Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II

Military historian Kershaw (The Liberator; The First Wave) tells the story of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Division in World War II, who saw action in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. Nicknamed the “Marne Men” for the unit’s actions during World War I, the 3rd Division had, by the end of the Second World War, accumulated some 635 days in combat—the most of any unit in the European Theater. It also became the most decorated, as its soldiers earned more Medals of Honor than any other unit. Men like Lt. Maurice “Footsie” Britt, a former NFL football player, and Audie Murphy earned every medal for bravery that can be bestowed by the U.S. Army, including several Purple Hearts. Based on extensive research into U.S. Army records and interviews with veterans and their family members, Kershaw’s book details the heroics and sacrifices of the men of the 3rd Division and deals honestly and forthrightly with the men’s struggle after the war to come to grips with the horrors they faced and their effects.