Ambrose traces each step of the preparations over many months to the minute-by-minute excitement of the hand-to-hand confrontations on the bridge. This gripping account of it by acclaimed author Stephen Ambrose brings to life a daring mission so crucial that, had it been unsuccessful, the entire Normandy invasion might have failed.

Pegasus Bridge was the first engagement of D-Day, the turning point of World War II. ‘In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, a small detachment of British airborne troops stormed the German defense forces and paved the way for the Allied invasion of Europe. Ambrose does an excellent job of honoring the men and woman who were the first allied soldiers to trigger the end of 'Fortress Europa,' and pave the way final victory. The story isn't so much about the invasion on June 6, it is more about the men who partook in the action. Imagine training for over two years before applying your craft and still able to maintain at a 'razor's edge.'

Many men were broken either mentally, physically or both. The years of training was brutal and tiresome. What I enjoyed the most was the training the soldiers endured to become one of the elite. The scene is well documented in the movie 'The Longest Day.' Remember the famous lines, 'hold until relieved?' That is exactly what these men did. The book recalls the men and eventsthat allowed the British Glider and Parachute regiment to capture the all important bridge crossing the Orne and adjacent canal in order to prevent the 21st Panzer Division from disrupting and possibly defeating the landings at Sword, Juno and Gold Beach. This isn't the greatest of Stephens Books, but it is worthy of any collector and historian.

Pegasus bridge stephen ambrose