A compelling affirmation of General Sherman's pronouncement that war is hell, this memoir gives a vivid picture of what it was like to be a foot soldier in the greatest conflict in human history. It describes the final stages of this conflict as it raged from the Normandy beachhead across France and Germany to the River Elbe in 1944 and 1945. An important historical source, it captures in words the black humor, monotony, and mind-numbing horror of combat portrayed on films like Saving Private Ryan. The book includes maps tracing the events described in the memoir, along with illustrations and a glossary of military terms to enhance its accessibility for today's readers. A valuable resource for students, teachers, and anyone else striving to understand better the tumultuous 20th century.