"Longshore Soldiers" by Andrew Broznya.
Andrew Brozyna's "Longshore Soldiers" is a remarkable read, both as a tribute to an individual GI grandfather, and as a well-researched fill-in of a huge blind spot in the popular histories of WWII. From the very beginning of the U.S. Army's planning for the re-conquest of Europe, Port Capacities and logistics were a daunting reality.Those who study the technical aspects of WWII will know just how important the Port of Antwerp in Belgium was, but most americans will only know a little of this story, if anything at all. Right through the end of 1944, supply was always a serious worry for the High Command. But they did know they could count on one thing....the soldiers. The concept of "citizen-soldier " was exemplified in many ways by the service troops of WWII, and the 519th Port Battalion was pretty typical. From all over the United States, they signed up to do the job, they did it, and well, then slowly faded away into civilian life and now, into history. That that History was mostly unsung hasn't engendered complaints or rancor...it seems that was also part of the job. The author quotes from 'The Stars And Stripes' of 20 May, 1944,"... Some of the hardest and most dangerous work being done on this side of the fighting lines is performed by the U.S.ARMY's Transportation Corps stevedores who make up the port battalions toiling on the docks and in the warehouses..." first in Britain, then France and Belgium. I've always been proud that my Dad served in The 13th Port Group and wore the Belgian Fourragere. The Combat Badge and that Fourragere were part of his uniform for twenty-four years after it was awarded, even when he didn't wear his other decorations....For anyone who had a relative serve in "The War", or with an interest in what it takes to " Keep 'em Fighting! " this is an invaluable addition to a WWII library.
Because the 79th Anniversary of D-Day and the start of Operation OVERLORD is in four days, Im rereading things like Andy's book....I wish my Dad gad lived long enough to be interviewed....so.many of the guys are gone now. Average age on those Beaches was 19....the old man was 25 and some months. An Old man, indeed. He didnt stay long that morning, a german rocket blew him into the water with a broken neck. He was lucky...a recovery team fished him out. He made it to sixty but we still wonder how....
For anyone interested in parts of the war that arent offered for readers often, this is a good one.
