'Company Commander: The Classic Infantry Memoir of World War II' by Charles B. MacDonald is a detailed and realistic account of a 21-year-old company commander's experiences during World War II, particularly from the Battle of the Bulge to VE day. MacDonald's narrative provides insight into the life of a basic infantry soldier fighting across Europe in 1944-45, capturing the fear, self-doubt, fatigue, stress, and simple joys experienced by soldiers on the front lines. The book includes tremendous detail, such as the names of men wounded or killed, encounters with German officers, and celebrations in the Czech Republic at the end of the war, making it a compelling and immersive read.

MacDonald's writing style in 'Company Commander' allows readers to feel the war from the perspective of a man who lived through it, showcasing his passion for his men, his leadership struggles, and the stark realities of combat. The book aptly portrays the mental and physical stress of war at the individual and unit command level, highlighting the strength and commitment of those who served. Through MacDonald's narrative, readers gain a deep understanding of the confusion, chaos, and daily horrors faced by soldiers on the ground during World War II.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is detailed and vivid, with a matter-of-fact tone that emphasizes the normalcy of daily horrors faced in combat.

Plot/Storyline:

The memoir details the author's firsthand experiences as a company commander during World War II, emphasizing the brutal realities of war and the chaos of various battles.

Setting:

The setting spans across Europe during WWII, highlighting significant locations and the broader context of the war.

Pacing:

The pacing reflects the unpredictable nature of combat, balancing intense action with quieter moments.

Genres:

Topics:

combat experience

leadership in war

military strategy

brotherhood among soldiers

psychological effects of war

casualty rates

anecdotes from the front lines

coming of age

Notes:

The book was written shortly after World War II ended.

Charles B. MacDonald became a military historian after the war.

MacDonald was a company commander, paralleling the experiences of Major Winters from 'Band of Brothers'.

The memoir reveals the flaws of soldiers without changing their names to protect them.

MacDonald discusses the harsh realities of war, including fear and horror.

Infantry regiments could lose over twice their strength in less than a year of combat.

Casualty rates among infantry were staggering, especially during intense battles.

MacDonald was assigned to Companies I and G of the 23rd Infantry in September 1944 as a green replacement officer.

He felt self-doubt about his leadership but cared deeply for his men.

His company fought across France, Belgium, and Germany, finishing in Czechoslovakia.

Aerial reconnaissance helped update outdated WWI maps used during the war.

MacDonald's account is detailed, including names of soldiers he interacted with.

He mentions the challenge of leading without enough resources and chaotic battle conditions.

The memoir captures both the mundane and extraordinary aspects of fighting in the war, making it deeply impactful.

German soldiers were often portrayed negatively, while atrocities committed by Americans were implied but not explicitly confirmed.

Many officers only inspected areas that were not under fire, showing a disconnect with lower ranks.

The book is praised for its realism and emotional depth in portraying the soldier's experience during the Battle of the Bulge.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic descriptions of combat, mental and physical stress, and references to soldiers' deaths and atrocities that may be disturbing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

As a newly commisioned Captain of a veteran Army regiment, MacDonald's first combat was war at its most hellish-the Battle of the Bulge. In this plain-spoken but eloquent narrative, we live each minute at MacDonald's side, sharing in all of combat's misery, terror, and drama. How this green commander gains his men's loyalty in the snows of war-torn Europe is one of the great, true, unforgettable war stories of all time.

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About the Author:

The late Charles B. MacDonald also wrote A Time for Trumpets and other books. After the war (in which he was awarded the Purple Heart and the the Silver Star) he became and official Army Historian, retiring as Deputy Chief Historian in 1979. He died in 1990.

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Company Commander: The Classic Infantry Memoir of World War II

Charles B. MacDonald