Not only have I read this book twice, but I have purchased extra copies and mailed them to friends. The story of the Bedford Boys needs to be told. Not enough people know about them. I have read many books on the topic of WW2. However, this is the best one at linking the events, the soldiers and their families together. You really get a feel for what everyone involved went through. In June, I am going to Normandy for the 74th anniversary of D-Day. I rented a house in the little town of Vierville mur sur, which is the town the Bedford Boys were tasked with capturing. I have also been to Bedford Virginia where the Bedford Boys grew up together. If you ever pass through Virginia, stop and visit the National D-Day memorial in Bedford. It was built there in part to honor of the Bedford Boys and their families. You wont regret the visit. Also, it is a beautiful little town, and the people are very gracious to the many visitors they get.

I purchased this book when it was first published. I am native of Bedford, Virginia. I am part of the infamous "Mud Alley Gang", the neighborhood where many of those "Bedford Boys" written about were raised and some families still live there. We have an annual dinner for members of the old neighborhood. It is held the Friday before Thanksgiving each year, and last year we had a discussion about those old days and Alex Kershaw's book. I think it is the most definitive story of our situation. It rates an excellent 5 stars for those of us who lived this story. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Kershaw last year when he was the Speaker for the Memorial Day Ceremonies at the National D- Day Memorial there in Bedford. I had Mr. Kershaw to autograph my copy and I hope to have it signed by all who attend our dinner this year. I have purchased several others over the years to give to my children and grandchildren, as this story should never be forgotten. ... I will again in a couple weeks urge others who have not yet read the book to please do so. It is indeed "our story" too. .
Respectfully Submitted
Dale Wilson, Sr.

Fortunately, Mr Kershaw undertook to write this book while there were still many primary sources alive to interview. There are many books that detail the horrors of war in general and D-Day in particular. This book does that as well, but it is a rarity in that it is a non-fiction that also recounts the drama that unfolded at home in such a way that you feel it. Be warned, it will break your heart.

Riveting account of the young men from one small town in Virginia who gave the ultimate sacrifice in WWII. It was amazing to learn the back story not only of the young men, but also the women who loved them and watched them go off to war. I am familiar with this group as I live in Virginia but have yet to see the Memorial in Bedford. Like so many who fought in WWII, these were normal young men, trying to make a living in the newly post Depression Era. What they endured is amazing and to have lost so many of them in one battle adds a depth that many communities will never know. If you enjoyed Saving Private Ryan, then this is a book you will definitely not want to miss.

As a fan of Alex Kershaw, I knew his books were poignant & well-written, but I was a bit hesitant before I bought this one because I've read many books on D-Day/WW II. However, I'm very glad I bought this one because reading 'The Bedford Boys' is so visceral, emotional and compelling that I finished it in one sitting. The author's extensive research and interviews with their contemporaries in Bedford, along with his admiration and compassion for these men, their famiilies & friends, makes their individual lives, personalities and tremendous sacrifices come palpably alive. In my opinion, this book is on par with other WWII (and other war) classics like 'Band of Brothers', 'The Good War', etc.

"The Bedford Boys" is the story of the men from small town Virginia who, as part of the first-wave of the Normandy invasion, spilled their blood on "Bloody Omaha".

This book details the lives, loves and end of many men who served in the 29th Infantry Division. The division, made up of National Guard units from Maryland and Virginia was chosen to assault Omaha beach alongside the veteran 1st Infantry Division.

The story begins with the prewar, Depression era that impacted the lives of every American, but hit rural areas like Bedford especially hard. This lack of economic opportunity led many of these men to join the National Guard. It also meant that the men of this close-knit, rural area would serve together when war came.

This makes for excellent unit cohesion but also risks wiping out the manhood of an entire region when battle takes its toll. The book continues with their training, shipment to England in preparation for invasion of the continent and, finally, their role and massive losses in the amphibious assault.

The author very much focuses on the human element in this book. Interviews with surviving veterans, wives and relatives as well as letters from those who perished form he core of this book. It is the story of men and women rather than battles. It delves into their stay in Great Britain and their relations with the English people.

The story itself culminates in the inevitable telegrams. The young woman employed by Western Union tells about how, prior to this, she would get a "We regret to inform you..." telegram once a week or once every couple days. In the aftermath of the beach assault, they came...and came...and came. She thought the terrible notices would never end. The author does an excellent job of relating the enormity of the heartbreaking losses sustained on one day in that small Virginia town.

My only criticism is that the author does not give an evaluation of the military landings themselves that consigned so many men to "the glorious dead". The fact of the matter is that these men died as a direct result of their own commanders' planning. Despite all the experience gained at the cost of much blood in the Pacific, our military deliberately chose to land our troops directly into the teeth of the German defenses. Men whose landing craft were steered off course or taken there by the strong current largely landed intact with few losses. Those that were landed where they were supposed to were slaughtered.

Still and all, as a purely "human interest" type of story, the author has produced a good account of the lives of these "Bedford Boys". May their sacrifice always be remembered. Four stars.