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  • No Better Place to Die

  • Ste-Mere Eglise, June 1944 - The Battle for la Fiere Bridge
  • By: Robert Murphy
  • Narrated by: Stephen Bowlby
  • Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (5 ratings)
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No Better Place to Die

By: Robert Murphy
Narrated by: Stephen Bowlby
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Summary

The you-are-there story of one of the most ferocious small-unit combats in US history....

As part of the massive Allied invasion of Normandy, three airborne divisions were dropped behind enemy lines to sow confusion in the German rear and prevent panzer reinforcements from reaching the beaches. In the dark early hours of D-Day, this confusion was achieved well enough, as nearly every airborne unit missed its drop zone, creating a kaleidoscope of small-unit combat.

Fortunately for the Allies, the 505th Regimental Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division hit on or near its drop zone. Its task was to seize the vital crossroads of Ste Me're Eglise, and to hold the bridge over the Merderet River at nearby La Fie're. Benefiting from dynamic battlefield leadership, the paratroopers reached the bridge, only to be met by wave after wave of German tanks and infantry desperate to force the crossing.

Reinforced by glider troops, who suffered terribly in their landings from the now-alert Germans, the 505th not only held the vital bridge for three days but launched a counterattack in the teeth of enemy fire to secure their objective once and for all, albeit at gruesome cost. In No Better Place to Die, Robert M. Murphy provides an objective narrative of countless acts of heroism, almost breathtaking in its "you are there" detail.

No World War II veteran is better known in 82nd Airborne circles than Robert M. ("Bob") Murphy. A Pathfinder and member of A Company, 505th PIR, Bob was wounded three times in action, and made all four combat jumps with his regiment, fighting in Sicily, Italy, Normandy, and Holland. He was decorated for valor for his role at La Fie're, and is a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. After the war, he was instrumental in establishing the 505th RCT Association.

©2009 Robert M. Murphy (P)2013 Audible, Inc.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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Heavy going

This is simply a list of facts and details recounted by people who were there.

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I wish I'd listened to this audio book sooner!

Straight off the bat, ignore the review that states this as title is a bunch of mish-mashed hard to follow recollections.

I've been to Normandy several times, and visited a lot of the big landmarks; but must admit, until my last visit back in 2019, I knew very little about the battle at La Fiere.

This title is essential listening. It is so rich in detail, with personal recollections and such moving accounts that to have not been aware of it for so long in itself is a disservice to the author.

Arguably, if you haven't been to the locations and understand the topography of the battlefields, then it may get a bit jumbled, but just grab a map and allow yourself to be immersed in these accounts.

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