Enemy North, South, East, West: A Recollection of the "Lost Battalion" at Mortain, France

I found this book extremely useful. It is extremely readable, addresses a little known but critical battle, and also shows how U.S. artillery was used operationally. I thank Mr. Weiss for sharing his recollections with us.

Having come upon oblique references of Robert Wiess' actions as a young field artillery observer prior to buying this book, I was somewhat prepared for the tale of heroism by someone who did not see himself as a hero, but only as a young American who was doing his job. This is not a tale of bravado nor does Mr. Weiss glorify combat. War is dirty, ugly, and unremitting. His book, however, tells the story of a battalion of American infantry surrounded atop a hill near the town of Mortain, France for five days. Besieged by elite Waffen-SS troops who often had years of combat experience and superior weapons in the form of the 88mm gun and Panther tanks, the US soldiers with Lieutenant Weiss refused to give in to incredible odds. Weiss played a very significant, yet oddly enough overlooked from an official viewpoint (he only received the Silver Star) in saving an entire battalion from certain destruction. The book is simply and clearly written, yet it details the sights, sounds, and smells that Weiss experienced. A must for the serious historian and the average reader whose curiosity was peaked by Steven Spielberg's movie "Saving Private Ryan". All in all, a good read and quite affordable!

In August, 1944, a few hundred men defended a hill near Mortain, France, against a massive German counterattack. For most of the six days and nights of fighting, the Americans were cut off from supply lines, fighting for survival without adequate food, water, medical supplies or ammunition. The massive artillery defense(much of which was launched by forward observer Robert Weiss) has been credited with making the difference in this pivotal battle of the Normandy invasion. With only one radio, powered by dying batteries, Weiss and his team brought down a rain of brutal iron that time after time turned back the German offensive. Event after event unfolds to envelop the reader in the high drama of warfare. Moments of courage and despair, heroism and terror, are interspersed with thoughtful contemplation and historical perspective rarely matched in the military annals of the Normandy invasion. Highly recommended. The Midwest Book Review.

In addition to the pride that all Americans should have in the true heros of WWII like Mr. Weiss, their teachers also deserve credit for the use of the English lanaguage. Mr. Weiss explains things that are heroic but it is the use of the language that is outstanding.

As a Field Artillery Officer in the Oregon Army National Guard, I found his book deals with issues I am faced with today! Make sure you bring all the proper gear, know your job and take care of your men! Mr. Weiss research is excellent, the documents he found bring home his point about accurate reporting during the fog of battle and how transcribed may lead one to translate messages in their own way. As a redleg I am more focused on the reality of my job, work with and assist the infantry provide them lethal fires! Rob Fraser