What do you think?
Rate this book
D-Day with the Screaming Eagles
“A TRULY AMAZING COMPENDIUM.”
–Gerald J. Higgins, major general, U.S. Army (ret.), from the Foreword
In the predawn darkness of D-Day, an elite fighting force struck the first blows against Hitler’s Fortress Europe. Braving a hail of enemy gunfire and mortars, bold invaders from the sky descended into the hedgerow country and swarmed the meadows of Normandy. Some would live, some would die, but all would fight with the guts and determination that made them the most famous U.S. Army division in World War II: the 101st Airborne “Screaming Eagles.”
George Koskimaki was part of the 101st Airborne’s daring parachute landing into occupied France that day. Now, drawing on more than five hundred firsthand accounts–including the never-before-published experiences of the trailblazing pathfinders and glider men–Koskimaki re-creates those critical hours in all their ferocity and terror. Told by those who ultimately prevailed–ordinary Americans who faced an extraordinary challenge–D-Day with the Screaming Eagles is the real history of that climactic struggle beyond the beachhead.
–Gerald J. Higgins, major general, U.S. Army (ret.), from the Foreword
In the predawn darkness of D-Day, an elite fighting force struck the first blows against Hitler’s Fortress Europe. Braving a hail of enemy gunfire and mortars, bold invaders from the sky descended into the hedgerow country and swarmed the meadows of Normandy. Some would live, some would die, but all would fight with the guts and determination that made them the most famous U.S. Army division in World War II: the 101st Airborne “Screaming Eagles.”
George Koskimaki was part of the 101st Airborne’s daring parachute landing into occupied France that day. Now, drawing on more than five hundred firsthand accounts–including the never-before-published experiences of the trailblazing pathfinders and glider men–Koskimaki re-creates those critical hours in all their ferocity and terror. Told by those who ultimately prevailed–ordinary Americans who faced an extraordinary challenge–D-Day with the Screaming Eagles is the real history of that climactic struggle beyond the beachhead.
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 30, 1969
204 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
George Koskimaki
6 books17 followersGeorge E. Koskimaki is a former paratrooper who jumped into Normandy on June 6, 1944, as General Maxwell Taylor’s radioman. He went on to become a preeminent historian of the 101st Airborne Division, having interviewed hundreds of fellow veterans for their firsthand accounts. He currently lives in Northville, Michigan.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 18, 2020
The D-day airborne droppings were tangled in trees, splashed in flooded fields & scattered over the map. Perhaps breaking down the recollections of the 101st by regiment & bataillon was the best structure avaliable to somehow link the myriad stories to their original objectives, such as bridges, to deny to German armoured countertrusts, and causeways leading up to the beach exits, to link up with the amphibious infantry, rather than purely "marching to the sound of the guns" with whatever weapons and stray 82nds at hand.
Every paragraph must be meticulously read, the individual combat encounters can be that small. The footnotes fill in the blanks behind : "I wonder what became of... Did he survive?"
Post 2001, it is of course fun to spot all passages concerning Easy company.
Some details stand out: German MG platforms in trees. Mines linked to the "Rommel asparagus" which weren't due for activation until June 18th...which is why the Norman cattle was still out and about.
The "angels of mercy" (medics and priests) seem to have the best eye for human tragedy: here we see French children wounded or killed by mortar fire together with their parents.. The delivery of a baby at St. Mère Église on the 6th of June restores a bit of balance to the universe. When individual Germans behave correctly, it is noted. I wonder if that one English speaking officer ever got back to New Orleans.
As I noted earlier for the other parts of Koskimaki's trilogy: know your battle before you take the foxhole view. As a radioman attached to HQ he appears more often than in his other books.
Every paragraph must be meticulously read, the individual combat encounters can be that small. The footnotes fill in the blanks behind : "I wonder what became of... Did he survive?"
Post 2001, it is of course fun to spot all passages concerning Easy company.
Some details stand out: German MG platforms in trees. Mines linked to the "Rommel asparagus" which weren't due for activation until June 18th...which is why the Norman cattle was still out and about.
The "angels of mercy" (medics and priests) seem to have the best eye for human tragedy: here we see French children wounded or killed by mortar fire together with their parents.. The delivery of a baby at St. Mère Église on the 6th of June restores a bit of balance to the universe. When individual Germans behave correctly, it is noted. I wonder if that one English speaking officer ever got back to New Orleans.
As I noted earlier for the other parts of Koskimaki's trilogy: know your battle before you take the foxhole view. As a radioman attached to HQ he appears more often than in his other books.
August 2, 2011
great book mentions my dad on page159...
January 2, 2013
George Koskimaki the noted historian of the 101st Airborne Division wrote “D-Day with the Screaming Eagles”. Mr. Koskimaki was 101st Airborne Division commanding General Maxwell Taylor’s radio operator. The book was written in 1970. Interviews with hundreds of paratroopers contributed to the book. Their stories are attention grabbing and captivating. They cover the first hours of Normandy. The fact that the book covers only the first couple of days of the D-Day invasion allows fascinating details to be covered.
The book gives you the feel that you are there during the frenzied first hours of the invasion. Detailed accounts of the activities of the pathfinders were enthralling. You encounter stories where paratroopers are sleepily drugged by the motion sickness medication they took preflight. You are under antiaircraft fire with them as they make their final approaches to the drop zones. In some cases, you are within the aircraft as it is going down in flames. You feel the fear of being captured by the Germans. You experience the myriad of broken legs, sprained ankles and other injuries from jumping at too fast of air speeds and too low of altitudes while being shot at. You land with them in the trees and nearly drown in the flooded areas during your parachute landing. You feel the downright confusion of the event.
The coverage of the glider units landing later during the D-day is information rarely covered in other books. Familiar stories like Lieutenant Dick Winters leading troops taking out the guns on Normandy are shared with a freshness that predates “Band of Brothers” by nearly twenty-five years.
I strongly recommend the book. It is necessary for any military history library, college library or community library. Books like “Band of Brother’s”, "D-Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II”, “Citizen Soldiers” and “The Greatest Generation” follow the historical method used by Mr. Koskimaki.
The book gives you the feel that you are there during the frenzied first hours of the invasion. Detailed accounts of the activities of the pathfinders were enthralling. You encounter stories where paratroopers are sleepily drugged by the motion sickness medication they took preflight. You are under antiaircraft fire with them as they make their final approaches to the drop zones. In some cases, you are within the aircraft as it is going down in flames. You feel the fear of being captured by the Germans. You experience the myriad of broken legs, sprained ankles and other injuries from jumping at too fast of air speeds and too low of altitudes while being shot at. You land with them in the trees and nearly drown in the flooded areas during your parachute landing. You feel the downright confusion of the event.
The coverage of the glider units landing later during the D-day is information rarely covered in other books. Familiar stories like Lieutenant Dick Winters leading troops taking out the guns on Normandy are shared with a freshness that predates “Band of Brothers” by nearly twenty-five years.
I strongly recommend the book. It is necessary for any military history library, college library or community library. Books like “Band of Brother’s”, "D-Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II”, “Citizen Soldiers” and “The Greatest Generation” follow the historical method used by Mr. Koskimaki.
February 18, 2014
This is a great account of the 101st Airborne experience just before, on, and just after D-Day.
The author was amongst the 101st and he also got 500 first hand accounts from those who where also there. Officers, enlisted, medics, doctors, chaplains and French civilians tell their story of their experience.
The author was amongst the 101st and he also got 500 first hand accounts from those who where also there. Officers, enlisted, medics, doctors, chaplains and French civilians tell their story of their experience.
June 19, 2016
I would not consider this book a traditional history. Rather it is a chronology of individuals in the historical context of D-Day. What I mean by this is that this is a great book if you want to understand how the battle was fought on the ground, by relating the harrowing stories of individual soldiers and their experiences during D-Day.
The author (George Koskimaki) interviewed several (maybe 100) individuals and asked them for their memorable stories during D-Day. Mr. Koskimaki then wove these stories together into the general context of the larger operation to give the reader a personal view of the opening moves of the battle.
I think it was very well done and is a good bridge between a general overview and individual experiences in the battle. I recommend this book. But I do so within the caveat that you should be familiar with D-Day through a more general overview book before you read Koskimaki's work. Otherwise, though Koskimaki does try to place each story within a larger context, it might be difficult to see how these individual stories played into the larger campaign. Don't worry if you don't finish this book in one sitting. Reading each story and putting the book aside for a bit, before picking it up again, seems to me to be a natural way of reading this book.
A book about the D-Day campaign, Koskimaki has done those soldiers who fought it and future generations a huge favor. Through the stories we come to appreciate the price those soldiers paid to rid the world of fascist ideology, freeing us from their special type of racial hate and butchery.
The author (George Koskimaki) interviewed several (maybe 100) individuals and asked them for their memorable stories during D-Day. Mr. Koskimaki then wove these stories together into the general context of the larger operation to give the reader a personal view of the opening moves of the battle.
I think it was very well done and is a good bridge between a general overview and individual experiences in the battle. I recommend this book. But I do so within the caveat that you should be familiar with D-Day through a more general overview book before you read Koskimaki's work. Otherwise, though Koskimaki does try to place each story within a larger context, it might be difficult to see how these individual stories played into the larger campaign. Don't worry if you don't finish this book in one sitting. Reading each story and putting the book aside for a bit, before picking it up again, seems to me to be a natural way of reading this book.
A book about the D-Day campaign, Koskimaki has done those soldiers who fought it and future generations a huge favor. Through the stories we come to appreciate the price those soldiers paid to rid the world of fascist ideology, freeing us from their special type of racial hate and butchery.
August 24, 2015
A wonderful source of primary reference material for the 101st Airborne and the D-Day air assault. Comprised of first hand accounts D-Day with the Screaming Eagles takes the reader through the preparation, drop and initial engagement of the 101st. The activities of each battalion are described with special sections for artillery and medical units - even chaplains and the French civilians who found themselves in an instant war zone.
One caution for the reader who isn't familiar with the operational level of D-Day who happens to venture into this book. The air drop of both the 82nd and 101st on 5 June '44 was a chaotic mess. George Koskimaki does his level best to describe the action; but with entire battalions missing their intended drop zones by miles and the mixing of units not only at the regimental level, but also at the divisional the story can get very confusing. However, the description of what happens at an individual and small unit level makes up for potentially getting lost in the overall fight - probably a feeling that reflects how those Screaming Eagles felt on that June night.
One caution for the reader who isn't familiar with the operational level of D-Day who happens to venture into this book. The air drop of both the 82nd and 101st on 5 June '44 was a chaotic mess. George Koskimaki does his level best to describe the action; but with entire battalions missing their intended drop zones by miles and the mixing of units not only at the regimental level, but also at the divisional the story can get very confusing. However, the description of what happens at an individual and small unit level makes up for potentially getting lost in the overall fight - probably a feeling that reflects how those Screaming Eagles felt on that June night.
September 17, 2009
An excellent book detailing the days before, the flight over to, and the first day in Normandy from many perspectives (mostly from the 101st Airborne soldiers). It's an amazing look into and account of their experiences during those first few hours. What's even more amazing is how they managed to group together into fighting units to achieve their objectives when they were badly mis-dropped (in some cases closer to Carentan and Cherbourg than to their drop zones). Koskimaki does an excellent job in allowing the soldiers to tell THEIR story rather than to weave in his own (even though he was actually there). If you're a history buff and would really like to get a sense of those first few hours that the airborne soldiers went through I highly recommend this book.
August 11, 2011
This book was written in 1970 and has more than 100 paratroopers who contributed to the book. There were interesting and captivating stories, but definitely didn't grip me. It is one of the largest collections of paratrooper contributions, and the book should be read for that reason.
November 26, 2017
Overall this was a great book. It really well explained what some of the events of D-Day were like. Because it was a first and secondhand account of the war, it can really put the reader in the events of the book. It was very descriptive of many aspects of what the author’s and his acquaintances’ experiences were like. The events of this book all took place in the region of Normandy in France. Specifically the towns mentioned are all in the Cherbourg Peninsula in northwestern Normandy. I do not typically read nonfiction books but this book was a great example that even though one may only typically read one genre of book, a change in genre is a good idea. The book provides an interesting but very realistic perspective on what the soldiers and the innocent civilians experienced. The civilians were sometimes scared that soldiers would come to their doors and other times they would welcome the soldiers gratefully. The purpose of the soldiers going to people’s homes would be to request a place to sleep or for directions to a place in case the soldiers were completely lost. There were many soldiers who could understand and speak French so conversing with the civilians was usually not a big problem. The soldiers would often get lost because they would sometimes fail to land on their “drop zones” after jumping out of a plane. Sometimes they would land several miles off course and might not have a map showing them where they were in relation to the drop zone.
May 14, 2024
Great anecdotes
The good: there are excellent anecdotes from the troopers, glider soldiers and pilots pertaining to the D Day airborne invasion. Excellent maps are also found in the Kindle edition.
The bad: Reference is made to countless soldiers and I found keeping track of them to be impossible. I also found that the author’s attempts at describing the events in the same time frame were confusing.
That said I enjoyed the book. What these men achieved, despite missing their drop zones, losing their weapons and communication gear, is a testament to their fortitude and bravery.
The good: there are excellent anecdotes from the troopers, glider soldiers and pilots pertaining to the D Day airborne invasion. Excellent maps are also found in the Kindle edition.
The bad: Reference is made to countless soldiers and I found keeping track of them to be impossible. I also found that the author’s attempts at describing the events in the same time frame were confusing.
That said I enjoyed the book. What these men achieved, despite missing their drop zones, losing their weapons and communication gear, is a testament to their fortitude and bravery.
June 24, 2023
Last of the D-Day books for now. A lot of very good firsthand accounts, but the editing could use work - it throws a lot of unfamiliar names, places, and units at you at times. Granted the airborne action was confusing, but that's no reason for the book to be. It's forgiven because the editor was one of the operation. If you've read or seen Band of Brothers you'll recognize some of this.
January 24, 2018
Good account of elite paratroopers in Normandy in advance of the invasion on D-Day, June 6, '44.
A lot of personal accounts were gathered together here. Takes a while to get through them.
This one makes me want to read Band of Brothers for another perspective.
A lot of personal accounts were gathered together here. Takes a while to get through them.
This one makes me want to read Band of Brothers for another perspective.
July 1, 2020
Overall a very detailed book. However what made it difficult to read is the author jumped between groups (division, regiment, battalion, etc) with too much frequency. If the book had been more systematic in the layout it would have been much more enjoyable.
August 4, 2024
This is a very detailed account of the 101st Airborne Division’s actions on D-Day. It was written by a former paratrooper who was General Taylor’s radioman, and it uses multiple firsthand accounts from other paratroopers who were there that day. It’s very well written too.
June 3, 2020
Screaming Eagles
Very interesting accounts from different individuals on the same operation on, before and after D day. Many actions did not go according to plan.
Very interesting accounts from different individuals on the same operation on, before and after D day. Many actions did not go according to plan.
January 1, 2021
Great book!
This is a great book that gives the reader first hand accounts of the early happenings of D-Day. I enjoyed reading this book very much.
This is a great book that gives the reader first hand accounts of the early happenings of D-Day. I enjoyed reading this book very much.
August 28, 2011
So here is a book that should be right up my alley - a collection of personal stories about first hours of Normandy invasion as remembered by members of 101: st Airborne Division. It is therefore very surprising to me how hard it was for me to finish this book. The thing that made it such a difficult task is the fact that the book covers only 24-36 hours of D-Day -from last preparations to the end of first day. This makes the individual stories quite short and most of the time somewhat incomplete. Also, after a while they become a little repetitive.
I am however glad that I found this book, because it gives very good picture of the chaotic first hours of the invasion. It also made me wonder if the opponents of special forces don't actually have a point. Many of the stories tell about immediate capture, countless injuries after a bad landing and complete and utter confusion. Those who know about the history of Normandy landings are familiar with the theory that the failure of concentrated drops of airborne forces actually helped in achieving the success. After reading this book I'm not so sure if that's the case.It also worth to read this book, because its author haven’t forgotten about the glider units that landed later during the D-day. It isn’t a topic that is covered all too often and there is some valuable information in that section.
I am however glad that I found this book, because it gives very good picture of the chaotic first hours of the invasion. It also made me wonder if the opponents of special forces don't actually have a point. Many of the stories tell about immediate capture, countless injuries after a bad landing and complete and utter confusion. Those who know about the history of Normandy landings are familiar with the theory that the failure of concentrated drops of airborne forces actually helped in achieving the success. After reading this book I'm not so sure if that's the case.It also worth to read this book, because its author haven’t forgotten about the glider units that landed later during the D-day. It isn’t a topic that is covered all too often and there is some valuable information in that section.
November 3, 2014
I was very impressed with this book which included accounts of paratroops who returned to England of no choice of their own, those wounded captured, those who fought through the day, the glider units and what turned out to be my favorite, the clergy and medics who served selflessly sometimes even voluntarily getting captured to care for the wounded in the charge. The author was there and made the jump himself as a radio man in the divisional HQ
September 10, 2013
Okay book about the 101st Airborne's jump into Normandy on D-Day. Based on first person accounts, gives the reader an idea of what the fear, confusion, and chaos our paratroopers encountered on D-Day. Can be a little confusing and repetitive at times but manageable. Wished it had extended beyond D-Day and included all of the 101st's time in Normandy.
July 23, 2013
This book is amazing. Totally read it if you're into military history and that sort of thing. I started reading it for our english class, but overall I am very pleased. The aspect of following people throughout the events occurring is amazing. Give it a definite recommendation
Currently reading
January 5, 2009In this book d-day. The soilders of 101St airborne are on the planes on ther way to France,and are about to jump into the dark skys, over the german held territory. So they are jumping into the unknown?
April 2, 2016
This book is a collection of stories in journal entries. This book also is very enjoyable it takes a look at the Screaming Eagles from the eyes of the men involved in looking at training the jumps the different battles and it's very well done and very thorough
June 11, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this account of the U.S. paratroopers on D-Day. Long before Ambrose's Band of Brothers, this book interviewed some of the same people. If you're a Steve Ambrose fan you should read this.
August 25, 2016
Very good book as told by hundreds of individuals who were there on D-Day; straight from the horses mouth.
June 28, 2017
An exhaustive set of recollections by paratrooper participants in the WW2 D-DAY invasion of Normandy. Brings home the fighting in very personal terms. Very high mortality rates due to misjudgment and planning errors makes the cost of this invasion clear. Not an enjoyable read by any means, but informative.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews