Beyond Valor

Abridged
Author: Patrick K. O'Donnell
Narrator: Ron McLarty
Genres: History, Biographies
Publisher: Random House (Audio)
Date: November 2008
Length: 6 hours
Ratings:
  • Book Rating: 3.5/5
Formats:
  • CD

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Overview

Historian Patrick K. O'Donnell, the founder of the award-winning Web site The Drop Zone (www.thedropzone.org) draws from over 600 interviews with veterans to weave together the full personal account of WWII's elite troops and tell the combat history of the war in the men's own words.

The book covers the entire European theatre, from North Africa to Normandy to Germany. Through these eyewitness accounts, listeners experience the infamous fighting on Omaha Beach, in the Hurtgen Forest, and at the Battle of the Bulge.

These intensely personal stories are often horrific tales of best friends killed, of whole units decimated, and of the madness of wartime atrocities. Given a rare chance to speak out soldiers have unburdened themselves of fifty years' pent-up emotion. The result is both shocking and moving.

"BEYOND VALOR is a great war book...It reminds us that wars are fought by men on the ground, not in the war rooms of highest headquarters."
—John S. D. Eisenhower, author of The Bitter Woods: The Battle of the Bulge

Selected Reviews

Beyond Valor

by Ward Kelly
  • Book Rating: 4/5

After Action Report

by Anonymous
  • Book Rating: 1/5

More...

Read All 4

Reviews (4)

Beyond Valor

Written by Ward Kelly from Monroe, GA on February 23rd, 2008

  • Book Rating: 4/5

The book was a bit dry and tedious at times. The information and experience shared by the men who risked their lives for our freedoms was invaluable. Anyone who lives in the United States needs to understand what a incredible gift "Freedom" is, and the sacrifices made by this greatest of generations, and this book helps to illuminate those sacrifices. The pain, both physical and mental, is graphically portrayed in the words of the men who experienced them. This book helps the reader to get inside the mind of the men, and to try to relate to this most difficult of eras in American history. While tough to get through, it is well worth the time spent.

After Action Report

Written by Anonymous on February 8th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 1/5

This abridged version offers numerous stories of heroism and valor using an interview format, but presented with all the heart and romance of an after action report. Rather than providing interesting stories colored with the details, feelings and excitement, the interviews provide seemingly factual accounts of events appropriate for eighth grade history books. Good from the standpoint of documenting history, poor entertainment.

Worth Every Minute

Written by David Wyatt on January 14th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Truly great historical account of personal experiences in WWII. It will forever mold your opinion of the "Greatest Generation."

Band of Brothers Return

Written by George Lewis from Helena, AL on January 7th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 4/5

In the tradition of Ambrose, more stories from the great soldiers of WWII. Not as powerful as Band of Brothers, but close.

Selected Reviews

Beyond Valor

by Ward Kelly
  • Book Rating: 4/5

After Action Report

by Anonymous
  • Book Rating: 1/5

More...

Read All 4