Book SummaryAgainst All Odds, by Alex Kershaw

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Against All Odds

The officers of the Marne Men demonstrated exceptional courage and guidance during the battle.

This section of the narrative delves into the remarkable skills and courage of three officers from the Marne Men – Maurice Britt, Keith Ware, and Michael Daly, highlighting their command and heroism amidst relentless assaults by the opposition. Kershaw vividly portrays their deeds, illustrating that through their unwavering leadership, persistence, and remarkable courage, they motivated their troops to secure victory.

Officers distinguished by their skillful command during military engagements

Kershaw vividly illustrates the officers' ability to flourish amidst intense stress, highlighting their strategic acumen and their capacity to inspire their weary and disheartened soldiers. Through hardship, scarcity, and grief, they unearthed a strength within that steered them in navigating others amidst the tribulations of combat.

Britt's resolute command inspired his soldiers to continue, even when faced with daunting challenges.

Kershaw provides numerous examples to showcase Britt's leadership. Britt stood firm and did not yield, even when his company was under a heavy onslaught of machine-gun fire during the assault on Acerno, Italy. He employed various strategies, including deploying troops to encircle enemy fortifications, yet they were unsuccessful in identifying the concealed positions of the opposition. Britt decisively broke the impasse with a resolute action. He navigated a cornfield under a barrage of enemy fire and successfully approached close enough to destroy the machine gun with a precisely thrown grenade. Kershaw recounts the story of how Britt's selfless and courageous deeds cemented his reputation as a dependable leader, making him an essential part of the team.

Kershaw emphasizes Britt's composed behavior amidst the intense situations encountered at Anzio. Britt, known for his distinctive wit from Arkansas, estimated how close the enemy was by comparing it to the length of several football fields. He skillfully directed the divisions that were outfitted with armored vehicles, achieving mastery in tank warfare and executing accurate artillery assaults that forced the enemy to withdraw. Britt was pivotal during the fierce battles that took place in the Anzio region. Crossing the Mussolini Canal left him vulnerable and without protection amidst a fierce counterattack by the SS troops. Britt courageously left his place of concealment, knowing that staying put would spell doom for his comrades, and with no thought for his own well-being, he launched an assault on the enemy, drawing their focus so his soldiers could withdraw securely—an act of heroism that later garnered him the esteemed Silver Star.

Ware's strategic insight and valiant command played a crucial role in motivating his hard-pressed troops.

Kershaw credits Ware's leadership skills to the tenacity and ingenuity he cultivated during his early life, which was marked by the financial hardships and shortages of the Depression period. He propelled his troops onward with the fervor of a drill sergeant whenever their determination waned in the midst of combat. The importance of this was particularly evident during the clashes within the region known as the Colmar Pocket. Ware led an attack to recapture a crucial elevation that had fallen into the hands of the SS, an effort that resulted in the hill being infamously known as Bloody Hill. Facing a relentless onslaught, he alone quelled the roar of four machine-gun nests with his solitary use of a Browning Automatic Rifle.

Kershaw depicts Ware's leadership as a pivotal and unique force crucial in revitalizing troops who had become dispirited and exhausted from substantial losses. Ware's strategic leadership was instrumental in breaking the deadlock and achieving a significant victory for his forces. Ware received the Medal of Honor for his selfless bravery, inspiring his soldiers to move forward and seize control of Bloody Hill.

Daly demonstrated remarkable bravery and adaptability in leading his unit across the most demanding combat scenarios.

Kershaw highlights the bravery of figures such as Michael Daly, who found inspiration in his father's honorable actions during World War I and honed his command skills by responding to the ever-changing and...

Against All Odds Summary The troops faced considerable internal and mental challenges during the battles.

This part explores the intense physical and mental trials faced by the soldiers of the Marne, who were subjected to relentless battles, grueling treks, and dreadful circumstances, coupled with deep grief from the loss of many fellow soldiers, particularly the ones they had formed strong connections with.

The men of the Marne were thoroughly exhausted, both in body and mind, from the relentless rigors of combat.

Kershaw highlights the unyielding mental and bodily struggles endured by the soldiers engaged in the Marne battle, illustrating how their constant brush with death and combat continued to shape them long after the triumph in Europe.

The troops at the Marne had been considerably debilitated due to their grueling journeys, the intense chill of an exceptionally harsh winter, and a lack of essential supplies.

The Marne Men were among the troops with the most comprehensive training in Europe. Under the strict leadership of their division commander Lucian Truscott, they reached peak physical fitness during their time in North Africa and Italy. The most steadfast individuals ultimately yielded to physical exhaustion. They persevered for weeks, subsisting on scant...

Against All Odds Summary The men of the Marne were instrumental in shaping the results of crucial battles and strategic maneuvers throughout the Second World War.

The section underscores the crucial role played by the Marne Men, whose steadfast determination and military skill played a key part in clinching victories for the Allies in various theaters of war, including the regions of North Africa, the island of Sicily, the Italian mainland, and the French nation.

The Marne Men were instrumental during the key military engagements on the island of Sicily.

Under the resolute command of their division leader Truscott, the Marne Men spearheaded the Allied advance into Sicily in July 1943, a historical event detailed by Kershaw. During November of 1942, these unseasoned soldiers embarked on their first amphibious operation, securing a foothold along the coast of North Africa and signifying the inaugural venture of the US Army into such endeavors. Their initial combat experience rapidly transformed them into seasoned veterans. For the following two years, they participated in a sequence of demanding military operations that included beach landings and combat in mountainous regions.

Britt's unit managed to capture key objectives despite facing significant resistance from German troops.

Kershaw provides a detailed account of how...

Against All Odds Summary The narrative delves into the origins, life experiences, and valiant actions of individuals who steadfastly protected the Marne throughout the conflict.

Kershaw presents the central figures in "Against All Odds" with rich and engaging descriptions, portraying them as paragons of courage, dedication, and selflessness—traits that symbolized the liberators of Europe. He weaves together stories of their military exploits and glimpses into their formative years, showing how their encounters with hardship and sorrow shaped their characters, thus endowing them with a unique aptitude for leading troops during combat.

Britt's path led him from a modest town in Arkansas to becoming one of the military's most honored servicemen.

Britt's story is a classic American tale of overcoming adversity. He was raised with a strong work ethic and determination in the small town of Carlisle, Arkansas, where he undertook numerous jobs to help his mother support the family after his father died unexpectedly in an industrial accident. He escaped poverty thanks to his exceptional talent in both basketball and football. He excelled in both his studies and sports, earning a football scholarship and beginning a courtship with Nancy Mitchell during his time at the University of Arkansas. In 1941, after finishing his advanced studies, he was drafted into...

Against All Odds Summary The characters' endeavors to attain tranquility and adapt to post-war existence

Upon their return, the quartet encountered numerous obstacles. Kershaw underscores the psychological burden borne by wartime heroes, highlighting their struggle to accept both the violence they have witnessed and the acts they have committed. The conflict had brought about significant transformations within them. Their lives had been irrevocably altered, and they held no inclination to return to their previous conditions.

Britt grappled with the discomfort of his notoriety and the expectation to embody his "hero" designation.

Britt had become accustomed to the glare of public attention and commendation over time, perceiving himself as a unique type of combatant, "one for the museums," akin to a cherished relic meant for future generations, in contrast to his comrades in arms. He traded the functionality of his right limb to amass a distinguished array of honors. What price glory?

Britt experienced ambivalence regarding the acclaim and recognition he garnered.

He was celebrated by the media as the serviceman who was awarded every possible valor distinction from the Second World War, surpassing all others. He experienced irritation and shame when compared to a...