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 A great hero tells it like it is . . .or was Nov 08, 2009
"Sam" is almost 99 yrs old now and has been writing this book for many many years. I am amazed at his recollections of times, places and names. Since he had very little formal education, he did a magnificent job of transfering his thoughts to paper. Each vignette is an interesting event in his courageous life. You can pick it up, read a few passages and save the rest for another time without missing a beat. Not only does he relate many stories but also includes several poems he wrote. The book is attractive and includes many interesting photos. It's a down to earth story told in a down to earth manner.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Of interest but terrible editing Jun 20, 2009
Sampson was a slightly older man than most, who had served for several years in the pre-war cavalry. He did a lot of out-doors type jobs during the Depression so he was quite the jack of all trades when the war came. Considering himself a professional soldier, he quickly enlisted, against his wife's wishes, and volunteered for the airborne. He was assigned to E Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Regt, of the 82nd Airborne. Given his experience he was made Sgt of the mortar platoon.
His training was an enjoyable time for him. He was quite the `old soldier' and he wasn't backwards in speaking up about practices that weren't correct. He also used his patrol and woodsman skills to play practical jokes on the other troopers. At one time he'd been a boxer and Gavin, his commanding officer, come up to him requesting he take part in a certain match, but he declined. He had his reasons but this was an example of an ornery trait which surfaces from time to time. He is a frustrating character in some ways but some of this makes him quite a fierce fighter later on too.
As for the fighting, he goes to Africa and then participates actively in Sicily and Italy. It is particularly in the Volturno Railway yard that we learn of his metal as a soldier. His unit is ambushed but he races forward with his Tommy gun and virtually wages a one man war of cat-and-mouse. It is quite detailed and he reveals his thinking behind his various actions, using his `soldier smarts' to outwit the Germans and shoot many of them. It is quite exciting and he is recommended for the Silver Star for this action. After Italy he jumps in Normandy and Holland where he is wounded. He isn't involved in anything as gripping as the Volturno again but there is quite a bit of interest in his activities here. He was one of the first to come across the injured Col Vandervoort, the one who was wheeled around in a cart for a few days, directing the fighting. There's quite a bit of detail. He also writes a lot about the men he served with. Some of whom contribute their stories here too.
Something that was new, was Sampson's frankness about his relations with women. Once he concludes he's as good as divorced, he cuts loose. He has girlfriends every-where and though it's by no means lewd, he leaves you in no doubt what he means by `loving'. He killed quite a few Germans but I think his score on the lady front was even higher. Full credit to him for being open about this part of his experiences.
The other notable thing to mention is the terrible spelling, mostly things like `felt' rather than `fell' (then/them, poll/pull). It's just that there is one a page and some of them are outright hilarious. Like the time his regiment was assigned to the `British Merchandised Bde' or when a German attack threw them into `monetary confusion'. But my favourite was his reference to that famous book `The Sago of the US Airborne'! Laugh! There were also frequent awkward passages and times when he seemed to contradict himself. He also had numerous sub-headings, making it look like a diary. It was irritating and confusing at times but despite all this, Sampson's account is surprisingly engaging! This is a combat account that I can generally recommend. I do not recommend self publishing and relying on spell-check though!
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Timeout for Combat Sep 17, 2007
Here is a paratrooper's personal account of making four jumps while with the 82nd Airborne during WWII.
I had a chance meeting with the author and took the liberty of introducing myself, when I saw his 82nd ball cap, and when I learned his story and that he had written a book (Timeout for Combat) I checked it out from the Palm Springs WWII Air Museum Library.
I am pleased to find his book available through Amazon .com and am ordering a copy at this writing for my personal collection.
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