Four Hours of Fury

The Untold Story of World War II's Largest Airborne Operation and the Final Push into Nazi Germany

By: James M. Fenelon

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

"Compellingly chronicles one of the least studied great episodes of World War II with power and authority…. A riveting read” (Donald L. Miller, New York Times best-selling author of Masters of the Air) about World War II’s largest airborne operation - one that dropped 17,000 Allied paratroopers deep into the heart of Nazi Germany.

On the morning of March 24, 1945, more than 2,000 Allied aircraft droned through a cloudless sky toward Germany. Escorted by swarms of darting fighters, the armada of transport planes carried 17,000 troops to be dropped, via parachute and glider, on the far banks of the Rhine River. Four hours later, after what was the war’s largest airdrop, all major objectives had been seized. The invasion smashed Germany’s last line of defense and gutted Hitler’s war machine; the war in Europe ended less than two months later.

Four Hours of Fury follows the 17th Airborne Division as they prepare for Operation Varsity, a campaign that would rival Normandy in scale and become one of the most successful and important of the war. Even as the Third Reich began to implode, it was vital for Allied troops to have direct access into Germany to guarantee victory - the 17th Airborne secured that bridgehead over the River Rhine. And yet their story has until now been relegated to history’s footnotes.

In this viscerally exciting account, paratrooper-turned-historian James Fenelon “details every aspect of the American 17th Airborne Division’s role in Operation Varsity...inspired” (The Wall Street Journal).

Reminiscent of A Bridge Too Far and Masters of the Air, Four Hours of Fury does for the 17th Airborne what Band of Brothers did for the 101st. It is a captivating, action-packed tale of heroism and triumph spotlighting one of World War II’s most under-chronicled and dangerous operations.

©2019 James M. Fenelon (P)2019 Simon & Schuster

jaw dropping!

Mr. Fenelon did a jaw dropping job with Four Hours of Fury. Arthur Morey narrated it greatly!!
Fenelon (a former army paratrooper himself) gives us the real first person account of the experience that each airborne trooper went through preparing for the assault on Germany and he gives us an intense account of the combat and challenges that each trooper went through. Fenelon also gives good intel from all of the commanders from Miley, Montgomery, etc.
My favorite thing about the book is how perfectly Fenelon paints the portrait of the brave glider infantry units whom were pretty much expected to crash land. I was astounded with how he put me in the seat of a glider pilot and an infantrymen riding aboard. Just absolutely loved this book to death. and yes ill say what everyone else says, "its nice to read about this untouched Operation rather than read about D-Day for the 400th time!" Fenelon has hit a home run here and I'm about to devour his next book on the 11th Airborne in "Angels Against the Sun." He writes to educate to the fullest but also kept me very entertained. it was like the details weren't boring nor over bearing and they kept me in tune to each word. Extraordinary read!!

Untold stories

A very good story that needed to be told Most American historians only briefly cover the airborne operations of crossing the Rhine by Montgomery They also hardly mention any Airborne divisions except 101 and 82nd I glad the 13th got its day to shine Along with the glider pilots and infantry

World class WW2 story of the 17th airborne jump into Germany.

This book was well written, well researched and told.
This book was extremely intriguing and on the edge of your pants reading. The sacrifices that the men made including their lives was something that doesn’t happen very often. Loved the book can’t say enough about it. As a former paratrooper and pathfinder I am well aware of the dangers of jumping. My god these men were something. These stories and more need to be told. Thank you James for the history lesson and may we never forget.

airborne! all the way!

as an 82d abn alumnus found this to be accurate representation of paratrooper elan
spirit

The penultimate battle

Narration is slightly monotone but acceptable.

It is easy to get lost in the minutiae of this complicated battle. Still, it is interesting and holds attention.

Phenomenally-researched, beautifully written—incredible

This is an incredibly well done retelling of one of WWII’s most important—but often overlooked—operations. The author draws upon historical documents, official government documents, first person accounts, and other sources to painstakingly reassemble the military and human story of the operation in a manner that is both comprehensive and cogent. Dropping with details and packed with action, this account offers pleasure for everyday readers and more expert history buffs alike. Written over a 7-year period, this volume not recounts strategic and tactical considerations but manages to personalize and localize the drama of the action in an admirable way. Well done. Recommending to many of my friends.

A fascinating recounting of an overlooked part of WWII History

This book tells the story of the 17th Airborne Division’s invasion of Nazi Germany in the Spring of 1945. The 17th is often overshadowed by its more famous sister Airborne Divisions, the 82nd and the 101st. However, this book helps write / right the history of the 17th, and puts it in the pantheon of the other great / better known divisions. If you are interested in WWII History, especially US Airborne history, you should read / listen to this book!

Great story

Nice job and all aspects, story was compelling interesting and informative. Completely enjoyed as did my 13 yr old son.

Absolutely riveting…

The amount of research behind the detail and color in James Fenelon‘s writing is incredible. I found myself having to pause on several occasions just to catch my breath. Absolutely one of the best recounts of American soldier heroism of World War II. Thank you for the amazing work Mr. Fenelon.

personal and powerful.

exceptionally researched with on-the-ground personal retellings. a missing part of the WW II story. thank you for your service.