Submitted by cowie165 on
in
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I recently read a great book sharing the true story of a 21yr old US Army Captain placed in command of a US Infantry Company during the closing months of WW2 in the ETO.
As you read he takes you through his thoughts on meeting soldiers with more experience than he. Guys that had been in the company longer and guys that had seen more (some!) action. Aside from grim reflections on what it is like to be shelled by a Leopold railway gun, I also loved the book from a managers perspective. The story follows the author as he gains credibility and bonds with his soldiers.
How do you motivate tired, hungry soldiers into going into battle at 3am against an enemy supported by tanks?
It sure makes my owns hassles of receiving incorrectly completed paperwork less than trivial...
Anyway, a great read that captures your attention and teaches you a lesson or two without you even realising.
http://www.amazon.com/Company-Commander-Classic-Infantry-Memoir/dp/15808...
Mark
Company Commander - Charles B. McDonald
I forgot to mention, if you weren't up on the size of army infantry units (geez, who isn't!) - a company has anywhere between 80 to 150 soldiers.
Company Commander - Charles B. McDonald
Mark -- I had read this book a number of years ago. I second that it's a great aread. I believe he went on to be a US military historian of some repute.
Walt