to read more about the units and battles mentioned, though it was out of a hunger for more than the lean narrative gave me.
Worth a read, wouldn't re-read other than as a reference for further reading.
October 6, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. It is like no other WWII book I have read, and better than most. The author, Andrew Biggio a recent Marine veteran, was struggling to adjust to civilian life after a tour of duty in Iraq and a subsequent one in Afghanistan. He became interested in his namesake, a great uncle Andrew Biggio who had been killed in action in Italy shortly before the liberation of Rome in 1944. The author purchased a 1945 Garand Rifle, the weapon commonly used by infantry during much of the war--the one most probably carried by his uncle.
Biggio discovered that when old WWII veterans saw and held that rifle, they seemed to shed years and journey back to their youths when they had fought around the world in all branches of service, profoundly changed by their ordeals. Also, they suddenly wanted to tell him of their experiences, the heroic as well as those they had suffered silently in shame and guilt for 70 years. These were not the generals or policy makers; they were the average American guys who found themselves in distant lands suffering conditions they had never imagined.
They had returned, made what peace they could in the civilian world, and lived many years, often heralded as The Greatest Generation. They told Biggio that the terrors of war never completely left them, and that he should not expect to ever be the same himself. Yet they they had built new lives, and he saw from their examples a way forward for himself and his family.
I cannot do justice to this book. It was far more meaningful and inspiration than I had expected. I found it unique and recommend it to other readers whether or not they are students of WWII. I had almost overlooked this hidden gem.
Biggio discovered that when old WWII veterans saw and held that rifle, they seemed to shed years and journey back to their youths when they had fought around the world in all branches of service, profoundly changed by their ordeals. Also, they suddenly wanted to tell him of their experiences, the heroic as well as those they had suffered silently in shame and guilt for 70 years. These were not the generals or policy makers; they were the average American guys who found themselves in distant lands suffering conditions they had never imagined.
They had returned, made what peace they could in the civilian world, and lived many years, often heralded as The Greatest Generation. They told Biggio that the terrors of war never completely left them, and that he should not expect to ever be the same himself. Yet they they had built new lives, and he saw from their examples a way forward for himself and his family.
I cannot do justice to this book. It was far more meaningful and inspiration than I had expected. I found it unique and recommend it to other readers whether or not they are students of WWII. I had almost overlooked this hidden gem.
May 29, 2023
The author of this book, a retired US Marine veteran of two recent military campaigns, had a highly original, and wonderfully executed idea: to interview surviving WWII US Armed Forces veterans, so as to preserve their personal stories for posterity. At the end of each interview, the interviewee would sign his name and campaign on an M1 Garand rifle, the standard service rifle of the US Armed Forces during most of WWII. The veterans' stories are mostly related in the third person, interspersed with the odd verbatim quote, and although the author is not a trained author, he has done a very decent job out of conveying those stories in an engaging manner, resulting in a highly readable work. What strikes the reader is the highly personal takes of the interviewees on their war experiences: no two stories are alike, with each of the veterans having lived the campaigns they participated in in their own, personal way, and processed their implications differently. Overall, this is a great piece of work, which both preserves the memory of the great men of the WWII generation and serves as a rich repository of lessons for future generations, on the experience of war, its effects on the human psyche, and the meaning of service to one's country and people.
October 5, 2023
Andrew Biggio established a unique rapport with these Veterans as he traveled across the nation preserving their inspirational & painful stories while obtaining their signatures on his antique M1 rifle. Just holding the rifle refreshed memories, memories that were never shared. These experiences told by the last living WWII Veterans in their eleventh hour are now preserved for future generations in this book. The fact that he had the foresight to have them sign the gun was a stroke of genius. It clearly transported them back, most often not to happy times, but IMPORTANT times in their lives.
Not only does he chronicle the men and the history of their stories, but he lets them know they are not forgotten after all these years. Overall, this is a great piece of work, which both preserves the memory of the great men of the WWII generation and serves as a rich repository of lessons for future generations, on the experience of war, its effects on the human psyche, and the meaning of service to one's country and people. Incidentally he has recently published a second book, "The Rifle 2: Back to the Battlefield." It is a follow-up to "The Rifle," as Andrew Biggio brings to light more untold stories from the quickly vanishing ranks of the veterans of World War II. What great read.
Not only does he chronicle the men and the history of their stories, but he lets them know they are not forgotten after all these years. Overall, this is a great piece of work, which both preserves the memory of the great men of the WWII generation and serves as a rich repository of lessons for future generations, on the experience of war, its effects on the human psyche, and the meaning of service to one's country and people. Incidentally he has recently published a second book, "The Rifle 2: Back to the Battlefield." It is a follow-up to "The Rifle," as Andrew Biggio brings to light more untold stories from the quickly vanishing ranks of the veterans of World War II. What great read.
October 17, 2024
The Rifle by Andrew Biggio
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Not just another WWII book; this piece should be required reading for all Americans who wish to understand and honor the sacrifices that our greatest generation made for all of us and the free world 🌎. Amazing work by the author Mr. Biggio who whilst on his own quest for answers and information on his Great Uncle who was KIA in Italy during WWII takes us along for the ride with him and showcases so many great Americans along the way. We bear witness to an ever aging and fading generation of heroes and strong men through the eyes of their military service and an M1 Garand rifle that the author has the veterans sign to forever remember their service. We as the reader get to travel through a great diversity of stories through the lens of veterans who may be telling there stories for the last time; we must honor and cherish our proud history and thank God that such men have lived! God bless the USA 🇺🇸. @therifle_
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#therifle #usa #usa🇺🇸 #history #ushistory #bookstagram #book #read #reading #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #army #marines #medalofhonor #veterans #remember #honor #ww2 #italy #europe #pacific #backtheblue
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Not just another WWII book; this piece should be required reading for all Americans who wish to understand and honor the sacrifices that our greatest generation made for all of us and the free world 🌎. Amazing work by the author Mr. Biggio who whilst on his own quest for answers and information on his Great Uncle who was KIA in Italy during WWII takes us along for the ride with him and showcases so many great Americans along the way. We bear witness to an ever aging and fading generation of heroes and strong men through the eyes of their military service and an M1 Garand rifle that the author has the veterans sign to forever remember their service. We as the reader get to travel through a great diversity of stories through the lens of veterans who may be telling there stories for the last time; we must honor and cherish our proud history and thank God that such men have lived! God bless the USA 🇺🇸. @therifle_
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#therifle #usa #usa🇺🇸 #history #ushistory #bookstagram #book #read #reading #readmorebooks #readersofinstagram #army #marines #medalofhonor #veterans #remember #honor #ww2 #italy #europe #pacific #backtheblue
August 2, 2025
What a book. WW2 has been the front page War since it concluded in the 40’s. Movies, games, shows, documentaries… all capitalizing on the fight against the evil Axis powers.
Growing up I was infatuated with WW2; but I, along with many others, have been desensitized to the true happenings of our history. This book made the battles, stories, heroics, and most importantly the people REAL.
I loved how this book brought the real stories of the Greatest Generation of Americans to life. I loved how it not only followed the famed divisions of the 101 Airborne and The Big Red 1, but the smaller lesser known men of other divisions in every theater (including the Italian front which has never gotten the love that it deserves).
From Iwo Jima, to Bastogne, to Rome, and Berlin these stories highlight the great sacrifices of our veterans who we owe everything to.
Can’t wait to read the 2nd book!
Growing up I was infatuated with WW2; but I, along with many others, have been desensitized to the true happenings of our history. This book made the battles, stories, heroics, and most importantly the people REAL.
I loved how this book brought the real stories of the Greatest Generation of Americans to life. I loved how it not only followed the famed divisions of the 101 Airborne and The Big Red 1, but the smaller lesser known men of other divisions in every theater (including the Italian front which has never gotten the love that it deserves).
From Iwo Jima, to Bastogne, to Rome, and Berlin these stories highlight the great sacrifices of our veterans who we owe everything to.
Can’t wait to read the 2nd book!
October 17, 2025
I thought this book was very true to it's theme. He really wanted to honor a generation that came before him, and I actually teared up several times during the book. He really worked at the heart strings.
I didn't come away from this book with as much as I expected. I have read quite a few war books, and this one felt a little bit like finger food. That being said, I thought it did a really good job of representing a lot of different combat theatres, and a big demographic of people that fought in them. All of the veterans were given their due, and their stories given a good amount of respect.
I don't think this was the book that I expected, but it was still a fun read, and as mentioned before, it will make you feel things. Overall, the rifle project was an amazing idea, and it did a great job of paying well deserved respect to the veterans. Biggio should be super proud of this whole thing, and I doubt anyone would read this book and have bad things to say.
I didn't come away from this book with as much as I expected. I have read quite a few war books, and this one felt a little bit like finger food. That being said, I thought it did a really good job of representing a lot of different combat theatres, and a big demographic of people that fought in them. All of the veterans were given their due, and their stories given a good amount of respect.
I don't think this was the book that I expected, but it was still a fun read, and as mentioned before, it will make you feel things. Overall, the rifle project was an amazing idea, and it did a great job of paying well deserved respect to the veterans. Biggio should be super proud of this whole thing, and I doubt anyone would read this book and have bad things to say.
July 6, 2021
Respectful salute to this greatest generation.
A moving and informative look at the lives of these members of the greatest generation. That is not to denigrate the current young generation of men and women who have also sacrificed and served in our modern day. Their valor is equally honorable. These WW2 stories must be told now. Another reviewer criticized the manuscript for certain missing words and for the redundant use of the term Panzer tanks but these small items did not reduce the impact of the stories. Another close line edit would have been of use, but the story and theme are so strong that those small errors can be overlooked. Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in what service in war can do for character and how to make a meaningful life after.
A moving and informative look at the lives of these members of the greatest generation. That is not to denigrate the current young generation of men and women who have also sacrificed and served in our modern day. Their valor is equally honorable. These WW2 stories must be told now. Another reviewer criticized the manuscript for certain missing words and for the redundant use of the term Panzer tanks but these small items did not reduce the impact of the stories. Another close line edit would have been of use, but the story and theme are so strong that those small errors can be overlooked. Highly recommend this book to anyone interested in what service in war can do for character and how to make a meaningful life after.
June 3, 2023
I heard the author give an interview on Memorial Day and decided to read this book. I'm so grateful for the time, effort, and money he spent tracking down and interviewing these WWII veterans. What a treasure this book is (as I'm sure will be his next one), as it not only gives us insight into the battles fought, but the men who served and then lived with the repercussions of war. They are stories of struggle and survival, returning home to live, love, and serve their families and communities.
This book would be a great gift for any service member or young person considering military service. It's also an important book for all Americans, as we need these stories to remind us of who we are as Americans and the cost of our freedom.
A recommended read.
This book would be a great gift for any service member or young person considering military service. It's also an important book for all Americans, as we need these stories to remind us of who we are as Americans and the cost of our freedom.
A recommended read.
September 30, 2023
Andrew Biggio has done an amazing and truly incredible job over the last five years going and visiting some of the last surviving members of the greatest generation. Throughout the many different story’s Andrew covers in the story I found many of them had so much in common. Many of the men who fought in World War Two had regular lives like us today but when the time came to serve their country they didn’t think twice about it. Many of the men who went to war came back a different person and unfortunately many lost their lives fighting in the hope of one day providing a world that is free. Overall a great read thanks to the many hours Andrew put into interviewing and traveling the US to get the story’s.
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