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6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
 Of interest but terrible editing Jun 20, 2009
By John E. Larsen
"Larso"
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!
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 A Legend Tells His Own Story Jan 31, 2011
By W. Wood
If you've read my reviews of other books by former paratroopers I've already stated the respect I feel, as a paratrooper from a later generation, for those first generation troopers whose blood and sweat earned the fearsome reputation US paratroopers hold across the globe. Those of us who came later were reminded at each annual 82nd Abn Division Review of the long shadow those men cast upon us by their exploits. As I've said elsewhere, I never felt fit to polish their jump boots, much less wear the same wings and patch they wore.
Now, having said that, let say here an now that anyone who is in the least bit familiar with 82nd history knows the name of Otis Sampson. All one has to do is read an 82nd Abn history - or better - a history of the 505th PIR and one will know Sampson's name and his deeds. To say I was excited to see that he had finally written his own story is an understatement.
Yes, the book has editing and typographical errors; but they are not as bad as some of the books I've read published under similar circumstances. As one who has written his own memoir I can attest to the difficulties in getting a publisher to take a chance on an "unknown." It is sad to me that troopers such as Sampson and his buddies cannot get the attention their counterparts in the 101st have received recently. Their stories deserve to be given the respect they deserve. After all, Sampson and his fellow 505 troopers made four (4) combat jumps and their brothers in the 504th made three. This is a story well told (for all its purported mistypes) and worth reading.
Sampson's story is told with humor and a bit of sadness. It is a combat soldier's story. Sampson may not be a professional writer but he is a good storyteller with a great story to tell. If you're familiar with the campaigns of the 82nd Airborne then his stories will fill in blanks left by the histories and other memoirs. If you're not familiar with 82nd history then Sampson's book will hopefully encourage further reading and study.
I had two uncles fight in World War II; one survived after fighting through the Central Pacific as a frogman, the other died in France. He was nineteen. Books like this reminds one of the debt we owe to that generation, toughened by the poverty of the Great Depression to face the most terrible war ever experienced by mankind.
If you want a book that gets you away from the armchair scholar who has never heard a shot fired in anger or ever gone to sleep at night wondering if he'd see the light of the morning, writing decades removed from the events which he is describing, this is a book for you.
Thanks SSG Sampson, for all you've done and the legacy you and your buddies left. from one old sarge to another.
Airborne! All the Way!
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A great hero tells it like it is . . .or was Nov 08, 2009
By Story Lady
"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.
Young Forever Jul 30, 2010
By Robert Maddox
I have known Otis for over 40 yrs.
He is an Amazing man.
Although he is in his 90's, he has such a youthful presence.
He actually looks younger than me(59).
His mind is clear and he is a quick thinker and very alert.
I am surprised it took him so long to write a book.
He has always been a treasure at our Local Parades in Palm Springs.
His memories are worth every page of this book.
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Timeout for Combat Sep 17, 2007
By Robert Tufo
"Bob Tufo"
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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