Major Dick Winters: A WWII Veteran's Memoirs of Life Beyond Band of Brothers

Mark Whitbread: My son used this for his High School Leaving Certificate project on the source book - part of his coursework assessment. He got an H3 (equivalent of B+), helped by a high score for this project.

United Kingdom on Nov 24, 2023

diane williams: I skimmed it because it’s a Christmas present for my husband, but wonderful! He will love it!

United States on Nov 01, 2023

Joe: Uplifting wonderful look into the inner workings of a PIR . WW2 like it really was with out the horror.

United States on Nov 01, 2023

samuel brown: Great read, not too long. I felt like I was a part of easy company! The soldiers in E. Company are remarkable and Dick Winters could not have done a better job conveying the men, the stage, and the plays that took place in the strange, dark and eerie theaters of war.

United States on Oct 28, 2023

jan drejer petersen: For enthusiasts of the Band of Brothers series, this memoir serves as a welcomed companion, offering a more personal account of the events portrayed on screen. Major Winters' firsthand recollections provide an additional layer of appreciation for the sacrifices and heroism displayed by the Easy Company and their camaraderie.

However, it must be noted that Major Winters' writing style falls short of literary prowess. While his memoirs effectively convey his experiences, the lack of finesse and storytelling flair may leave some readers longing for a more eloquent and captivating narrative. Winters' straightforward approach may hinder the book's ability to engage readers who are not already familiar with the Band of Brothers series.

Despite these limitations, Major Winters' memoirs are a valuable resource for those interested in the personal accounts of WWII soldiers. The book offers genuine insights into the challenges, triumphs, and emotional toll of war, making it a worthwhile read for those seeking a more intimate perspective on the remarkable men who served in the US airborne forces.

Germany on May 22, 2023

Peter: Als kerst kado

Netherlands on Jan 09, 2021

Hallu: Peu de personnes sont aussi irréprochables tout en étant invariablement humaines par leurs erreurs que Dick Winters. Bien que présenté dans la préface comme un complément à "Band of Brothers" (le livre, pas la série), il peut tout à fait se lire seul. Il s'agit tout bonnement de la biographie de l'auteur, écrit dans son style. A savoir un style très (parfois peut-être trop ?) scolaire/militaire. Mais c'est son esprit militaire qui lui a permis de retenir autant de détails intéressants et d'avoir un recul aussi profond sur les événements auxquels il a participé.

Ainsi, pour avoir lu d'autres mémoires de membres de la Easy Company (Malarkey ou Webster par exemple), Winters reste très posé, très critique mais sans être injuste. On comprend ainsi mieux l'histoire du capitaine Sobel, véritable tyran qui a formé durement et souvent injustement la compagnie mais qui ne valait pas grand chose sur le terrain. On apprend aussi la qualité de certains soldats peu représentés dans Band of Brothers, comme Floyd Talbert par exemple. A l'inverse, il y a bien quelques histoires ignorées (ou inconnues ?) comme celle de Roy Cobb, présenté comme un ivrogne dans...

France on Jan 12, 2016

A Kirk: I would be extremely surprised if anyone reads this book without having read Stephen Ambrose's Band Of Brothers (or the HBO TV series that was based upon it) first. Accordingly it's unlikely that the reader will be unfamiliar with Major... sorry, Mr., as he preferred, Richard D. Winters, the author of this book, or with Easy Company of the 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne.

There is a passage early in the book where Winters describes his intent and motivation for writing the book. Specifically, it came from the endless appeals from people who wrote to him or who he met (after the success of the TV series in particular) to "tell us more", to provide more details of the story behind the story that we already knew.

In this, I think, he succeeded and succeeded very well. The book relates no mere dry facts and figures, orders of battle and so on, but rather the personal experience. What he thought, what he felt during training, during the battles in D-Day and beyond. How those thoughts and feelings changed over time. The frustrations that go along with command (and in some cases the lack of it such as his time as battalion executive officer) but over all of this, he...

United States on Nov 07, 2012

hungarianjedi: As with another review in the BofB memoir series, I find it hard to `critique' a book and author whose story and accomplishments deserve so much respect. Having said that, a few points are still worth mentioning for potential readers to consider.

First, the book is lucidly written and easy-to-follow with a clear timeline of events, experiences and thoughts. Whether you've seen the miniseries or not, or are familiar with the unit's history, this book is well worth reading as a memoir. His more detailed and extensive coverage of the training, preparations and the company's time in England were interesting, especially his private recollections of the family he stayed with. If you're a fan of the show, this book is a terrific companion. It adds detail and sets the record straight on some individuals, events and scenes presented as "facts" in the miniseries.

I did however find that the book was repetitive in some places (or on some issues), while lacking in detail and depth in other areas (or on some individuals and events). For instance, while the author does spend time discussing several members of the company, I would've liked to see a page or paragraph on all the...

Canada on Dec 28, 2010

Gregory Canellis: Are natural leaders born or made? It seems that Richard D. "Dick" Winters' life has been a quest to answer that question. And in the final chapters of _Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters_, he does provide the answer. Winters, the level-headed commander of Easy Company, portrayed in Stephen E. Ambrose's book, turned HBO mini-series "Band of Brothers," needs no introduction. Written in the autumn of his years, Winters culls a lifetime of inner reflection and a quest to live in peace, after leading soldiers in some of the most deadly combat of World War II. The result is a frank, sometimes brutally honest testament to the moral fiber of the American citizen soldier, who shouldered an undying responsibility to God, country, family, and above all, the men he led into battle. Sixty years from now, when the events of the Second World War sink ever so deeper into the pages of history, Winters' message will still be sought. Like the men he led of Easy Company, he will gain the respect of new generations of soldiers, and, if events mirror those of his life, continue to save lives.

As in a resent biography by Larry Alexander ( _Biggest Brother: ... _...

United States on Apr 01, 2006