Reference no: EM133286168

Question - History Discussion

1. Provide a concise description of the first two years or so George Wilson spent in the United States Army. Where did he come from? How did he end up serving in the war? What were the highlights of his training and experiences at various Army posts? How did he end up in the 4th Infantry Division? Conclude with a summary of the fighting he witnessed in the first few weeks after landing at Utah beach. What was the hardest challenge he faced?

2. Describe the campaigns in France, Belgium, and Germany as experienced by Wilson and his men. What particular challenges were posed by the terrain and weather? List and explain at least three of them. What were some of the specific challenges faced by Wilson while he was on leave?

3. Much of the power of Wilson's narrative comes from his honesty regarding his own shortcomings and those of his men in combat. Choose three examples that highlight the dangers/risks/fears he and his men faced in battle. How did they overcome them? What qualities do you think made Wilson stand out amongst his peers and inspire his superiors to promote him? What role does chance/luck play in Wilson's experience and what is meant by the title of the book?

4. Discuss the fighting in the Hurtgen Forest in detail. What does Wilson say made the combat there so excruciatingly difficult and dangerous? Be sure provide at least three examples of the hardships Wilson faced, and the ways he and his men overcame (or failed to overcome) them.

5. Using at least three specific examples from the book, talk at length about Wilson's feelings about the war. Does he consider war heroic or his time in the Army as the best period in his life? Why or why not? What does he say combat does to ordinary people? Be specific.