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Jump: Into The Valley Of The Shadow

Jump: Into The Valley Of The Shadow

by Dwayne Burns (Author)

  • New

    Paperback 2011

    $16.35

  • Used

    Hardcover 2006

    $16.91
Synopsis

A true member of the Greatest Generation, Burns' fascinating story is well worth reading. - Flight Journal Jump: Into the Valley of the Shadow tells of the wartime experiences of Dwayne Burns as a paratrooper in the 508th Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. The author recounts the action of his first mission, which took place in the early hours of D-Day. Having been dropped behind enemy lines, the paratroopers fought in a desperate running battle with German soldiers. Burns and his men held their ground until they were relieved by infantry advancing from the beaches. The 82nd Airborne Division were then sent to Holland as part of Montgomery's plan to create a bridgehead across the Rhine. This daytime jump was less confused than the previous night-time one, but there were more German troops than expected and fewer Allied forces in support. The combat that followed was chaotic, and although the 82nd achieved their objectives, there were many casualties. Possibly the author's greatest challenge came in December 1944 , when Germany undertook their infamous Ardennes Offensive. With the Allies caught unprepared, the 82nd had to try to slow the lightening advance of the German panzers. Burns and his comrades held their own and with quickly assembled defence perimeters, they allowed other units to escape. On 3 January the 82nd were able to counter-attack, and in sealing off the Bulge, they were able to continue their pursuit of the Germans back into the Reich. Dwayne Burns relates not only the chaos of combat, but the intimate thinking of a young soldier thrust into the centre stage of several of World War II's greatest battles. His memories are also able to provide a fascinating insight into the reality of close-quarter combat.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
 Pages: 256
 Publisher: Casemate
Published: 01 Apr 2011
ISBN 10: 1935149830
ISBN 13: 9781935149835

Media Reviews
A real eye-opener, this. Some of it makes for difficult reading, but you'd expect nothing else from a soldier involved in the hand-fighting that millions experienced during this conflict. At times harrowing, it's important to remember that these were real people and not Hollywood stereotypes. * www.booksmonthly.co.uk *
I was glad to see this book...tells his story from the bottom side. It looked different from a foxhole. The book is told in the form of a bunch of little stories, not a day by day diary. This makes it much more interesting, and I recommend it highly. * Books-On-Line *
... Sadly DWAYNE passed away just hours before the full account went to press. The BURNS team produced a book that keeps the reader's interested from cover to cover... As you read Jump into the Valley of the Shadow, a prominent theme, the Brotherhood of the paratroopers, is apparent and runs through the whole book: You will notice their concern for each other and their grief over their fallen comrades. Another theme of the book is the importance of Leadership * The Static Line *
Destined to Become a Classic World War II Memoir... a masterful job of taking the reader along on a compelling journey...It is war, as seen from the foxhole and is destined to become a classic World War II memoir. * Phil Nordyke (philnordyke@allamerican82nd.com), A reviewer *
This book gives us an intimate look at airborne combat of WWII, through the eyes of a teenager thrust into the centre of the action * Military Times *
Author Bio
Dwayne was born on October 21, 1924 in Fort Worth. He lived most of his life in the Lake Worth and Haltom City area. He married Mildred True on August 15, 1948. Dwayne worked 26 years as an engineer for Bell Helicopter. He earned his pilot's rating in sail planes and single engine aircraft. Dwayne painted, drew, played the guitar, sang and occasionally wrote songs. For many years he created stained glass windows from his original designs.As the father of four children, two boys and two girls, Dwayne enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and extended family. Some of his favorite pastimes were camping, fishing and travelling. He was a long time member of the 508th Association and hosted two F-Company reunions.Dwayne jumped to his final reward on Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at a Grapevine, Texas, hospital.