The Mighty Endeavor: The American War in Europe

This is a quality overview of American participation in WWII in Europe and North Africa. After the first few chapters of describing the American home front, the evolving US war doctrine and the condition of the US Arm Forces prior to Operation Torch, the author faithfully reproduces the events involving the Americans. From North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Operation Overlord, Dragoon, Cobra, Falaise pocket, the Battle of the Bulge, the fight for the Siegfried Line, the Rhine Crossing. Mr MacDonald even covers the Ruhr Pocket, reaching the Elbe River and driving to the Czech Republic and Austria. There is also a chapter on the Ultra code breaker. He covers it all but its not at the detail level of "A Time for Trumpets" or "The Siegfried Line Campaign". This volume would be ideal for a new student or casual reader of WWII. A collector would also like this book. The author provides maps for each region; there are also many photos to peruse. There is a Bibliography and Notes section along with a good Index. If you're looking for a quality general purpose summary, this would be a good choice.

Have always been a fan of Charles MacDonald's writing. Whereas most of his work focused on specific actions, this one covers a broader subject. It still delivers the same realism and feeling that is his trademark. This book has a favorite spot in my library and I am sure it will in yours too.

Every book of MacDonald's has been very enjoyable. This one has much more of the feel of a scholarly work. Thoroughly researched but with an engaging narrative.

Written almost 40 years ago, it still reigns supreme as the best single book yet written on the overall American involvement in the ETO during World War II. From North Africa to Sicily/Italy, D-Day to the fall of Berlin, it covers all of the major campaigns. There are also chapters on the Battle of the Atlantic and the stategic bombing campaign over Germany. I don't know of any single volume that covers this much ground. US political and economic background, FDR, character studies of the major players, the interaction with British-French allies, tactics, strategy, etc. Well written in the best narrative history tradition. Excellent!!

For those who want a tactical level description of every campaign we fought against the Germans this is not it. Russell Weigley did that with Eisenhower's Lieutenants(for the ETO only, North Africa and Sicily are not included in that book). But for someone who wants an introductory level overview this is as good a place as any to start. It begins with a brief examination of prewar plans (The color coded plans that eventually became The Rainbow Plan). He then traces the outbreak of the war and the priorities that created our landing in North Africa in November 1942. Mcdonald then deals with Sicliy, Salerno and the Italian campaign, the Overlord buildup, D-Day and the Normandy Campaign, the Breakout, Market Garden, The Hurtgen Forest, the Bulge, The Rhine Crossings and the Final battles. Charles MacDonald is well qualified to do this. (He commanded an Infantry Company in the 2nd ID during WWII, his memoir of this, aptly titled: Company Commander is considered one of the best of its kind). He then went to work for the Office of Military History and wrote the Official volumes on the Siegfried Campaign and the Final Offensive. (He also commercially published A Time for Trumpets a great work on the Battle of the Bulge.)This book is not always in print so if you see it, grab it.