The Dead and Those About to Die

D-Day: The Big Red One at Omaha Beach

De: John C. McManus

Narrado por: Don Hagen

A white-knuckle account of the First Infantry Division’s harrowing D-Day assault on the eastern sector of Omaha Beach - acclaimed historian John C. McManus has written a gripping history that will stand as the last word on this titanic battle. Nicknamed the Big Red One, First Division had fought from North Africa to Sicily, earning a reputation as stalwart warriors on the front lines and rabble-rousers in the rear. Yet on D-Day, these jaded combat veterans melded with fresh-faced replacements to accomplish one of the most challenging and deadly missions ever. As the men hit the beach, their equipment destroyed or washed away, soldiers cut down by the dozens, courageous heroes emerged: men such as Sergeant Raymond Strojny, who grabbed a bazooka and engaged in a death duel with a fortified German antitank gun; T/5 Joe Pinder, a former minor-league pitcher who braved enemy fire to save a vital radio; Lieutenant John Spalding, a former sportswriter, and Sergeant Phil Streczyk, a truck driver, who together demolished a German strong point overlooking Easy Red, where hundreds of Americans had landed.

Along the way, McManus explores the Gap Assault Team engineers who dealt with the extensive mines and obstacles, suffering nearly a 50 percent casualty rate; highlights officers such as Brigadier General Willard Wyman and Colonel George Taylor, who led the way to victory; and punctures scores of myths surrounding this long-misunderstood battle.

The Dead and Those about to Die draws on a rich array of new or recently unearthed sources, including interviews with veterans. The result is history at its finest, the unforgettable story of the Big Red One’s 19 hours of hell - and their ultimate triumph - on June 6, 1944.

©2014 John C. McManus (P)2014 Gildan Media LLC

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Magnificent! I could not put this book down. John McManus has expanded our knowledge of D-Day history by a considerable factor. It is a great read and will appeal to both devoted students of World War II as well as those with a more casual interest. Don't miss it!” (Joseph Balkoski, author of Omaha Beach and Utah Beach)

Good story terribly narrated.

Struggled to understand details important to the overall story because of lackadaisical narration. If you could possibly make the riveting story of DDay seem dry and bland then perhaps a congratulations is in order because that's exactly what this narrator does. Professional content deserves more than a nice voice.

Outstanding

A tremendous book on the Normandy invasion on June 6th. A must read for anyone interested in the horror that took place on Omaha Beach.

not for me

did not enjoy this book because I am not big on listening to statistics find it boring. please remove this from listen list!!!!

Incredible

What an incredibly factual and sad story to listen to about a very important event in history. The author did a great job of describing events and people. I felt that the author did a great job honoring the real life people that were there on D-Day.

Extreme detail

Extreme attention to thought full detail. If possible to much. Many of the chapters in stories almost seem to be repeating themselves over and over. Many times I had to re-check to make sure my device hadn’t gone back and started over. Good book for an already historian of this event who wants some of the extra detail. Not good for someone that does not have previous knowledge of this battle.