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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jul 3, 2021 12:04:49 GMT -5
The author wrote A HIGHER CALLING also an great WW2 story about a crippled B17 spared and even escorted by a Luffwaffe ACE. Spearhead tells the story of the 3rd Armored tankers and Armored Infantrymen in their March into Germany. It features a primary focus on an individual tankers progress from loader to gunner and ultimately tank commander of a new M26 Persing. It also chronicals the tribulations of a young German tanker and their chance encounter in the rubble of Cologne Germany near the twin spire chapel. An event filmed and made quite famous in news reel footage.
The book puts a very human face on the events and provides details I certainly didnt know. Tank warfare has always intrigued me and this was an entertaining and informative read
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jul 3, 2021 22:58:50 GMT -5
The reporter on the ground who covered the filmed event between several Shermans and a new M26 Pershing against a MKIV and a Panther was Andy Rooney from CBSs 60 minutes. Up until then the Pershings existance was top secret and reporters were not allowed to reveal anything about it. There were two cameras that covered the encounter from 2 different angles. The details were never very clear until I read this book. I was especially curious about the staff car that came under intense fire which produced something of a mystery element to the story. As bad a reputation as the Sherman had most crew members survived lost tanks but those lost died a grizzly death. One of the characters survived four tanks shot out from under him.
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2nd Bat
Master sergeant
Posts: 11,813
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Post by 2nd Bat on Apr 1, 2023 12:44:33 GMT -5
A friend not knowing that I had already read the book sent me his copy knowing that I would enjoy it. Inspite of the fact that I had already read it I read it again. Many fresh insights resulted from the re-read. Makes me think I should dig out and re-read several of my favorite books. It's a great book. Folks who have experienced combat often lock away those events though haunted by them throughout their life. Often as in this case curiosity in the later years cause them to do some research and additional investigations. In this case it helped put to rest some of his concerns and provided a wider perspective on the events he had experienced including conversations with his one time adversaries.
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