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Crack! and Thump
This is a chilling account of ground combat of a young company-grade officer who fought with the 9th Infantry Division in North Africa, Sicily, France, Belgium, and Germany. Scheffel vividly recalls the terror, mind-numbing fatigue, raw emotions, and horrific conditions fighting men endured to achieve victory in World War II.
231 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 20, 2025
This memoir has a great reputation as one of the classics of WW2 lit. and I can understand it one way but not in another -- Charles Scheffel really did have a lively war he barely escaped and many, many a harrowing encounter but it's not well told and this is because it's what I've termed a second person memoir -- penned by an interviewer presenting Scheffel's wartime experiences in first person but it's not really Scheffel writing it himself and there's a huge difference between the two, although it can be done very well. It's just not done well here and the result is a stilted, bland recitation of the war through his eyes. The interviewer, Barry Badsen, says in the intro that Scheffel was forthcoming and fully frank and willing to discuss everything he experienced. I think this has to be window dressing -- veterans have a hard, hard time opening up, especially those who have never spoken to anyone about their war and choose to relate these events late in life. I doubt it could have been a smooth, unblemished experience for either man. With that initial lack of reality, the result is nearly guaranteed to lack grit and feel. There's a solid wall between what he's telling you happened to him and around him and any real feeling about it, which is extremely frustrating. What he went through as a young ROTC candidate being thrown into nearly immediate leadership in North Africa is astonishing: his transport ship is torpedoed but not sunk before landing his troops, for instance. There are encounters with famous personalities of the war -- Kay Summersby, General Arnold, General Patton, all told as if through a concrete wall of deadened emotion. His time in Normandy before being gravely wounded and rotated home is graphic, brutal, bewildering, stunning, numbing, extremely bloody and yet you can't really relate to it well because of the sterile telling of the story.
Worthwhile if you're addicted to WW2 but not a great standalone recommendation for a stranger to the war who wants to know something about it.
Worthwhile if you're addicted to WW2 but not a great standalone recommendation for a stranger to the war who wants to know something about it.
September 5, 2012
During the first 30% of this book I was quite annoyed by the author. Having read several better known WWII memoirs he seemed to be a comparative dud to me, cowardly, unqualified, and of weak moral resolve. I was especially disgusted by his eagerness to organize prostitutes for his men. During his campaign of N. Africa, I was unimpressed by his leadership and bravery. As an author I was unimpressed by his lack of basic historical detail such as dates. At times, I even lost track of which campaign I was reading about.
So why 4 stars?
As the book progressed, I realized that this was the most behind the scenes look of what life was like for an infantryman in the eastern campaign of WWII that I had ever read. The book is filled with no-nonsense descriptions of gore, death, and fear from a man hardened by two years of combat. I found myself entrenched in each of his minor battles and growing increasingly familiar with weapons, infantry tactics, and the life of an infantry officer. This book is so good because it wreaks of honesty and humanity. Its important to remember that every action was heroic, that American soldiers, even our heros, are not necessarily saints.
It is the true story not of heros who are men... but of men who become heros. The book reminded me that the war was fought by the ordinary, the average, and the less than intelligent. That men drafted into the chaos of war make many blunders for which men die unnecessarily.
Though the author may posses nothing more than average writing ability, his stream-of-consciousness journal-like account of 1942-1944 is worth reading. I'd recommend this quick read to those who have read about half a dozen books on WWII.
So why 4 stars?
As the book progressed, I realized that this was the most behind the scenes look of what life was like for an infantryman in the eastern campaign of WWII that I had ever read. The book is filled with no-nonsense descriptions of gore, death, and fear from a man hardened by two years of combat. I found myself entrenched in each of his minor battles and growing increasingly familiar with weapons, infantry tactics, and the life of an infantry officer. This book is so good because it wreaks of honesty and humanity. Its important to remember that every action was heroic, that American soldiers, even our heros, are not necessarily saints.
It is the true story not of heros who are men... but of men who become heros. The book reminded me that the war was fought by the ordinary, the average, and the less than intelligent. That men drafted into the chaos of war make many blunders for which men die unnecessarily.
Though the author may posses nothing more than average writing ability, his stream-of-consciousness journal-like account of 1942-1944 is worth reading. I'd recommend this quick read to those who have read about half a dozen books on WWII.
May 22, 2022
One of the best.
An amazing journey following the author from North Africa to Germany. His experiences were vivid and touching, creating a diary of an exceptional individual doing his duty and taking care of his men.
An amazing journey following the author from North Africa to Germany. His experiences were vivid and touching, creating a diary of an exceptional individual doing his duty and taking care of his men.
March 21, 2023
what an excellent first person narrative of what it was like to be a young infantry officer in WW2 Europe.
I think this should be required reading for our younger generation…Mr. Scheffel displays leadership….empathy and patriotism throughout the book. Read it.
I think this should be required reading for our younger generation…Mr. Scheffel displays leadership….empathy and patriotism throughout the book. Read it.
November 10, 2023
Real page turner.
Candid and well written memoir of a real hero with a first class memory. I've read no less than 50 World War II books, and none are more compelling or personal. Charlies voice makes you feel like you are talking to a relative.
Candid and well written memoir of a real hero with a first class memory. I've read no less than 50 World War II books, and none are more compelling or personal. Charlies voice makes you feel like you are talking to a relative.
September 26, 2022
Highly recommend for military readers one of the best I have read in a while
March 27, 2023
Wonderful
A really great telling of one man's journey through World War II. I don't think anyone who was not there can really realize what these me endured.
A really great telling of one man's journey through World War II. I don't think anyone who was not there can really realize what these me endured.
August 23, 2025
As an avid reader of military non-fiction, I've consumed countless tales of heroism and hardship. However, I can say without reservation that Crack! and Thump: With a Combat Infantry Officer in World War II is the most compelling and immersive WWII account I have ever read. This is not just a book; it's a visceral journey into the heart of conflict, and it left me utterly captivated. The book chronicles the remarkable two-year odyssey of Captain Charles Scheffel, an officer in the 9th Infantry Division, whose experiences are so intense and varied that it's challenging to fathom one man enduring it all. Unlike the fixed 13-month tours of Vietnam, WWII offered no such endpoint, and Scheffel’s story is a testament to that brutal reality. He was a man who turned down a safer role in the Finance Corps to volunteer for the infantry, a decision that would plunge him into some of the war's most ferocious battles. From the shores of North Africa and Sicily to the hedgerows of France and the forests of Germany, Scheffel was on the front lines of near-constant, savage combat. The book's title itself, Crack! and Thump, refers to the terrifying sounds of battle that Scheffel learned to distinguish for survival – the "crack" of a supersonic bullet passing nearby and the "thump" of the rifle that fired it. This visceral detail is just a glimpse of the book's power to place you directly in the foxhole. What makes this book truly exceptional is its focus on the raw, unfiltered reality of war at the company level. Scheffel’s narrative is not a high-level strategic overview but a gritty, moment-to-moment struggle for survival. The death and destruction he details are alarming, and his honest portrayal of the fear and exhaustion that soldiers faced is profoundly moving. It’s a story that I believe surpasses even cinematic masterpieces like Band of Brothers or Saving Private Ryan in its authentic depiction of the infantry experience. It is baffling that Hollywood has not yet adapted this incredible true story. As a Marine Corps veteran, I was particularly struck by Scheffel's exceptional leadership and tactical acumen. His ability to apply his training under the most dire of circumstances to protect his men is a recurring theme. The combat tactics he employed are the same principles I learned at Camp Pendleton in the late 60s, a testament to their timeless effectiveness. Reading about his leadership was a powerful flashback to my training, and it deepened my appreciation for the immense pressures he faced. Even with superb tactics, the book makes it painfully clear that many lives were tragically lost or forever altered.
Captain Scheffel was a true American hero, decorated with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts for his service and sacrifice. His story was so compelling that he was featured in the History Channel's acclaimed series WWII in HD. Crack! and Thump is more than just a war story; it is an intimate and powerful look at the leadership, sacrifice, and sheer resilience of a remarkable individual. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to any student of military history or anyone seeking to understand the actual cost of war. Scheffel died at the age of 92, back in 2011. Every American needs to read this book!
Captain Scheffel was a true American hero, decorated with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts for his service and sacrifice. His story was so compelling that he was featured in the History Channel's acclaimed series WWII in HD. Crack! and Thump is more than just a war story; it is an intimate and powerful look at the leadership, sacrifice, and sheer resilience of a remarkable individual. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to any student of military history or anyone seeking to understand the actual cost of war. Scheffel died at the age of 92, back in 2011. Every American needs to read this book!
September 9, 2021
TOO MANY CLICHES…
The author should have stuck yo the basic narrative and not inserted total BS cliches from other WWII works such the private escorting prisoners yo the rear and guns them down. Telling Charlie, we’ll I’m a Jew and the Germans killed my folks in the concentration camps. HINT the world did not know about the camps in 1943. Certainly not grunts in N. Africa. Or Charlie on point for his entire division 24/7 and General Patton drives up in a tank platoon with Charlie telling Patton not to use his river ford, yo go up stream and they then get ambushed…BS! Many other examples such as this went the basic story was the interesting one…To bad.
The author should have stuck yo the basic narrative and not inserted total BS cliches from other WWII works such the private escorting prisoners yo the rear and guns them down. Telling Charlie, we’ll I’m a Jew and the Germans killed my folks in the concentration camps. HINT the world did not know about the camps in 1943. Certainly not grunts in N. Africa. Or Charlie on point for his entire division 24/7 and General Patton drives up in a tank platoon with Charlie telling Patton not to use his river ford, yo go up stream and they then get ambushed…BS! Many other examples such as this went the basic story was the interesting one…To bad.
April 20, 2023
Greatest generation for a reason
I've watched WWII HD several times. Charlie Scheffel reminded me of my grandpa. I always felt there was more to his story. I ran across this book purely by accident. I was totally right....there is so much more to his story! I've often wondered how we won WWII with all the blunders & luck. This book fills in a lot of holes. Many times Charlie & his company were on their own, no support, no orders. Charlie took command, protected his troops & moved forward. Definitely a worthy book to read.
I've watched WWII HD several times. Charlie Scheffel reminded me of my grandpa. I always felt there was more to his story. I ran across this book purely by accident. I was totally right....there is so much more to his story! I've often wondered how we won WWII with all the blunders & luck. This book fills in a lot of holes. Many times Charlie & his company were on their own, no support, no orders. Charlie took command, protected his troops & moved forward. Definitely a worthy book to read.
May 27, 2023
From a former member of the 3bn/39th lnf 9th lD in 1982-83 period, this was a great history .
I liked it all, l have always loved reading military history. This accounting was closer to home for me because when a part of the 39th lnf in 1982, every payday we were on parade honoring Col. Paddy Flint and wearing the AAA-O symbal he created. I would recommend this book to all people interested in WW2 history, espesually those of us who served in the 9th lD before it was deactivated in the late 1980's. Truly a great read.
SSG Tankersley ( ret.)
I liked it all, l have always loved reading military history. This accounting was closer to home for me because when a part of the 39th lnf in 1982, every payday we were on parade honoring Col. Paddy Flint and wearing the AAA-O symbal he created. I would recommend this book to all people interested in WW2 history, espesually those of us who served in the 9th lD before it was deactivated in the late 1980's. Truly a great read.
SSG Tankersley ( ret.)
March 14, 2021
A true warrior’s story
This is a Well-told saga of a combat infantryman officer’s tour in front-line action. Told with candor he described his war in North Africa, Sicily, France and Germany. This some of the best writing about WWII front line combat, also reflecting the author’s true leadership under dire circumstances.
This is a Well-told saga of a combat infantryman officer’s tour in front-line action. Told with candor he described his war in North Africa, Sicily, France and Germany. This some of the best writing about WWII front line combat, also reflecting the author’s true leadership under dire circumstances.
April 26, 2022
One man', humble, heroric personal saga, of liberating europe
I've always enjoyed the first person, personalized, stories of th
e greatest generation. The author does a wonderful job in all aspects of a soldiers life, making the reader feel and appreciate the her o ing circumstances he made it through.
I've always enjoyed the first person, personalized, stories of th
e greatest generation. The author does a wonderful job in all aspects of a soldiers life, making the reader feel and appreciate the her o ing circumstances he made it through.
March 19, 2024
One of the best accounts, from a combat infantryman, I’ve ever read.
With the reading of every account of the hardship, privation, and sheer terror faced by combat soldiers, I am humbled by their sacrifices. It is no wonder that those who returned didn’t talk of their experiences to avoid reliving them. This book is a much appreciated exception.
With the reading of every account of the hardship, privation, and sheer terror faced by combat soldiers, I am humbled by their sacrifices. It is no wonder that those who returned didn’t talk of their experiences to avoid reliving them. This book is a much appreciated exception.
January 26, 2021
Fantastic book describing WWII in Europe.
This book should be read by everyone ho tries to imagine what it would be a really great leader of men. From college to North Africa to Italy to France, this Oklahoma Cowboy saw it all and thought of his men all of the time.
This book should be read by everyone ho tries to imagine what it would be a really great leader of men. From college to North Africa to Italy to France, this Oklahoma Cowboy saw it all and thought of his men all of the time.
June 10, 2021
A must read story of World War Two
The detailed account of action after action is the most explicit I have ever read.. It also relates the thousands of lives that are lost because of bad decesions that were made as in most actions.
The detailed account of action after action is the most explicit I have ever read.. It also relates the thousands of lives that are lost because of bad decesions that were made as in most actions.
May 7, 2022
Those who sacrificed so much
My godfather fought through Africa and Italy. Not sure where he was wounded by a motor round. Your book is close to what he shared with me before I went to Vietnam. Thank you for your service Captain.
My godfather fought through Africa and Italy. Not sure where he was wounded by a motor round. Your book is close to what he shared with me before I went to Vietnam. Thank you for your service Captain.
March 8, 2023
excellent read,
Tells it like it was without mincing words. Appreciate the honest and detailed of his historical account of his experience. He didn’t mince words or spare feelings. Honest portrait of life in hell.
Tells it like it was without mincing words. Appreciate the honest and detailed of his historical account of his experience. He didn’t mince words or spare feelings. Honest portrait of life in hell.
September 21, 2023
excellent interesting WW2 autobiography
Another interesting and excellent WW2 autobiography. Strongly recommend.
Covers from before WW2 through training and then operations in three different theaters against the Nazi in WW2.
Another interesting and excellent WW2 autobiography. Strongly recommend.
Covers from before WW2 through training and then operations in three different theaters against the Nazi in WW2.
January 9, 2021
Want to Know what it was really like?
One of the most realistic, detailed accounts of what it was like to be a combat infantry officer in WW2. Saving Private Ryan in book form.
One of the most realistic, detailed accounts of what it was like to be a combat infantry officer in WW2. Saving Private Ryan in book form.
July 12, 2021
Ww
Very good story,hard to imagine the horrors of war these men went through,one must be in which most of the time.
Very good story,hard to imagine the horrors of war these men went through,one must be in which most of the time.
July 26, 2021
Best ever, what a lucky man.
Mind blowing stories, what a ordeal.
Thank you Sir, your actions inspire and your service humbles us all.
Great front row seat to a humble hero, wow.
Mind blowing stories, what a ordeal.
Thank you Sir, your actions inspire and your service humbles us all.
Great front row seat to a humble hero, wow.
July 28, 2021
Went when called
A truly great story told in a manner that is interest and pulls the reader in. Tale of a hero among many other heroes.
A truly great story told in a manner that is interest and pulls the reader in. Tale of a hero among many other heroes.
October 17, 2021
Review
Captain your book was great. I really enjoyed. The u for your servjcet. I was a grunt in nam in 71 thx agajn
Captain your book was great. I really enjoyed. The u for your servjcet. I was a grunt in nam in 71 thx agajn
December 30, 2021
outstanding
Well written account. How he remembered so much detail is amazing. Read it and remember all those that suffered through this period.
Well written account. How he remembered so much detail is amazing. Read it and remember all those that suffered through this period.
January 26, 2022
Great Read
It provides a unique outlook of a wartime infantryman who is honest throughout the book. Would highly recommend for anyone into military or history related topics.
It provides a unique outlook of a wartime infantryman who is honest throughout the book. Would highly recommend for anyone into military or history related topics.
June 12, 2022
5-stars aren’t enough
Wow! Band of Brothers, stand aside. Another firsthand account as vivid as Saving Private Ryan, only better than any Spielberg movie. All thumbs up!
Wow! Band of Brothers, stand aside. Another firsthand account as vivid as Saving Private Ryan, only better than any Spielberg movie. All thumbs up!
February 3, 2024
I just finished reading this amazing book, and Ibcan only say WOW! This has to be one of my favourite first-person accounts of WW2 that I have ever read. This book is an honest, blunt & searingly real account of what war was like for a young infantry officer, experiencing some of the worst of the war. I highly recommend this to anyone who wonders what life on the front lines was like. Kudos to the authors!👏🏼🫡
December 5, 2007
"Do you know what crack and thump is?" Asked retired US Army Captain Charles Scheffel at the Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, United States book signing for Crack! and Thump.
"Not really. Snipers?" Responded the officer on active duty, who was on his way to Iraq.
Scheffel gave him a signed copy of his book. "You need to know this. It could save your life. It saved mine more than once, and survival's the name of the game."
If you think that sounds like an exchange you may have with your experienced neighbor down the street, you have it right. Crack! and Thump is Scheffel's honestly written memoir recalling his experiences fighting in North Africa and Europe.... With the help of Camroc Press' Barry Basden, Scheffel's experience made Crack! and Thump among the most candid and insightful pieces of work that gave hint to the ground war in WW2.
http://ww2db.com/read.php?read_id=66
Read the rest of my review at the link above!
"Not really. Snipers?" Responded the officer on active duty, who was on his way to Iraq.
Scheffel gave him a signed copy of his book. "You need to know this. It could save your life. It saved mine more than once, and survival's the name of the game."
If you think that sounds like an exchange you may have with your experienced neighbor down the street, you have it right. Crack! and Thump is Scheffel's honestly written memoir recalling his experiences fighting in North Africa and Europe.... With the help of Camroc Press' Barry Basden, Scheffel's experience made Crack! and Thump among the most candid and insightful pieces of work that gave hint to the ground war in WW2.
http://ww2db.com/read.php?read_id=66
Read the rest of my review at the link above!
March 1, 2009
This is a tour de force. Barry Basden captures Charlie Scheffel's life in battle so vividly you will think you are there. It is funny, frank, and sometimes horrific. I was unable to put the book down.
Highly recommended for anyone who likes WW II history, or anyone who simply wants to know what The Greatest Generation went through from the dustbowls of Oklahoma to the battlefields of North Africa, Sicily and Europe.
It's Charlie's story, of course, but without Basden I'm not sure it would have had the same punch.
Great read!
Highly recommended for anyone who likes WW II history, or anyone who simply wants to know what The Greatest Generation went through from the dustbowls of Oklahoma to the battlefields of North Africa, Sicily and Europe.
It's Charlie's story, of course, but without Basden I'm not sure it would have had the same punch.
Great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews