Stephen E. Ambrose Books

Stephen E. Ambrose narrates the extraordinary journey of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, US Army, composed of ordinary men who became remarkable soldiers during World War II. Formed in the summer of 1942, these citizen soldiers were motivated by a $50 monthly bonus and a desire to excel. Their training in Georgia laid the foundation for their exceptional performance in combat, particularly during pivotal moments in Holland and the Ardennes. Easy Company faced relentless challenges, earning tough assignments as they advanced through Europe. They parachuted into France on D-Day, neutralizing a critical artillery battery, and later participated in the Arnhem campaign. During the Battle of the Bulge, they held the line in Bastogne, surrounded yet resolute, before spearheading a counteroffensive. Their journey culminated in the capture of Hitler's Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden. These men, shaped by the hardships of the Depression, formed a deep bond through shared experiences. Despite their rough edges—drinking too much wine and clashing with fellow soldiers—they learned selflessness and camaraderie. This account highlights the sacrifices they made for one another, the harsh realities of war, and the leadership that inspired them. E Company exemplified resilience, enduring extreme hardships and significant casualties, with the Purple Heart symbolizing their commitment and sacrifice.

Stephen E. Ambrose recounts the extraordinary journey of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, US Army, comprised of ordinary men who became remarkable soldiers during World War II. Formed in the summer of 1942, these citizen soldiers were motivated by a $50 monthly bonus and a desire to excel. Their rigorous training in Georgia laid the foundation for a unit that would excel in combat, particularly in Holland and the Ardennes. As they advanced through Europe, the men of Easy Company faced increasingly tough assignments. They parachuted into France on D-Day, neutralizing a battery overlooking Utah Beach, and later dropped into Holland for the Arnhem campaign. They earned the nickname "Battered Bastards of Bastogne" for their resilience during the Battle of the Bulge, where they held the line despite being surrounded. Their journey culminated in the capture of Hitler's Eagle's Nest at Berchtesgaden. These rough-and-ready men, shaped by the Great Depression, forged deep bonds of brotherhood through shared hardships. They learned selflessness and loyalty, discovering that those who cherished life were willing to sacrifice it for each other. This narrative captures the essence of their experiences, the leadership they admired, and the sacrifices they made, highlighting a company that endured immense challenges and losses, where the Purple Heart became a badge of honor.

Focusing on Dwight D. Eisenhower's role as a military leader, this work by bestselling historian Stephen E. Ambrose delves into his strategic decisions and command during World War II. The book offers an in-depth analysis of Eisenhower's leadership style and the challenges he faced while coordinating Allied forces, providing insights into his pivotal contributions to the war effort.

Stephen E. Ambrose draws from more than 1,400 interviews with American, British, Canadian, French, and German veterans to create the preeminent chronicle of the most important day in the twentieth century. Ambrose reveals how the original plans for the invasion were abandoned, and how ordinary soldiers and officers acted on their own initiative. D-Day is above all the epic story of men at the most demanding moment of their existence, when the horrors, complexities, and triumphs of life are laid bare. Ambrose portrays the faces of courage and heroism, fear and determination -- what Eisenhower called "the fury of an aroused democracy" -- that shaped the victory of the citizen soldiers whom Hitler had disparaged.

On the basis of 1,400 oral histories from the men who were there, bestselling author and World War II historian Stephen E. Ambrose reveals for the first time anywhere that the intricate plan for the invasion of France in June 1944 had to be abandoned before the first shot was fired. The true story of D-Day, as Ambrose relates it, is about the citizen soldiers - junior officers and enlisted men - taking the initiative to act on their own to break through Hitler's Atlantic Wall when they realised that nothing was as they had been told it would be. D-DAY is the brilliant, no holds barred, telling of the battles of Omaha and Utah beaches. Ambrose relives the epic victory of democracy on the most important day of the twentieth century.

Stephen E. Ambrose’s D-Day is the definitive history of World War II’s most pivotal battle, a day that changed the course of history. D-Day is the epic story of men at the most demanding moment of their lives, when the horrors, complexities, and triumphs of life are laid bare. Distinguished historian Stephen E. Ambrose portrays the faces of courage and heroism, fear and determination—what Eisenhower called “the fury of an aroused democracy”—that shaped the victory of the citizen soldiers whom Hitler had disparaged. Drawing on more than 1,400 interviews with American, British, Canadian, French, and German veterans, Ambrose reveals how the original plans for the invasion had to be abandoned, and how enlisted men and junior officers acted on their own initiative when they realized that nothing was as they were told it would be. The action begins at midnight, June 5/6, when the first British and American airborne troops jumped into France. It ends at midnight June 6/7. Focusing on those pivotal twenty-four hours, it moves from the level of Supreme Commander to that of a French child, from General Omar Bradley to an American paratrooper, from Field Marshal Montgomery to a German sergeant. Ambrose’s D-Day is the finest account of one of our history’s most important days.

A chronicle of World War II from D-Day to the war's end eleven months later describes individual battles and the heroism of soldiers.

Focusing on the harrowing experiences of soldiers, the book delves into the front lines of World War II, spanning from D-Day to Germany's surrender. Through extensive interviews and oral histories, it vividly captures the realities of war, providing a compelling and personal perspective on this pivotal period. Accompanied by photographs and maps, the narrative offers a gripping and immersive account that resonates with readers, as noted by Joseph Heller's endorsement of its impact.

The story of Ike in his finest hours as the Allies' top strategist in WWII

War stories. An authoritative collection of military histories from one of the foremost authors on the subject, Stephen E. Ambrose,historical consultant on Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan. Each title include a full index and list of sources.