""A D-Day Reading List"" Topic

In last Sunday's paper was included a special USA Today Network section on the 75th anniversary of D-Day. One of the articles was "A D-Day Reading List" by Rob Citino [ link ]. He listed ten of his favorite D-Day history books. I thought this list might be of interest and maybe even spur some additions. The section titles are his.

Canonical Must-Reads:
The Longest Day by Cormelius Ryan
Decision in Normandy by Carlo D'Este
Overlord by Max Hastings

U.S. Army Assessments
Crusade in Europe by General Dwight Eisenhower
A Soldier's Story by General Omar Bradley

The German Point of View
Invasion 1944 by Hans Speidel
Panzer Commander by Hans von Luck

Fresh new Perspectives
D-Day: The Battle for Normandy by Antony Beevor
The Guns at Last Light by Rick Atkinson [the third in his Liberation trilogy]

But the Winner Is …
Eisenhower's Lieutenants by Russell Weigley

To those ten I would add two more to make a "Dandy Dozen"
D-Day: June 6, 1944, The Climatic Battle of World War II by Stephen Ambrose
Six Armies in Normandy: From D-Day to the Liberation of Paris, June 6 to August 5, 1944 by John Keegan

So what will you add?

Jim

Night Drop by S.L.A. Marshall.

DDay by Stephen Ambrose.

But only because my dad is in it. ;-)

Another vote for Keegan. I'll also add Balkoski's books on Omaha and Utah beaches. I discovered them recently based on a recommendation here, and have found them invaluable.

Eisenhower's Lieutenants by Russell Weigley

Best Single tome on the theatre I've ever read!

And for the perspective of the men in the bunkers facing the invasion: D-Day Through German Eyes by Holger Eckhertz.

link

Clash of Arms: How the Allies Won in Normandy
Russell A. Hart
and
Omaha Beach: Flawed Victory
Adrian R. Lewis

Spearheading D-Day a book which speaks to the men and
equipment of the invading forces and

The D-Day Encyclopedia – an invaluable reference work.

Another vote for the Balkoski books too

Just finished Omaha Beach by Balkoski,and read the Longest Day probably 40 years ago.

There is also the CMH brochure on Normandy, available electronically for free at link

Along with other material at link

I do really like Balkoski's books, though.

Rob

Stopping the Panzers: The Untold Story of D-Day by Marc Milner.

Offers a fresh look at the Panzer counter attacks.

Cross Channel Attack by Gordon A Harrison. It's part of "The US Army in World War Two." green book series. It is available through the CMH link above.