American socialite Margaret Freemantle met Christan Diestl a ski instructor, in Austria 1938. Noah Ackerman buried
his father in California 1940. Michael Whitacre was married to Laura a Hollywood star, life was good. Divorce damaged Michael. Stendahl was supposed to be the best writer about
war and its horrors. This book, The Young Lions by Irwin Shaw gave us the magnitude, drive, brutality, vulgarity, heroism and all the attendant hate and horror of modern war. Michael promised to marry Margeret on his return from WW2.
Christian's steady leadership and battle skills ensured he came through many engagements relatively unscathed. Leutnant Hardenburg's bravery had a lasting efect on Christian which ensured he led men under his command through endless battles. Gretchen, Hardenburg's wife entertained Chritian in Berlin.
Michael and Noah were in the same recruit platoon where the prejudicial tendencies of the majority southern recruits ensured Noah had to fight for survival. Michael stood up for Noah but had to transfer out to the Social Affairs section under Colonel Pavone for his own safety.
Noah saved a fellow private in Normandy and pinpointed a German artillery location for aerial
destruction. Eventually Noah and Michael were in the same replacement battalion. Noah persuaded Michael to join Noah's old C Company and the capable Captain Green. C Company entered Dachau concentration camp. Noah distressed walked from the camp with Michael. Christian shot Noah. Michael killed Christian with a grenade burst.
War is wasteful of human lives. A scinillating read.