A Time for Trumpets

The brutal confrontation that ensued became known as the Battle of the Bulge, the greatest battle ever fought by the U.S. Army – a triumph of American ingenuity and dedication over an egregious failure in strategic intelligence. A “Time for Trumpets” is the definitive account of this dramatic victory, told by one of America’s most respected military historians, who was also an eyewitness: MacDonald commanded a rifle company in the Battle of the Bulge.

That such a small force was entrusted with defending the critical Losheim Gap demonstrated the complacency with which American commanders viewed the possibility of a German offensive in the Ardennes.

A Time for Trumpets: The Untold Story of the Battle of the Bulge by Charles B. MacDonald is a comprehensive account of one of the most significant battles of World War II. MacDonald delves into the details of the battle, providing readers with a wealth of information about the strategies, tactics, and key individuals involved.

The book stands out for its meticulous research and attention to detail. MacDonald’s extensive interviews with veterans and his access to primary sources are evident throughout the narrative. Although the amount of individual accounts isn’t quite to the level of George Koskimaki’s The Battered Bastards of Bastogne, the book effectively captures the chaos, the bravery, and the immense human cost of the Battle of the Bulge and highlights personal accounts from survivors of the Malmedy Massacre, of German tank commanders’ exploitation of the fog of war, and the Allied soldier’s confusion caused by the German’s use of captured US Army vehicles.

However, A Time for Trumpets falls short in terms of narrative structure. The book tends to be overly dense with information, making it challenging for readers to keep track of the numerous divisions, commanders, and individual soldiers mentioned. The narrative often jumps between different locations and units without providing sufficient context, making it difficult to follow the overall progression of the battle.

Additionally, while the book aims to provide an untold story of the battle, it fails to offer a truly fresh perspective. The overall narrative aligns with the conventional understanding of the Battle of the Bulge, focusing primarily on the military aspect rather than exploring broader political or social implications.

In conclusion, A Time for Trumpets is a valuable resource for those seeking a comprehensive account of the Battle of the Bulge. However, its dense presentation and lack of a distinctive perspective may limit its appeal to readers less familiar with the subject matter.

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