Geronimo!: American Paratroopers in World War II

Breuer ( Retaking the Philippines ) here skillfully presents a combat narrative that covers every campaign in WW II that involved American paratroopers. Most of the action is provided by the 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne in the Mediterranean and European theaters and the 11th Airborne in the Pacific. Casualties in every campaign were inordinately severe, yet, as we are shown, the airborne units never lost their tactical flexibility, efficiency, or ferocious fighting spirit. Breuer traces the fortunes of many individuals through successive battles, among them the legendary Pvt. Ted Bachenheimer, who had a compulsion to prowl behind German lines, and James Gavin, who earned rapid promotion from colonel to major general by his dashing leadership of the 82nd Airborne. The book includes an account of Marine parachute operations in the Pacific, relatively minor affairs, and the story of the all-black 555th Parachute Infantry Company. The narrative ends with a moving description of the paratroopers' participation in the 1946 victory parade in New York. Photos. Military Book Club selection. (Nov.)