Easy Company Soldier the Legendary Battles of a Sergeant From World War Iis Band of Brothers
See a Problem?
Thanks for telling us about the problem.
Friend Reviews
Reader Q&A
Community Reviews
And believe it or not, as of this day Sept 26, 2016, he's still alive.
His service is well documented here, but you may also know him from the engrossing Spielberg/Hank tv series Band of Brothers. If you've seen the series, you know much of Malarkey's wartime story. If you're intrigued enough to
What fascinating insight to an incredible, horrible time in recent history. Don Malarkey, a regular guy from Oregon, has written quite an impressive autobiography about his extraordinary WWII experiences.
And believe it or not, as of this day Sept 26, 2016, he's still alive.
His service is well documented here, but you may also know him from the engrossing Spielberg/Hank tv series Band of Brothers. If you've seen the series, you know much of Malarkey's wartime story. If you're intrigued enough to learn more, Easy Company Soldier is an excellent way to discover the backstory of one of the men on the frontline.
Consider all that this man has done: his heroism and courage in the face of death; his youth devoted to a career in soldiering; and yet, he is also able to write a better bio than a few professional writers I've read. Amazing. Simply amazing.
...more
With that said, I can report that it was a very interesting autobiography that many
After listening to the unabridged audio book version of this work, I was surprised that I had not earlier read the story of Don Malarkey. The co-author, Bob Welch, works and lives in my same community and we have met socially a few times. Malarkey's story, and his Oregon connection, are a natural for Welch, who continues to be a features (general interest) writer for The Register-Guard here in Eugene/Springfield.With that said, I can report that it was a very interesting autobiography that many times spotlights the differences in perspective as recalled by Sgt. Malarkey, Stephen Ambrose, and the Hollywood treatment for "Band of Brothers" in 2002. As has been noted by other reviewers, the book is a mixture of actual battle details and a generous dose of Malarkey's connection with the homefront.
I now have particular interest in reading more about Malarkey's life after the publishing of this book in 2009. Even after reading countless memoirs of World War II, I have an unending appreciation for the generation we call the "greatest". Sgt. Malarkey is noted for fighting on the front lines in combat for more than six-months straight without leave.
Thanks to Bob Welch for reporting on this important hero who has his heart in Oregon -- even when the man, the patriot, was suffering incredible mental and physical hardships thousands of miles away during a significant portion of the 1940s.
...more
I loved the book, 'Band of Brothers', love Bill Guarnere's and Babe Heffron's book, love 'We Who Are Alive and Remain,' by Marcus Brotherton. All excellent reads, giving glimpses into the horrors of war. But Don Malarkey's book is probably my favorite. He has such a moving way with words. He's not a writer, but the way he can weave a set of words together is amazing. He describes so well the bond between these men, the bond that made them closer than brothers. He describes the atrocities seen in war. War ain't no picnic. We all know it, but still can we really ever understand it? I truly believe that only one who has been there, experienced such pain and horror, can understand it. Sure, we can come close, but at the end of the day, they're the heroes, the soldiers who faced it all for us.
(view spoiler)[ Don Malarkey's friendship with Warren H. "Skip" Muck, was deeper than I knew. In fact, before starting this book, I really didn't know they were like brothers, best of friends. Reading about how Malarkey dealt with Muck's death was heartbreaking. I almost couldn't keep reading. To lose someone that close, just like that, is beyond comprehension. And Malarkey buried it deep for sixty years, never crying about Skip until visiting his grave one day in 2004, and letting it all out. Thinking of the pain he must have endured for all those years breaks my heart. I just can't imagine. (hide spoiler)]
My respect for Don Malarkey deepened after reading this book. I know him so much better. If you were a fan of him in the miniseries, please pick up this book. It's an incredible read. One of my favorite books. This man was a hero, and he should be remembered.
...more
I pinched myself knowing I was sitting across from him at an outdoor restaurant, the patio of which had as its backdrop the mountains around town. He was eager to sit down and talk with relatives of Warren 'Skip' Muck; after reading this book I understand why. What makes a battle hardened WWII Vet who saw the worst in the What a compelling life, a moving story, and a reminder of why I love books. A little background. I was lucky enough to meet Don and Irene Malarkey at a Phoenix reunion of E. Co.
I pinched myself knowing I was sitting across from him at an outdoor restaurant, the patio of which had as its backdrop the mountains around town. He was eager to sit down and talk with relatives of Warren 'Skip' Muck; after reading this book I understand why. What makes a battle hardened WWII Vet who saw the worst in the European theater cry, after 60+ years? Having Eugene 'Doc' Roe come to his foxhole in Bastogne and say "Malark, it's Muck; he's gone."
I was quite moved by this book. I wish he would have gone on and on; as a young boy in rural Oregon he stayed out until midnight fighting the great Tillamook fire of the 1930's. He worked so hard that the pail handles cut his hands horribly. Years later, after the war, a neighbor thanked him for his small, but important part, in the bucket brigade that had saved his business.
I could go on and on but must stop before I give more away. How he met Irene--she had a sweetness and warmth about her for total strangers that was common in vet's wives, is a great story and made for a well-rounded book. Loved it!
...more I'm currently re-watching the Band of Brothers mini-series for the ump-teenth time, paying special attention to Malarkey's character this time. Most interesting after reading the book is noticing the closenes
Incredible. What's most telling and interesting about this book is that only 5% of it is spent describing battle itself. He spends most of the book describing the relationships he forged with the men in his company and how the things he experienced affected him both during and after the war.I'm currently re-watching the Band of Brothers mini-series for the ump-teenth time, paying special attention to Malarkey's character this time. Most interesting after reading the book is noticing the closeness between Don and Skip Muck (as played by their actors). I had never really caught it before reading the book, but they captured it well in the mini-series.
Great book
...more
"We never talked about not making it home. We only talked about what it would be like when we did, how we'd visit each other and he'd show me where he'd swum the Niagara and I'd take him fishing on the Nehalem, maybe out in the ocean for salmon..."
An exceptional firsthand account of Don Malarkey's time spent in Easy Company. What was most poignant for me was his relationship with Warren "Skip" Muck. The two were like brothers. When Skip is killed in Bastogne it's a shock - Malarkey describe
"We never talked about not making it home. We only talked about what it would be like when we did, how we'd visit each other and he'd show me where he'd swum the Niagara and I'd take him fishing on the Nehalem, maybe out in the ocean for salmon..."
An exceptional firsthand account of Don Malarkey's time spent in Easy Company. What was most poignant for me was his relationship with Warren "Skip" Muck. The two were like brothers. When Skip is killed in Bastogne it's a shock - Malarkey describes how he carries that loss with him, and how he only allowed himself to really grieve years down the line. His PSTD and struggles post-war are talked about, he describes how veterans were expected to "get on with it", which is so heartbreaking.
Having read Ambrose's book, it was fascinating to hear the sole opinion of Malarkey and get to know the adventurous, Irish Astoria native better - it made for a different spin on the well-known story of Easy Company. I also found it very interesting hearing Malarkey's perspective on the various Easy Company reunions over the years, as well as his opinions and contributions on the HBO miniseries.
Brave doesn't even seem to cover it.
Thank you and Currahee, Don.
I like the way this is written and narrated. I'll be listening to more books about Easy Company, D-Day, and World War II. I plan to watch the "Band of Brothers" miniseries as well as "Saving Private Ryan", neither of which I've seen.
I would highly recommend this, but maybe you should read or listen to "Band of Brothers" first.
...more
All stated first hand.
Truly the greatest generation. Mirror's all the events that this true humble American hero went through in the biggest cataclysmic occurance of the 20th century.
All stated first hand.
Truly the greatest generation. ...more
Hellfish, the fightingest squad in the fightingest company in the
third-fightingest battalion in the army.
To Easy Company 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and everyone else that just did what they had to do... thank you.
...more
An excellent book told by an extraordinary person.
For anyone who is a fan of biographies or war history, I highly recommend this book!
...more
Beyond that, I enjoyed reading more about the background and friendships of these men, and also about a couple of facts that the miniseries changed from the truth (nothing big, but interesting all the same.)
I'm looking
Giving this book five stars was a no-brainer for me, a huge fan of the miniseries "Band of Brothers." I tore through this book in two sittings, eager to read more in-depth about the various battles of Normandy, Operation Market Garden, Bastogne, etc as depicted in the miniseries.Beyond that, I enjoyed reading more about the background and friendships of these men, and also about a couple of facts that the miniseries changed from the truth (nothing big, but interesting all the same.)
I'm looking forward to reading about Major Dick Winters, the "Biggest Brother" of the Band, and learning more about the "who" behind the "what". A great read for any fan of WW2.
...more
I really recommand you this book. if you want to know more about the Easy soldiers. ...more
I was not disappointed. The story delves into the emotions of being in a war, the personalities and the personal struggles dealing with fighting and death. There are plenty of books that provide the timeline, names of battles, strategies, types of weapons, statistics etc. of WWII, but fewer that show the humanity involved.
Highly recom
I had seen Band of Brothers, I knew Don Malarkey was from Oregon (where I live) and I knew his co-author Bob Welch is a wonderful writer, so I picked up this book.I was not disappointed. The story delves into the emotions of being in a war, the personalities and the personal struggles dealing with fighting and death. There are plenty of books that provide the timeline, names of battles, strategies, types of weapons, statistics etc. of WWII, but fewer that show the humanity involved.
Highly recommended.
...more
Boy, it was a rough read. He endured so much in the war, and suffered long after he was discharged, the ghosts of combat following him throughout the rest of his days. When I w
I started reading Band of Brothers a week before Donald Malarkey died with plans to finally read his book after nearly ten years if it sitting on my shelf since he was the last living original member of Easy Company. The morning I heard he had passed, it was with a heavy heart that I decided to read his book next for sure.Boy, it was a rough read. He endured so much in the war, and suffered long after he was discharged, the ghosts of combat following him throughout the rest of his days. When I was thirteen and watching Band of Brothers for the first time, picking up on things like Malarkey's and Skip's friendship was something that went way over my head. Now, at twenty-four and a hell of a lot more life experience and attention to detail, rewatching the series, finally reading Band of Brothers, and reading this book nearly destroyed me. More than once as Malarkey described the agonizing loss of his best friend, my eyes welled up with tears.
Band of Brothers (both the book and series) are absolutely wonderful, but the full emotional impact of such things was lost to me until I read Malarkey's words for myself.
For anyone who, like me, loved Band of Brothers, but perhaps would find the book it is based on a bit more detached and informational for their liking, I highly suggest this book. It reads far more like a narrative, with a (clearly) more focused view of a single soldier rather than the exploits of an entire company.
All I really have to say is: rest easy Don, and I hope you've finally gotten to see Skip again.
...more
Malarkey's story is the second of the bunch that I've read--the first being the stories of Bill Guarnere and Babe Heffron--and while most of the events covered are the same, the telling is much different. Unlike Bill, Malarkey was a more restrained soldier, but he replaces Bill's boldness with sheer heart and dedication to his friends. Malarkey's story is that of a young man who just wanted to return home to his beloved Or
Another amazing memoir from one of the men in the famous Band of Brothers.Malarkey's story is the second of the bunch that I've read--the first being the stories of Bill Guarnere and Babe Heffron--and while most of the events covered are the same, the telling is much different. Unlike Bill, Malarkey was a more restrained soldier, but he replaces Bill's boldness with sheer heart and dedication to his friends. Malarkey's story is that of a young man who just wanted to return home to his beloved Oregon and who went through hell to get there.
I really appreciate Malarkey's stories of his life before and after the war. The before shows his love of the outdoors and his willingness to do the hard work, both of which helped him throughout the war, while the after shows the emotional impact of war on those who fight it. Young Malarkey and post-war Malarkey are two very different men, and Malarkey's willingness to share about his struggles and his PTSD makes this a very personal story, much more so than the Band of Brothers book or the show.
Getting to read the stories of the Band of Brothers from many different men is like putting the pieces of the puzzle together--individually, they may look just fine, but when you put them all together, they create something truly beautiful and unique. Malarkey's story is another wonderful piece of the puzzle that is Easy Company, and its heart and emotion make it a standout.
...more I think the most significant take away was how it made me think about mortality and the passage of time - beyon Of all the memoirs I've read from the Band of Brothers group, this is a definite stand out - touching and at times heart wrenching, it's plain to see that Don Malarkey bared his soul for all to see. It's not sugar coated, he's equally straightforward about his own imperfections; it [his book] frequently left me wondering if I myself would be capable of such honesty in my own accounting.
I think the most significant take away was how it made me think about mortality and the passage of time - beyond the myriad losses and impact of war, the normal every day losses that are incurred by the passage of time and more importantly how we perceive them, live with them and ultimately, the impression we leave in our own passing.
It often brings me to tears when I think that all of these men have now passed. I am deeply and eternally grateful that they all took the time and endured the emotional strain of reliving these times to share them with us.
I value, more than ever before, the presence in my life of those older than I who have a wealth of untold stories to tell. I engage them far more now as a result... perhaps it compensates for the fact that I will never be able to sit down and chat with the likes of Don Malarkey and the rest of his Band of Brothers ...more
I've had this book on my To Read list since 2014. I just returned to the beginning of that list and this was the first one that my library had available, so I happily jumped in. Having seen Band of Brothers, this book felt familiar from the get go. The emotion that I felt during passages, the tears that came to my eyes at others, the laughter that burst out....none of it was surprising.
The author is an excellent storyteller, bringing to life the events that filled his youth, war exper
Audiobook.I've had this book on my To Read list since 2014. I just returned to the beginning of that list and this was the first one that my library had available, so I happily jumped in. Having seen Band of Brothers, this book felt familiar from the get go. The emotion that I felt during passages, the tears that came to my eyes at others, the laughter that burst out....none of it was surprising.
The author is an excellent storyteller, bringing to life the events that filled his youth, war experiences, and life as a veteran. I appreciate the struggle he went through in the post-war years in learning to express what happened to him and the pain he kept buried, and am thankful that he shared his heart for future generations to be reminded of what the Greatest Generation went through in the battlefield.
The narrator's skill is highly appreciated. He brought to life the words the author penned, and it was easy to listen to him through the time I spent with this book.
...moreNews & Interviews
Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account.
Source: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/2298975.Easy_Company_Soldier
0 Response to "Easy Company Soldier the Legendary Battles of a Sergeant From World War Iis Band of Brothers"
Post a Comment