Battle at Best

S L A Marshall is justly famous for his unique method of battle analysis. In "Battle at Best" he applies this method of the assessment of data gleaned from on-the-spot interviews with the troops themselves - to eight critical actions of World War II and Korea. Taken together, these battles illustrate the infinite variety of combat experience and reveal new truths about soldiers under fire. From the Korean War, General Marshall highlights the role of Easy Company in the attack on Hill 180 ("Fix Bayonets and Follow Me") and two phases of the 1st Marine Division experience during the Chosin Reservoir operation.From World War II comes the title, the fight against overwhelming odds of one platoon of the 101st Airborne Division at Best, Holland and, most movingly, the self-sacrifice of Private Joe Mann. Also included is an account of the 29th Infantry Division at Omaha Beach, two stories of Pacific combat and, finally, a surprising view of the liberation of Paris-and of Ernest Hemingway who participated.