If You Survive

From Normandy to the Battle of the Bulge to the End of World War II - One American Officer's Riveting True Story

By: George Wilson

Narrated by: Brian Keeler

Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

George Wilson has garnered much acclaim for this shattering and enlightening memoir. Detailing his odyssey from July, 1944 until the following summer, If You Survive is a startling first-person account of the final year of World War II. Wilson was the only man from his original company to finish the war. As a Second Lieutenant, he went ashore at Utah Beach after the D-Day invasion amidst burned vehicles, sunken landing craft, and broken fortifications. From the breakthrough at Saint-LO, to the Battle of the Bulge, to the final push on Germany, Wilson survived ferocious battles and bitter weather. After earning several decorations and a promotion to First Lieutenant, Wilson was wounded. But he healed quickly and returned to duty.

Wilson’s account is an incredibly moving, continuous stream of devastating combat experiences that will make listeners wonder how any infantryman could have survived this war. Brian Keeler’s narration thoughtfully conveys this riveting tale of survival in the face of impossible odds.

©1987 George D. Wilson (P)2000 Recorded Books

First-hand Account of Infantryman

Straightforward recounting of the realities of combat for infantryman on the front line fighting Germans following D-Day invasion. It's amazing the author lived to tell this story.

if you like war stories, this is a good one.

a first hand true account of the hell that is war. if you like war stories this is a book for you. it would make a great movie as well.

A great memoir

A great memoir about the life of a LT in the European theater. Easy to listen to and a good narrator.

A wonderful look into WWII from an Army Combat 1st Lieutenant

This book is well written and extraordinary narrated. A intriguing and historically fascinating journey of a young man, his enlistment into the Army during WWII, fighting battles with his fellow soldiers and then his well deserved promotions in rank leading his men into battle. I would highly recommend this book as it makes you feel you are right by Lt. George Wilson’s side his entire combat deployment. May you rest in peace and thank you for your service.

Real!

I enjoyed the 'one mans story' aspect, As experienced, through his world war 2 journey.

great book on the greatest generation

Great story by a member of the greatest generation. Nothing short of Amazing how he survived.

Great War memoir

The narrator so seamlessly read that it was as if it was the author speaking.
It was a quick listen and I didn't want to turn it off.
As a former military man I could understand his aggravation with higher command and trading human lives for useless real estate.

Outstanding account of one man’s war. Seen from the lense of the grunt.

This book was really good and described from one the Army’s lowest levels of leadership. As a retired Army Officer w/26 yrs of service. I’ve read my share of war stories told from the vantage point from General officers at the War Dept. all the way down to the lone soldier in the foxhole. Tho understanding the overarching “Scheme of Maneuver” like chess pieces is an amazing way to understand how a World War could be waged, but to me seeing the same war thru the lense of that soldier fight at the “Tip of the Spear” is nothing short of amazing. Amazing to think someone like George Wilson could survive for so long at the Tip of the Spear when so many did not.
I enjoyed the narrator (Brian Keeler) also and will look for other titles he has narrated.
I gave this book 5-stars, I’d give it more if I could. George if you’re still with us, thank you so much for defending our freedom.

What was it like, Grandaddy?

What made the experience of listening to If You Survive the most enjoyable?

Authenticity and clarity. You can tell by the level of detail that the author was very much there, and his clear telling lets you be there with him. This man is gifted at describing situations. You really do come away having an idea of "what it was like."

What about Brian Keeler’s performance did you like?

Keeler's voice sounds like that of an older man. It is easy to imagine that he is Wilson, that Wilson is my grandfather, and that I am listening to him tell me his war stories.

Any additional comments?

This book is easy to follow, with great balance and a natural flow: It includes emotion where appropriate, but generally it doesn't waste time with deep descriptions of the superfluous. Rather, it uses skillful, firsthand accounts of battles and tactics to "do the talking."Do get this book!

WWII experience

I always like a good WWII book because I am fascinated by how men can treat each other so badly and then sleep at night. My heart is broken for the (mostly) men who were in the thick of the battles of this horrible war. I admire George Wilson so much for his heroism and example to others. My dad and my father-in-law fought in this war and both lived to tell about it, although they didn't say much. I am grateful for those who can and do tell their stories. Hopefully we learn from them and don't repeat the stupid mistake that is war.