Citizen Soldiers

The U.S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany

By: Stephen E. Ambrose

Narrated by: George K. Wilson

Length: 21 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Citizen Soldiers opens on June 7, 1944, on the Normandy beaches, and ends on May 7, 1945. From the high command on down to the enlisted men, Stephen E. Ambrose draws on hundreds of interviews and oral histories from men on both sides who were there. He recreates the experiences of the individuals who fought the battles, the women who served, and the Germans who fought against us.

Ambrose reveals the learning process of a great army: how to cross rivers, how to fight in snow or hedgerows, how to fight in cities, how to coordinate air and ground campaigns, how to fight in winter and on the defensive, how citizens become soldiers in the best army in the world.

A masterful biography of the U.S. Army in the European Theater of Operations, Citizen Soldiers provides a compelling account of the extraordinary stories of ordinary men in their fight for democracy.

©1997 Stephen E. Ambrose (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

" Citizen Soldiers [is] a high point in Ambrose's long fascination with the nature of leaders and followers. (John Lehman, The Wall Street Journal)

"History boldly told and elegantly written.... Gripping." (Kyle Smith, People)

"Ambrose proves once again he is a masterful historian.... Spellbinding.... The book captures the bizarre contradictions, random kindness and unexpectedly comic moments of the push to Berlin as memorably as a great war novel." (John Omicinski, Detroit Free Press)

Extremely insightful

Very well researched and written. A significant historical reference for the actions and geography of the war in Europe.

Fabulous

Must read for anyone interested in WWII. I always love hearing the stories as told by the men & women who were there. I'm glad i listened ri this book.

Excellent first hand stories, awful narrator.

What a great book, I feel like I should have been taking notes, so many stories!

Sadly the narrator constantly licks his lips, speaks with dry lips and makes other extremely annoying mouth sounds. I had to struggle through to finish.

Great book!

I absolutely love this book! I love hearing and reading the history of our great military and the struggles it took to build it.

Very listen worthy

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's hard to imagine what people had to get through during the second world war. This book opens the door a little and gives us a glimpse at the daily lives of those who served during this dark period.

Unbelievable heroism.

This is the second book from Mr. Ambrose that I have read and it was as good as the first. I read Band of Brothers after watching the HBO mini-series and enjoyed it. Citizen Soldiers is another excellent read. It covers everything in the ETO from Normandy to Berlin. You'll learn things about the major players that you may not have known. I was drawn in from the start and it kept me interested to the end. It is heartbreaking to know how many men's lives were wasted through poor planning and execution of orders that were unnecessary. And how one generals decision cost the men countless unnecessary cases of frostbite and trench foot through lack of proper equipment. If you enjoyed Band of Brothers you will also enjoy Citizen Soldiers. I just purchased Wild Blue by Mr. Ambrose and I expect it will be as good as this book.

Evan's Review

After going to the WW2 Museum in New Orleans I decide to read all of Stephen's books and first is Citizen Soldier. If you love history this book is great. You can read about commanders but to get true understanding you need here from the guys on front line which this book does.

Captivating

Very well written. Lost of first person accounts that make feel as if you were right there. I recommend this book and any other Ambrose book to anyone

Citizen Soldiers still a classic & masterpiece

Not much negative a great book, only criticism is Generals Like Patton were not born Generals & learned from WW1 and why they hated digging in

Entertaining and Educational

An awesome telling of the Infantry and paratroops in World War II ETO. citizen soldiers gives a great broad look at the entire Western Front . if you liked Band of Brothers you'll love This Book.