The Airborne in World War II

Michael E. Haskew's comprehensive examination of American airborne forces during World War II stands as a significant contribution to military history literature. The work provides readers with an extensive visual and narrative account of the paratroopers who played crucial roles in some of the war's most pivotal operations. Drawing upon a wealth of photographic material and documented historical events, Haskew presents a detailed chronicle of the airborne divisions from their formation through their major combat deployments across multiple theaters of war.

The book traces the development of American airborne warfare from its experimental beginnings in the early 1940s through the establishment of elite units that would become legendary. The narrative covers the intensive training programs that transformed volunteers into qualified paratroopers, detailing the physical and mental demands placed upon these soldiers. The rigorous selection process and specialized instruction these men underwent represented a new approach to warfare, and Haskew effectively conveys the innovative nature of airborne operations during this era.

Major campaigns receive thorough treatment throughout the text. The airborne operations in North Africa and Sicily demonstrated the potential and challenges of large-scale parachute deployments. The book examines Operation Overlord and the critical role played by the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions during the Normandy invasion, when thousands of paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines in the early hours of June 6, 1944. These operations, fraught with difficulties including scattered drops and intense German resistance, marked a turning point in the European campaign.

Operation Market Garden, the ambitious September 1944 attempt to capture key bridges in the Netherlands, receives detailed attention. Haskew explores how this operation, despite its ultimate failure to achieve all objectives, demonstrated both the capabilities and limitations of airborne warfare. The complex coordination required between airborne and ground forces, along with the challenges posed by German defensive responses, provides readers with insight into the operational realities faced by commanders and soldiers alike.

The Battle of the Bulge represents another significant focus, particularly the defense of Bastogne by the 101st Airborne Division. The book recounts how these paratroopers, surrounded and under siege during the German winter offensive of December 1944, held their position against overwhelming odds. This defense became one of the most celebrated episodes in American military history and exemplified the determination and combat effectiveness of airborne units.

The visual elements constitute a major strength of this work. The extensive collection of photographs offers readers a window into the lived experience of paratroopers during the war. Images range from training exercises stateside to combat operations in Europe and the Pacific theater. These illustrations include equipment, aircraft, battle scenes, and portraits of individual soldiers, providing context that enhances the written narrative. The photographic documentation helps readers understand the material conditions and human dimensions of airborne warfare.

Haskew addresses the lesser-known aspects of airborne operations as well, including the various specialized roles within these units. Beyond the paratroopers themselves, the book acknowledges the contributions of pilots, glider troops, and support personnel who enabled airborne missions. The coordination between different elements of these operations required unprecedented levels of planning and execution, and the narrative illuminates these collaborative efforts.

The Pacific theater operations, while receiving somewhat less emphasis than European campaigns, are nonetheless covered. Airborne operations in the Philippines and other locations demonstrated the versatility of these units across different types of terrain and tactical situations. The book maintains a balanced perspective on both major theaters of war, though the concentration of large-scale airborne operations in Europe naturally receives more extensive treatment.

The author's approach remains grounded in documented historical events rather than speculation or dramatization. The narrative maintains focus on operational details, strategic context, and the experiences of those who served. This factual foundation gives the work credibility as a historical reference while remaining accessible to general readers interested in World War II history.

For readers seeking an illustrated overview of American airborne operations during World War II, this volume serves as a valuable resource. The combination of photographic material and historical narrative provides multiple entry points for understanding this specialized branch of military service. The book functions effectively both as an introduction for those new to the subject and as a visual reference for those already familiar with airborne history. Haskew has assembled a work that honors the legacy of these soldiers while providing substantive historical information about their contributions to Allied victory in World War II.