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Left for Dead at Nijmegen

The True Story of an American Paratrooper in World War II

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Left for Dead at Nijmegen

By: Marcus A. Nannini
Narrated by: Shawn Compton
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Summary

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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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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If you are interested in WW2, this a book certainly worth listening to. Once I'd got into it, I wanted to listen to the end.
Most of it is credible e.g. the soldier's descriptions of combat itself at Nijmegen 1944, and P.O.W. camps where US soldiers were held. In addition the image created of the US Army is by no means flattering -- that adds to the likelihood of its authenticity. And last but not least there are many good stories in it.
But when he claims at the end, that by chance in 1962 he met THE head of the Dutch Resistance, either the protagonist is v gullible or thinks readers are. Why? Firstly, resistance organisations were made up of many autonomous networks because if there were ONE unified group only, and its leader / one of it members were captured & tortured, then....Secondly, that random US tourists by chance met the head of "the" D.R,, is very unlikely. There are other sections which likewise strain credulity.

Well-told story though at times far-fetched

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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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