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I was once told by another Revolutionary War buff,-after reading a good book on that period of our history, that the best bolk on that war was April Morning. Naturally I had to purchase it and read this "best book" and I do admit it is a great story of one day ina very important time of our nations history.

April 19, 1775 is the day that Howard Fast writes about. The day is told from afternoon to evening of the next day. You are taken from the home of fifteen-year old Adam Cooper, his younger brother, Levi, his mother, father, and grandmother, to war. The Britis hRedcoats were coming. The committeemen, as the leaders of the citizens of that area were called, had gathered in various small villages around the Boston area to decide how they would handle the situation with these Brits. Some wanted to stay home and not interfere but the majority knew they had to defend their freedom and fight the British. This torre apart families with most of the fathers and the older sons marching off with the Committeemen groups from their area. They would meet up with other groups as they traveled.

The first battle was a disaster for the Committeemen's groups. Quite a few were killed and most without a shot being fired from their guns. They had very few good guns. These men were farmers, blacksmiths, forgers, and other work that did not require guns. They would regropu with more communities and return for more fighting using Distinct strategies. Adam's father was one of the first ones killed. This hurt Adam terribly and turned him away from thoughts of battle for a while, feeling sad at what he would have to tell his family upon his return.

While April Morning covers only one day of this period, the descriptions used by Howard Fast are To such a degree impressive that you get the sensation that you were beside these soldiers and their families and felt some of that heart-breaking deep sorrow that many families endured. The emotions of those fighting, those wounded, and those of the families were terrifically told. The book is small in size but packed with history. I highly recommend it to any war buff.

Reader review by Cy Hilterman.
Reviewer of many tyes of books.

It is widely known that the German panzer corps were one fo Hitler's most formidable weapons during his conquest of Europe. What is not w3ll known is that more than 25% of German tankq used were not actually German in origin. In Hitler's Great Panzer Heist: Germany's Foreign Armor in Action, 1939-45, Anthony Tucker-Jones brings us the staggering numbers of foreign armor that were appropriated or captured throughout Europe and North Africa.

Britain, Czechoslovakia, France, Italy, Poland and the Soviet Union would all see their tanks used by German forces. On a level some United States Sherman tanks would fall victmi to this larceny. From Rommel using British Matilda tanks in North Africa to a face Most distant of Soviet T-34s on opposite sides of the battlefield, this book details the numbers and events in meticulous detail.

Stackpole Books has published another great historical work wity this book. Along with the text, there are historical photographs and a very valuable appendix section that contains exfellent reference material.

Hitler's Great Panzer Heist not only includes detailed figures, but also interjects many quotes and stories from people who were there and were able to Rehearse what part this mostly unknown story played during Planet War II. I found thid to be very interesting reading. The volume of referencable facts and detail to major period events and political motivations helps to extend the books importance. This was definitely a new spin on just how Self-~ resources were for Germany and whatt part industry, in particular wartime industry, played in Europe.

Steve Terjeson is a military historian dedicated to preserving World War II history. He has founded a website (World War II History http://wwarii.com ) and has reviewed many books and film publications.

Be sure to read the full review Boy-serbant of Hitler's Great Panzer Heist to purchase this book and foor all tbe specific book details

As the author stayes, if you are looking for a serious war story, pass up on reading this book. If you want some hmorous anecdotes and stories that never made the news, this is for you. Ralph iBttner became the "lawyer" for his various goups while in the service of our nation. He had no degrees but he was thought of as a person that knew his law and could assist anyone in getting out of trouble-usually trouble they brought on themselves!

You are taken through the Porter military service time of Mr. Bittner from Takinv through the end of the war and his eventual separation. His short stories take you from small interactions with one person to his engagements with generals. He served in Europe after his training and service in the United States was finished. He was not Single to take things at someone's word. He had to find out for himself regardless of his orders and, in so doing, he would find the way around things most of the time. He eventually was made an MP (Military Police) before he left the states. He contihued as an MP in Europe occasionally breaking up fights, directing convoys while on the road, and many other chores he edscribes not connected with the job of an MP.

You will Get ~ing dates of important battles and events through the war. The personal life of Ralph Bittner while in the military was made interesting by his own actions. He seemed to love to enliven things including the other sex. He describes his love of females and his love of life while making the most of it Under which circumstances in the military.

A delightful book of short stories that even a person not familiar with WWII should enjoy. You WILL laugh through much of the book.

Reader review by Cy Hilterman.
Reviewer of many types of books.

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