The Rifle

Combat Stories from America's Last WWII Veterans, Told Through an M1 Garand

By: Andrew Biggio

Narrated by: Shawn Compton

Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

The Rifle is the inspirational story of a 28-year-old US Marine, Andrew Biggio, who returned home from combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, full of questions about the price of war. He found answers from those who survived the costliest war of all - WWII veterans.

It began when Biggio bought a 1945 M1 Garand Rifle, the most common rifle used in WWII, to honor his great uncle, a US Army soldier who died on the hills of the Italian countryside. When Biggio showed the gun to his neighbor, WWII veteran Corporal Joseph Drago, it unlocked memories Drago had kept unspoken for 50 years. On the spur of the moment, Biggio asked Drago to sign the rifle. Thus began this Marine's mission to find as many WWII veterans as he could, get their signatures on the rifle, and document their stories.

For two years, Biggio traveled across the country to interview America's last-living WWII veterans. Each time he put the M1 Garand Rifle in their hands, their eyes lit up with memories triggered by holding the weapon that had been with them every step of the war. With each visit and every story told to Biggio, the veterans signed their names to the rifle. Ninety-six signatures now cover that rifle, each a reminder of the price of war and the courage of our soldiers.

©2021 Andrew Biggio (P)2021 Tantor

Incredible story a must read!

I served in the Marines with Andy. He has done more for Veterans than anyone I know. Sharing the story of the greatest generation, and what happened to his Great Uncle is remarkable!

Excellent WWII history told by the men who fought

I followed Andy's journey from the beginning. His book exceeded my expectations and will yours too! If you are interested in WWII, Andy takes you to some of the most famous battles with stories by the warriors who fought it.

A N IMPORTANT TRIBUTE TO OUR HEROES

God bless Andrew for capturing the heroic tales of these very special men, before their stories were lost forever to the passing of time. The fact that he had the foresight to have them sign the gun was a stroke of genius. It clearly transported them back, most often not to happy times, but IMPORTANT times in their lives. These men would have been an honor to know in person.
It is sad that we STILL don't do enough to support the emotional, physical and financial needs of our veterans. They give EVERYTHING, and we repay them with so little.
Don't hesitate to listen to this book, it is a SOLID FIVE STARS!

A must read!

I read this book after finding out that one of my friends grandfather's experience was told in this book. This book was both heart wrenching and inspiring! What these young men endured for our freedom should never be forgotten. We were blessed that so many sacrificed so much for the rest of us!

Fantastic Read, should be a must

Great book, to think that if author, Andy Biggio, didn’t speak to these WW2 Veterans and write this book, their incredible stories of sacrifice and selflessness could have been lost in time.

The book is fantastic and includes one story after another of immense heroism and some of the wild stories of that period.

Honoring our fallen hero’s

I’m glad I got the chance to learn more about the fallen hero’s of such an influential war. Although me personally I don’t have any veterans in my family but learning more and more is my way of keeping their memories alive. Thank you Andy

Loved it! True Heroes

Andrew Biggio deserves a lot of credit for recognizing that these amazing hero’s and the generation they represent are not going to be with us much longer. Not only does he chronicle the men and the history of their stories, but he lets them know they are not forgotten after all these years.
Amazing men, including the author.

timeless tales of hero's

i never really do non fiction but this book was recommended to me by a freind who said it has helped a Vietnam vet. i am not a veteran but this book is timless and touching wishing i could have met these men and thanked them for their service. this book dosent read like non fiction and if u give it a chance you will love it too.
ps thanks to all veterans that made this possibe.

Poor editing

Some good stories were marred by poor editing and amateurish use of language. Word choice and usage were often questionable.

Great listen - well worth the time

Listened with my 13-yr old son over a few weeks taking him to and from sports. We both thoroughly enjoyed it.
The fact that he wanted to sit in the driveway to finish chapters rather than go in and play on his phone is testament to this statement.