This candid memoir offers a rare glimpse into the experiences of a GI serving under General Patton during World War II. While General Patton's army is renowned for its armored attacks, much of the intense fighting in WWII was carried out by infantry soldiers. This account provides insight into the lives and battles of Patton's infantry, from the beaches of Normandy to the conquest of Germany, all from the perspective of an infantryman with a unique skill: fluency in the enemy's language.
Michael Bilder, a fluent German speaker, was involved in interrogations and special duties. He also served as a combat lifeguard and played a crucial role in river crossings. The memoir recounts infantry life, from encounters with German snipers to interactions with intoxicated Frenchwomen and the dark humor that often accompanied combat. It also delves into the horrors of the Battle of Metz and the 5th Infantry's challenging winter battle against experienced enemy soldiers in the Battle of the Bulge.
