Citizen Soldiers

In this riveting account, historian Stephen E. Ambrose continues where he left off in his #1 bestseller D-Day June 6, 1944. Citizen Soldiers opens at 0001 hours, June 7, 1944, on the Normandy beaches, and ends at 0245 hours, May 7, 1945, with the allied victory. It is biography of the US Army in the European Theater of Operations, and Ambrose again follows the individual characters of this noble, brutal, and tragic war.

Ambrose draws on hundreds of interviews from the high command down to the ordinary soldier to re-create the war experience with startling clarity and immediacy. From the hedgerows of Normandy to the overrunning of Germany, Ambrose tells the real story of World War II from the perspective of the men and women who fought it.

In Russia, I could imagine nothing but fighting to the last man. We knew that going into a prison camp in Russia meant you were dead. In Normandy, one always had in the back of his mind, ‘Well, if everything goes to hell, the Americans are human enough that the prospect of becoming their prisoner was attractive to some extent.

Corp. Friedrich Bertenrath of the 2nd Panzer Division

Citizen Soldiers, a sequel to the best-selling D-Day June 6, 1944, covers WW II’s European theater from June 7, 1944, until the German surrender. Rather than from the perspective of a commanding officer, the story is told from the perspective of the soldiers themselves.

Citizen Soldiers by Stephen E. Ambrose is a comprehensive and engaging account of the experiences of American soldiers during World War II. Ambrose’s work goes beyond the traditional focus on military strategy and battles, providing an intimate portrayal of the ordinary men who fought in the war.

One of the book’s strengths is Ambrose’s ability to humanize the soldiers and capture their individual stories. Through meticulous research and interviews, he brings to life the diverse backgrounds, motivations, and emotions of the men who served. By highlighting their personal struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices, Ambrose allows readers to connect with the soldiers on a deeply empathetic level.

Another notable aspect of Citizen Soldiers is its emphasis on the role of citizen soldiers and their impact on the outcome of the war. Ambrose explores how the resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness of these men, many of whom had no formal military training, contributed to the Allied victory. This perspective adds a unique dimension to the narrative and offers a valuable counterpoint to more traditional accounts of the war.

However, some critics argue that Ambrose’s writing occasionally lacks critical analysis and depth. They contend that his focus on individual stories sometimes detracts from a broader understanding of the war’s political, strategic, and historical context.

In conclusion, Citizen Soldiers is a compelling and accessible exploration of the human side of World War II. Ambrose’s dedication to capturing the experiences of the ordinary men on the front lines makes for a powerful and memorable read. While it may not delve deeply into larger historical and strategic discussions, it serves as an important tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for their country.

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