The Sword of St. Michael: The 82nd Airborne Division in World War II

by Guy LoFaro

The 82nd Airborne Division spent more time in combat than any other American airborne unit of World War II, and its fierce battlefield tenacity earned it the reputation of one of the finest divisions in the world. Yet no comprehensive history of the 82nd during World War II exists today. The Sword of St. Michael corrects this significant gap in the literature, offering a lively narrative and thoroughly researched history of the famous division. Author Guy LoFaro, himself a distinguished officer of the division, interweaves the voices of soldiers at both ends of the chain of command, from Eisenhower to the lowest private. Making extensive use of primary sources, LoFaro offers a work of insightful analysis, situating the division's exploits in a strategic and operational context.

Genres: History, World War II, Military Fiction, American History, Nonfiction, Military History

784 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2011

Reviews

[Garrett Rooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book, but you've gotta know what you're getting into. It's long, it's detailed and it's way more of a "military history" kind of book than a "popular military history" kind of book. As far as I can tell it's actually based on the author's PhD thesis of the same title.

Anyway, all that aside, it's a great book and it does a fantastic job of telling a truly remarkable story. The 82nd Airborne and its commanders basically invented US Airborne doctrine, and this is the story of how they did it. They were in every major Airborne engagement in WWII, as well as any number of important ground engagements, and every step of the way is full of fascinating stories. Well worth the time investment.

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed the first few chapters on the creation of the airborne corps more so then the rest but the rest was really good too. Focused mostly on the leaders but would drop down into troopers and anecdotes as well. doesn't really show Montgomery in a good light but maybe he was that big of a goof. Interesting reading it while also reading the making of the atomic bomb and watching rouge hero's about the creation of the SAS so the political and slow moving of governments and higher ups to see the value in new ideas as well as how the 82nd were not SF as I think of them today but really good troops. well trained, well lead, the continuous improvement in equipment and organization, and the trust that let them break out and keep going with out nessicaily needing to or wanting to wait for a ""armchair"" general to give direction.
not sure how much I'll remember as it was dense and its easier to remember band of brothers and the old MOH and COD games I played in high school that were inspired by these real ppl but glad I read it.

[Michael Romo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive and well written account of this famous division. The 82nd Airborne was the first American airborne division to fight in combat and fought gallantly in World War II. In case you are wondering the title refers to the quote by Milton.

"...but the sword
Of Michael from the Armorie of God
Was giv'n him tempered so, that neither keen
Nor solid might resist that edge: it met
The sword of Satan with steep force to smite
Descending, and in half cut sheere, nor staid,
But with shift wheele reverse, deep entering shar'd
All his right side; then Satan first knew pain...

John Milton, Paradise Lost

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the hands down best concise histories I’ve ever read. SUPERB research and inclusion of footnotes. Beautifully written and includes excellent maps.

[ARMY]

Kingseed

[Tom]

an exhusrive and exhusting read, putting it back on the shelf for a while.

[David Peno · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book. A must read for anyone who likes history and especially for World War II history fans.