Casemate, 2003, $?, ISBN 1-932033-06-9, 484 pages, hardback

First published in 1989, this “classic” of Bastogne lore focuses less on retelling the battle than in collecting the remembrances of 530 servicemen who fought during the battle. These memories, overwhelmingly drawn from 101st Airborne veterans highlight the day-to-day details, from the mundane to the extraordinary.

The accounts are presented chronologically and since Koskimaki uses direct quotes, the narrative is choppy. However, the nuggets of information within are nothing short of impressive. Basically, Koskimaki sent out questionnaires, maps, and unit rosters to over 1300 participants. He collated the 530 responses, which also include portions of letters sent home in 1945 and some excerpts from newspapers, magazines, and books.

The result? A priceless collection of anecdotes of skirmishes, patrols, and firefights against the Germans, as well as battles against the weather. Koskimaki does a fine job blending it all together to give us a foxhole-eye view of the Battle for Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.