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Left for Dead at Nijmegen

The True Story of an American Paratrooper in World War II

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About this listen

When Metcalfe boarded the C-47 which would drop him at Groesbeek Heights, just outside of Nijmegen, Holland, he was handed a box of twelve dozen condoms by an overconfident British lieutenant. He was to be among the first to jump into what should have been a picture-book meadow, free of German troops. Instead, it was defended by three German antiaircraft cannon emplacements.

As he jumped into a hail of bullets and exploding shells, he watched his plane roll over and plummet into the ground. It was at that moment he realized the condoms had either been a bad joke or the planners of Operation Market Garden had seriously underestimated German resistance. Gene was listed as KIA and left for dead by his patrol, who presumed the worst when they saw his injuries from a shell explosion.

The rest of his story is equally gripping, as he became a POW held outside Munich, being moved between various camps ridden with disease and a severely undernourished population. Eventually, after making an escape attempt and being captured within sight of the snow-capped Swiss mountains, his camp was liberated by American troops in April 1945.

©2019 Marcus A. Nannini (P)2019 Tantor Military Military & War World War II War Solider Air Force
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This is well written and read accounts of truly amazing men in a devastating time

Great true story

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well written and a great wee adventure shared, what is not to like, fully recommend

great wee adventure

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Absolutely fantastic account of a person's experience of the war . Emotional in places and shocking to hear some of the things that happened. Well worth listening to .

Some things should never be forgotten

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Being a 10 minute walk away from the grounds of woolaton park, I have most probably walked in the same footsteps of Gene! Also visiting the same pub the Jolly anglers located in Beeston (Nottingham). This audio book is really in-depth and you get a real sense of the horror and the bravery these young lads endured in the face of the enemy. Gene I wish I could shake your hand and buy you a pint. brilliant audio book would 100% recommend to any listener. 5* fantastic stars.

coming from Nottingham this audio book is special!

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Very good war story and a very courageous man. Well done. Thank you to all who served.

Good story well told

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