"The main attraction is her vivid observations and descriptions of Paris' ambiance as the seasons changed and the course of the war swung from German triumphs to Allied victory. It's like being in a French noir film. Enjoyed it."
Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, April 2024

The introduction gives us some background to the US Corps of Engineers, which was founded as far back as 1802, which gives us a good idea of just how important the role of the military engineer has been to the work of the US Army. Rapid expansion in WW1 was followed by reductions in size afterwards thanks to demobilisation, but after events in France in 1940, there was again a rapid expansion in their numbers. By the end of the war in 1945 the numbers in the corps had expanded to 3/4 of a million men. Their contribution to the war effort was vital, everywhere the US Army served. Their roles were set out in the Engineers Manual. Each of the 6 chapters has an introductory text, followed by a selection of extracts from the various Field Manuals that were published for them to follow. These chapters take us through Engineer Roles and Units: Basic Skills and Engineer Equipment: Roads, Bridges and Airfields: Fortifications and Defenses: Explosives, Mines and Demolitions: and a final one on the.. Read more
Military Model Scene

Although I normally focus on ancient history, the opportunity to read a history of the Tuskegee Airmen was irresistible. This book is essentially two parts: the training and war experiences and what happened when they came home. The first part was astounding in that it lists pretty much every mission, every accident and every loss incurred by the Airmen, in spite of the prejudice and 4acism aimed at them. The sheer number of missions they flew was amazing, and I was in awe at their accomplishments. The second part, which is fairly short, illustrates the difference in treatment they received once they came home. They did not get the respect that white soldiers got, and instead were expected to "know their place." An excellent and detailed history that occasionally lost me because I did not always understand what was being spoken about when missions were discussed, but it really illustrates just how much these heroes overcame both in the military and at home.
NetGalley, Sharon Custer

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars What a unique book! I love Hollywood themed books and acquiring them for our readers and to see this really cool one which combines history with Hollywood is so very cool! Readers are going to love this! I know I do!
NetGalley, Jill Speedman (Librarian)

This book isn’t the first to draw attention to this often-forgotten chapter of World War II history, but Mr. Walter’s narrative is comprehensive, engaging and insightful. He reminds us that British and Commonwealth veterans of the Pacific share a special bond because of “the sad reality that their sacrifices and exploits largely went unnoticed in their home countries.
The Wall Street Journal