America at D-Day: A Book of Remembrance

On Saturday, June 3, 1944, at 4:39 p.m., Associated Press teletype machines clacked out the message: Flash, Eisenhower's Headquarters Announce Allied Landings France. D-Day, the Allied invasion of German-occupied France had begun. Not quite. A newly hired British teletype operator had accidentally sent her practice tape through the live circuit. Although the flash was never published, it was heard by millions on radio bulletins around the world. The teletype snafu is just one of the many moments that journalist Goldstein captures in his contribution to the numerous 50th anniversary D-Day tributes jockeying for position. Still, with all the competition Goldstein should do well. Writing in best journalistic style, Goldstein beautifully meshes personal anecdote with historical perspective in an even-handed account that juxtaposes heroic deeds and blunders; fear and courage. But it is the author's incisive detailing that gives the event its human face. For example, when describing General Eisenhower's demeanor before giving the official command for attack, Goldstein writes ``He was chain-smoking and drinking fiteen cups of coffee. At meals he developed a habit of tapping his fingers at the table. . . The invasion was a hand.'' The tension that begins Goldstein's account slackens in the latter sections of the book, eventually winding down with heartwarming recollections of D-Day vets. (June)