Brotherhood: US 101st Airborne Division 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment from Normandy straight to Hitler's Eagle's Nest

Author: Stephen E. Ambrose (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: Band of Brothers refers to E Company of the 101st Airborne Division, which is the unit Ryan belonged to in "Saving Private Ryan." It was one of the most elite combat forces of the US Army in 1942. In April 1944, the US sent all 6,700 paratroopers of E Company's unit to the front lines. Due to an air attack, almost none of the paratroopers landed at the designated location. E Company then searched for their unit while engaging in arduous battles, with casualty rates as high as 150% (because those who were replaced after being wounded were injured again and died). Despite this, they surrounded Hitler's headquarters in Zitgesgarten. The youngest surviving soldier of the company, Les, shared his unforgettable experiences of the Allies in Normandy and the precious memories of his fallen comrades with Stephen E. Ambrose, a World War II historian who served as the historical consultant for the movie "Saving Private Ryan." After conducting long-term interviews with survivors and referencing the diaries and letters of the soldiers at the time, Ambrose wrote the book "Band of Brothers."