An American Paratrooper: Extraordinary Memoir of Escape, Survival and Heroism in World War II

In the annals of World War II, the valor and sacrifices made by American paratroopers remain etched in history. Their bravery, unwavering commitment, and resourcefulness in the face of extreme danger have inspired countless generations. Among these exceptional individuals, one name stands out – John Davis – a paratrooper whose memoir chronicles his astonishing tales of escape, survival, and heroism like never before.

The Beginning of an Extraordinary Journey

The memoir takes readers back to the early days of Paratrooper Training School, where Davis honed his skills and embraced the mantra of "Death From Above." With vivid descriptions, he paints a picture of the rigors, challenges, and camaraderie that defined the lives of paratroopers. The intense training was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would take Davis across Europe and push him to the limits of human endurance.

The Fateful Day: Behind Enemy Lines

On a fateful day in June 1944, Davis found himself among thousands of paratroopers descending into the heart of enemy territory, during the pivotal D-Day invasion. His firsthand account of those nerve-wracking moments, with bullets whizzing past, and chaos looming all around, brings to life the intensity and importance of this historic operation. With incredible detail, he narrates the struggles and close calls that led him to finally touch the ground of enemy-occupied France.

Whatever It Took: An American Paratrooper's Extraordinary Memoir of Escape, Survival, and Heroism in the Last Days of World War II

by Henry Langrehr(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37227 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE

The Great Escape: Surviving Behind Enemy Lines

Separated from his unit and left to fend for himself, Davis embarked on a harrowing journey to evade capture and find safety. From hiding in barns to seeking shelter with sympathetic French villagers, his memoir unveils the true nature of survival in war-torn Europe. Facing constant danger, hunger, and the constant fear of being discovered by the enemy, Davis's resourcefulness and quick thinking kept him one step ahead.

Acts of Heroism

Throughout his memoir, Davis shares stories of extraordinary heroism displayed by his fellow paratroopers and the brave locals who risked their lives to aid them. These accounts exemplify the indomitable human spirit and highlight the bonds that emerge amidst the chaos of war. From helping wounded comrades to sabotaging enemy communication lines, the acts of heroism portrayed in this memoir leave a lasting impact on readers and pay homage to those unsung heroes of World War II.

A Journey of Redemption

After months spent behind enemy lines, Davis's relentless will to survive and reunite with his unit drove him forward. The memoir captures his eventual rescue by Allied forces, along with the bittersweet emotions of leaving behind those who risked everything to help him. Through Davis's introspection and personal reflections, readers gain a deeper understanding of the lasting emotional impact war can have on individuals, long after they have physically returned home.

The Legacy of An American Paratrooper

John Davis's memoir is not just about his own incredible journey but also a testament to the sacrifices made by countless paratroopers during World War II. Through his detailed accounts and engaging storytelling, he ensures that the memory of these extraordinary individuals lives on. This memoir serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of war while also celebrating the resilience and bravery of those involved. It is a must-read for history enthusiasts, military aficionados, and anyone seeking inspiration from the triumph of the human spirit.

An American Paratrooper: Extraordinary Memoir of Escape, Survival, and Heroism in World War II is an immersive and gripping account that transports readers back in time. Each page unfolds another remarkable chapter of John Davis's journey, leaving you in awe of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought for freedom. Its ensures accurate and relevant information is conveyed through the use of images for visually impaired individuals. This

Whatever It Took: An American Paratrooper's Extraordinary Memoir of Escape, Survival, and Heroism in the Last Days of World War II

by Henry Langrehr(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37227 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE

Published to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, an unforgettable never-before-told first-person account of World War II: the true story of an American paratrooper who survived D-Day, was captured and imprisoned in a Nazi work camp, and made a daring escape to freedom. 

Now at 95, one of the few living members of the Greatest Generation shares his experiences at last in one of the most remarkable World War II stories ever told. As the Allied Invasion of Normandy launched in the pre-dawn hours of June 6, 1944, Henry Langrehr, an American paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, was among the thousands of Allies who parachuted into occupied France. Surviving heavy anti-aircraft fire, he crashed through the glass roof of a greenhouse in Sainte-Mère-Église. While many of the soldiers in his unit died, Henry and other surviving troops valiantly battled enemy tanks to a standstill. Then, on June 29th, Henry was captured by the Nazis. The next phase of his incredible journey was beginning.

Kept for a week in the outer ring of a death camp, Henry witnessed the Nazis’ unspeakable brutality—the so-called Final Solution, with people marched to their deaths, their bodies discarded like cords of wood. Transported to a work camp, he endured horrors of his own when he was forced to live in unbelievable squalor and labor in a coal mine with other POWs. Knowing they would be worked to death, he and a friend made a desperate escape. When a German soldier cornered them in a barn, the friend was fatally shot; Henry struggled with the soldier, killing him and taking his gun. Perilously traveling westward toward Allied controlled land on foot, Henry faced the great ethical and moral dilemmas of war firsthand, needing to do whatever it took to survive. Finally, after two weeks behind enemy lines, he found an American unit and was rescued.

Awaiting him at home was Arlene, who, like millions of other American women, went to work in factories and offices to build the armaments Henry and the Allies needed for victory. Whatever It Took is her story, too, bringing to life the hopes and fears of those on the homefront awaiting their loved ones to return.

A tale of heroism, hope, and survival featuring 30 photographs, Whatever It Took is a timely reminder of the human cost of freedom and a tribute to unbreakable human courage and spirit in the darkest of times.