About the Author:
Michael Bilder was inducted into the th Infantry Division in April 1941 and in 2006 was awarded the Legion of Honor, France's highest decoration, for his WWII service. A retired carpenter, he lived in the house he built himself in 1960 and where he and his late wife raised five children, until his passing in Spring 2010. James, his youngest, has a BA degree in Journalism from Lewis University and a Masters in Sciene from Loyola. He served as the mayor of Worth, Illinois from 1993 to 2001 and is currently in private industry, living only a few miles from his father with his wife and four children.
James Bilder has a BA degree in Journalism from Lewis University and a Masters in Science from Loyola University. He served as the mayor of Worth, Illinois from 1993 to 2001 and currently works in private industry, living in Chicago. His interest in military history stems not only from his grandfather Len Fairfield, but also from his father, Michael Bilder, an infantryman who was awarded the Legion of Honour, France's highest decoration, for his World War II service.
James Bilder has a BA degree in Journalism from Lewis University and a Masters in Science from Loyola University. He served as the mayor of Worth, Illinois from 1993 to 2001 and currently works in private industry, living in Chicago. His interest in military history stems not only from his grandfather Len Fairfield, but also from his father, Michael Bilder, an infantryman who was awarded the Legion of Honour, France's highest decoration, for his World War II service.
Review:
“...a brutally honest depiction of day-to-day combat in hedgerow country...relates dozens of fascinating insights into the drive to the Westwall...Incidents common to the ordinary GI during extreme combat conditions, but which seldom see the light of day in any histories are related... enhanced my understanding of the true reality of combat...” (AMPS)
“...provides an important and worthwhile glimpse inside the Army that fought across Europe.” (Free Lance Star)
“Written by an ideal father son team, the book is easy to read an offers the general public or historians an outstanding wartime memoir.” (The Journal of America’s Military Past)
"...compelling reading about GI level combat in WWII Europe. I never expected it to be this good, but it is." (Russ Lockwood Magweb.com)
“...an excellent if often searing account of life as front line combat soldier in some of the worst actions of the ETO.” (Military Modelling)
"“...a frank, often humorous, and deeply penetrating look at combat and army life from an ordinary GI’s point of view. ...filled with... vignettes and personal remembrances, the kind that only the best memoirs can deliver.” (WWII History)
"a treasure that told of front line combat with honesty...enriched the study of history by providing the perspective of one man who had experienced the horror of war and the joy of homecoming. I had certainly enjoyed this book." (World War II Database)
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.