Really interesting and fascinating book about the D-Day invasion. I was surprised at how much both sides screwed things up badly. It's clear if Germany had its **** together and refused to realize it was the invasion, the Allies probably would have failed as a result of its own errors.

When I was reading it, I had up Google Earth and maps of the invasion to get a broader picture of what was going on in the book. I can't wait to experience Normandy in person in three weeks.

As long as the German Army was within range of the naval artillery and CAS they were screwed. Didn't matter when or where they counter attacked. Any type of concentration of vehicles or men would have been blown to hell in the same fashion the 21st Panzer Division counter attack at Lion-sur-Mer was treated.

Haven't read it but I did enjoy "A Bridge Too Far".

Also I heard the MG Rudder didn't give any info to Ryan for "The Longest Day" so Pointe-du-Hoc wasn't really discussed. Can you confirm? Just to satisfy my curiosity.

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Haven't read it but I did enjoy "A Bridge Too Far".

Also I heard the MG Rudder didn't give any info to Ryan for "The Longest Day" so Pointe-du-Hoc wasn't really discussed. Can you confirm? Just to satisfy my curiosity.

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Interesting. That would make sense after reading it. Rudder was listed as a contributor, but yes, the discussion of Pointe-du-Hoc was very brief and very light on details . It was disappointing because that was the part I was most looking forward to as an Aggie.

"Friction" develops in every organization doing anything, especially in giant armies conducting massive operations at sizes we have not seen in over seventy years. It is true if Germany had done everything perfectly the Allies would have had a much harder time executing. However both sides really did a great job limiting mistakes (especially the Germans) considering the circumstances. There is not much the German army could have realistically done to win at that point. Even had Rommel had his way across the board the Allies would have still steam rolled in, albiet with more casualties.

If you want to read more about General Rudder and what happened after D-Day, let me suggest The Execution of Private Slovick. (SP?). They didn't tell you about this at fish camp.

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If you want to read more about General Rudder and what happened after D-Day, let me suggest The Execution of Private Slovick. (SP?). They didn't tell you about this at fish camp.

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While an interesting book, it has nothing to do with Rudder or D-Day

Pretty decent book by one of Rudder's Rangers. The guy greatly admired Rudder.

http://www.amazon.com/Fool-Lieutenant-Margo-Heinen/dp/0970525702

Not only is the General prominently mentioned, but Texas A&M as well. I was given a copy of this book over 40 years ago while I was in the Army. Given by a soldier who had a consciences objector application.

While the actions of Rudder and the Rangers on Point Du Hoch are amazing and courageous. Without the guns present to shell the ships and beaches the attack largely had little to do with the outcome of the day. There were so many other things that had much more to do with success that day that when you put it all in a book you can only dedicate so many pages to each event.

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While the actions of Rudder and the Rangers on Point Du Hoch are amazing and courageous. Without the guns present to shell the ships and beaches the attack largely had little to do with the outcome of the day. There were so many other things that had much more to do with success that day that when you put it all in a book you can only dedicate so many pages to each event.

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Check out the stuff that Rudder did during the Bulge, however. Pretty impressive. The stuff he did in and around Diekirch on the southern shoulder proved critical.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BS-ov7l4L._SX340_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Plus, the Traveling Aggies are conducting a trip called "The Footsteps of Rudder" this fall. It follows his trail through Europe from Normandy to the Bulge.

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While the actions of Rudder and the Rangers on Point Du Hoch are amazing and courageous. Without the guns present to shell the ships and beaches the attack largely had little to do with the outcome of the day. There were so many other things that had much more to do with success that day that when you put it all in a book you can only dedicate so many pages to each event.

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The guns WERE present, just a mile back from the cliffs.

If those guns ad not been destroyed then the shelling on Omaha Beach could have been worse than actualy encountered.