Foxhole

by George K Mullins

Foxhole is a deeply personal story of a young man's experience in World War II. George Mullins takes us on his journey as he travels from his isolated home in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia to the beach in Normandy as part of the Allied invasion, then landing in a glider in the liberation of Holland, next came the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, and on to the occupation of Germany. Mullins shares his thoughts as he fires his machine gun from freezing foxholes, sees the devastation of war, and develops deep friendships with comrades in arms. In these thoughts, observations, experiences, and fears; the day-to-day reality of war comes to life.

Genres: Memoir, World War II

282 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2021

Reviews

[Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foxhole was like sitting in a cozy room with the fireplace going and the author had his arm around you while he was telling you the best story you’ve ever heard. The book is just so conversational and personal that I wished it wouldn’t end. It’s truly a rare book where the author can strike up such great feelings in the reader.

[Margaret Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because I hoped it would reveal some of what my own father, who died over 40 years ago, had gone through in Europe in World War II, especially since my father found it so difficult to talk about his experiences in battle. It helped that the author, who was 96 when the book was published, was also, like my father, a rural Virginian who entered the fight on D Day at Utah Beach. The book is honest; the author doesn't mince words about things he liked and didn't like. There are some things he experienced that were so awful that he says he cannot write about them. The author does reveal many things about the battles he fought in. I found his experience at Bastogne and at Hitler's Eagles Nest and the salt mines where stolen treasures were hidden by the Nazis to be particularly interesting. The book is full of wonderful photographs which help in his explanations and are just interesting and informative in general. This work will sadly not be of interest to everyone, but to someone who has a connection with a World War II battlefield soldier in Europe and wants to learn more about the experiences of a regular soldier, I highly recommend it.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Mullins grew up in northern Virginia, near the Kentucky border. He was the son of Appalachian farmers. When the US entered WWII, George joined up to fight even though he wasn't yet eighteen. He trained as an infantryman and was found to be a sharp-shooter due to years of hunting in the mountains as a boy. He became one of his unit's machine gunners in the 101st Infantry. He tells of his experiences in boot camp and them crossing the ocean. He was part of the invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. His unit also took part in the occupation of Germany prior to the end of the war.
Mullins's memoir if full of detail so one feels like one is beside him in combat, but he doesn't dwell on or sensationalize what he sees or went through. There are photos included that offer some excellent references.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m fascinated with World War Two history and this is living, breathing history of the 101st Airborne Division and the fight in Europe. As a VA nurse and daughter of a veteran, I heard many firsthand accounts of that war and the occupation of France and Germany afterwards. Bless George and his fellow soldiers who fought against fascists.

[David Tice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good self-published memoir of a soldier in the 101st Airborne Division, from Normandy through the end of the war. It is very personal, so don’t expect big picture context; but you get a feel for this gentleman’s experience. Also, as noted, it’s self-published so not as polished as a traditional book, but it’s much better than many others of similar type I’ve read.

[Mindy Borchardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foxfire exceeded my expectations for a self-published memoir. The detail is amazing; to remember events and places and people so clearly eighty years later is a gift which we are fortunate to be the recipients of. The writing is animated, the research helpful - I have read quite a few books about WWII but I learned quite a bit, and Foxhole is a new favorite I recommend to all history lovers.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read like a journal or a letter home. Very matter-of-fact accounting of the day-to-day journey of a WWII soldier from the U.S. to Europe then eventually back home again. I am so grateful that George Mullins took the time to write down his experiences for future generations to read and learn what life was like for a WWII soldier in the European theater.

[Suellen Darblay · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great memoir of a 17 year old boy from Virginia who joined the Army at the beginning of WW2. His recollections of events, people, and places is fairly astounding. It is a great coming of age story.

[Mary Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I felt as if I were sitting down with a friend and listening to him tell of his experiences during the war. I appreciated his perspective and that George was willing to talk plainly and openly about his experiences. It’s hard to imagine what it was like and reading George’s book really made me even more grateful to all of the people who chose to fight and support our military forces during WWII. It’s horrible that wars happen, but it’s inspiring that so many choose to do what they can to help end them. I’m grateful to George and the few WWII veterans remaining who have and continue to share their stories to help us learn and hopefully do and be better.

[Erin Petrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historically interesting regarding the challenges of being part of the glider group for the D-Day invasion.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first person, nonfiction work by an Army veteran of DDay, Operation Marketgarden, Bastogne and many other European battles of WWII

[Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

His memoir is a worthy contribution to literature about the Second World War. A scrappy kid from a coal mining town liberate a continent will inspire you.