Hell’s Highway

September 17, 1944. Thousands of Screaming Eagles–101st Airborne Division paratroopers–descend from the sky over Holland, dropping deep behind German lines in a daring daylight mission to seize and secure the road leading north to Arnhem and the Rhine. Their success would allow the Allied army to advance swiftly into Germany. The Screaming Eagles accomplish their initial objectives within hours but keeping their sections of “Hell’s Highway” open takes another seventy-two days of fierce round-the-clock fighting against crack German troops and tank divisions.

Drawing on interviews with more than six hundred paratroopers, George E. Koskimaki chronicles, with vivid firsthand accounts, the dramatic, never-before-told story of the Screaming Eagles’ valiant struggle. Hell’s Highway also tells of the Dutch citizens and members of the underground who were liberated after five years of Nazi oppression and never forgot America’s airborne heroes. This renowned force risked their lives for the freedom of a small country . . . and the world.

If anyone asks what war is like—we’re going to tell them in the best way we know how—none of this crap that War is Hell and we can’t talk about it! ‘So be it. So keep their faith.’

Hell’s Highway: A Chronicle of the 101st Airborne in the Holland Campaign by George E. Koskimaki is a comprehensive account of the heroic efforts and sacrifices made by the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Market-Garden. With more than six hundred interviews with paratroopers, Koskimaki brings their stories to life, allowing readers a deeper understanding of the harrowing and intense nature of the campaign.

One of the strengths of this book is its inclusion of the Dutch citizens and the underground resistance, shedding light on their experiences and the impact of the liberation. This aspect adds a unique perspective and highlights the collaborative efforts between the Allied forces and the local population.

However, the book’s patchwork approach, relying on a mix of oral histories, letters, citations, and other sources, can at times result in a disjointed narrative. While it mirrors the fragmented nature of combat, it can be confusing for readers who seek a more linear and cohesive storytelling style.

Additionally, the book’s slow pace and occasional repetition may test the patience of some readers. Nevertheless, the wealth of personal accounts and eyewitness testimonies makes up for these shortcomings, offering a vivid and often stark portrayal of the realities of war.

Overall, Hell’s Highway is a valuable historical resource for those interested in the Holland Campaign and the bravery of the 101st Airborne Division. It captures the essence of the struggle and honors the sacrifices made by both American paratroopers and the Dutch people.

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