HomeAuthor ResourcesSuccess StoriesRobin Meloy GoldsbyThe Story of a Soldier: Edward S. Mehosky, Col. (Ret.) U.S. Army, Infantry, from Private to Colonel: 1940-1971--WWII * Korea * Vietnam |
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7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Above and Beyond Mar 29, 2002
By William Kegley
The Story Of A Soldier, by Ivan Paul Mehosky is a wonderful first person account of a heroic officer who knew how to fight and get the better of the enemy, and knew how to prepare men for war so they could fight as a team with the proper attitude, inflict great damage on the enemy, and have a chance to survive the hell of combat. Mehosky's creed, "you fight like you train, and repetition of tasks equal confidence," saw this echoed in his words countless times to his men, "in war, there is no simulation!" Like their leader, Mehosky's men were tough, motvated, confident, and smart, paratroop soldiers who were some of our best ever to fight in battle against well-trained foes. Some of the descriptions of his experiences and survival are astonishing as well as stirring and vivid. Lt. Mehosky's account of his heroic rescue of two wounded soldiers under intense enemy mortar and small arms fire in front of Carentan, France was bravery above and beyond the call of duty that truely merits our nation's highest honors. There are accounts I have never seen in other books, acounts I want to read again and again and ponder. This well written book should be read by all ages-young and old. It will stir your heart and imagination! You won't be disappointed.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
 I'm so glad I read this Aug 27, 2006
The Story of a Soldier 1940-1971: The Airborne Spirit and Recollections of Colonel Edward S. Mehosky (Ret.) U.S. Army, Infantry is a true story that begins right in the middle of the action. It is 1944, World War II, and a parachute jump into German-held France has gone terribly wrong.
Edward is, by any definition, a hero. The son of Polish immigrants, he grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania during the Great Depression. When a broken leg ended his baseball career, he joined the Army. Two years later he joined the 506th Parachute Regiment and went overseas with the 101st Airborne Division.
A natural-born leader, his career spanned three decades and three wars. He was a platoon leader during the night drop on Normandy on D-Day. He was a company commander at the Battle of the Bulge during the defense against numerically superior enemy forces at Bastogne.
During the Korean War, he volunteered for the 40th Infantry Division and commanded a rifle company on a steep, frozen ridge facing Chinese positions. With the 502nd Airborne in Germany, his men caused quite a stir by capturing a Green Beret unit. He also served in Vietnam, and retired in 1971.
The prewar portion of the book is probably more interesting to a fellow veteran than to this reader, but by letting us know how Edward Mehosky was raised and trained, it sets the stage for what follows. The story definitely picks up when it moves to Europe. Once that happens, it never lets up.
My advice is, go visit the website and read the first three chapters free. If, like me, you get hooked, you'll buy the book.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
Must Read! Jan 08, 2002
By Chris Langlois
If you enjoyed Ambrose's Band of Brothers and Webster's Parachute Infantry, you'll certainly enjoy this one! It gives a neat insight to Camp Toccoa b/f the enlisted men got there. It inspires anyone to stay the course, no matter what. Col. Mehosky shows that honor, duty and courage are time-honored.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
The Story of a US Hero by a proud son for a Grateful Nation Sep 24, 2001
This book follows the military career of a man who deserves a sincere thank you, not only for his heroic actions in WWII, Korea and Vietnam but more importantly for his steadfast committment to providing leadership and superb training for the men under his command. He taught his men to think and react and without a doubt his leadership saved countless lives. At whatever rank, Col. Ed Mehoskey, an original member of H Co. 506th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne (HBO's and Stephen Ambrose's epic Band of Brothers focused on E Co.)led by example and raised the "Bar" to heights that were attainable and necessary to prepare men for battle. War is hell but when the going got tough, the tough men under Mehosky's command got going! This true account of a soldier's military career spanning nearly 4 decades is testimony to the American Spirit. Mehosky is a great example of the "Greatest Generation" and he personally instilled in his men the desire to "Be the Best". Learn what it meant to go three up and three down and to be trained and ready for combat under any circumstance. This excellent book left me with a greater knowledge and understanding of the sacrifices and triumphs an officer in the US Army had on the men under his command while geting ready and fighting to defend the freedoms we Americans hold so dear. For any reader who wants to know more about the spirit and courage that has propelled America to become the leader of the Free World you must read this book. God Bless Col. Ed Mehosky and the men of his generation and above all else God Bless the USA.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
The Story of a Soldier Mar 21, 2002
By Timothy J. Bagrowski
The Story of a Soldier is definately worth reading. Ivan Mehosky has written a fantasic book in the style of Stephen Ambrose. Once you start reading you won't want to put it down til the end. Covering the period from 1940 to 1971 with a major focus on World War 2 Paratroopers in action. Mr. Mehosky has done an excellant job of telling the story of his father's military career as handed down to him from his father. As you read the book you can't help but think of Mr. Mehosky of the 506th P.I.R. as having alot in common with Major Dick Winters of "Band of Brothers" fame. If you're looking for an excellant book on World War 2 Paratroopers....This is it!
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