The Last Hill

Bob Drury delivers a gripping account of the 2nd Ranger Battalion's climactic assault on Hill 400 during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest in his meticulously researched work. The book chronicles one of the most brutal and overlooked engagements of World War II, bringing to light a story that has remained largely in the shadows of more famous battles. Through extensive interviews, military records, and personal accounts, Drury reconstructs the harrowing experiences of the Rangers who fought in what many historians consider one of the bloodiest battles on the Western Front.

The narrative centers on the December 1944 attack on Hill 400, a strategic position in the Bergstein area of Germany that overlooked the Roer River dams. The Rangers, led by Lieutenant Colonel James Earl Rudder, faced the daunting task of capturing and holding this heavily fortified position against determined German counterattacks. Drury excels at placing this specific battle within the broader context of the Hürtgen Forest campaign, explaining why this particular hill mattered so much to Allied strategy and why its capture came at such tremendous cost.

The author provides detailed portraits of the men who made up the 2nd Ranger Battalion, from its commanding officers to the enlisted soldiers who carried out the assault. These biographical sketches humanize the story without sentimentalizing it, allowing readers to understand the backgrounds, motivations, and relationships of the Rangers before they entered combat. The book traces the battalion's formation, training, and previous combat experiences, including their role at Pointe du Hoc on D-Day, establishing the unit's reputation and capabilities before the Hürtgen Forest engagement.

Drury's reconstruction of the battle itself demonstrates thorough research and attention to tactical detail. The account describes the Rangers' ascent up the steep, muddy slopes under heavy German fire, the desperate nature of the close-quarters fighting once they reached the summit, and the subsequent days of holding the position against repeated counterattacks. The narrative conveys the extreme physical conditions the Rangers endured, including freezing temperatures, inadequate winter clothing, limited ammunition and supplies, and the psychological strain of sustained combat in an exposed position.

The book does not shy away from the brutal realities of the battle. Casualty figures are presented clearly, and the account includes the devastating toll the fight took on the battalion. Of the roughly 120 Rangers who took Hill 400, only about 16 remained combat-effective after several days of fighting. These statistics underscore the sacrifice involved in capturing and holding what seemed like a relatively small piece of terrain but proved strategically significant in the larger campaign.

One of the strengths of the work lies in its exploration of command decisions and military strategy. Drury examines why American forces became bogged down in the Hürtgen Forest, a battle that many military historians view as a costly mistake. The book provides context for understanding how the Rangers' mission fit into the larger operational picture and why they were asked to accomplish what seemed like an almost impossible task. This strategic perspective elevates the book beyond a simple battle narrative.

The writing style balances military precision with narrative accessibility. Technical terms and tactical maneuvers are explained clearly enough for general readers while maintaining enough detail to satisfy those with deeper knowledge of military history. The pacing keeps the story moving forward without rushing through important details or lingering too long on any single aspect of the campaign.

Drury draws on a variety of primary sources, including after-action reports, military archives, and interviews conducted with surviving Rangers over many years. This research foundation gives the account credibility and depth, allowing for specific details that bring scenes to life while remaining grounded in documented evidence. The book acknowledges the challenges of reconstructing events from decades past while striving for accuracy in its portrayal.

The narrative also addresses the aftermath of the battle, including the recognition that came to the Rangers and the long-term impact of the fighting on those who survived. The book examines how this battle, though initially overshadowed by other wartime events, came to be recognized for its significance and the extraordinary courage it demanded from those who fought there.

This work serves as both a tribute to the 2nd Ranger Battalion and a detailed military history of a crucial but underappreciated engagement. Drury succeeds in bringing attention to a battle that deserves greater recognition in the broader narrative of World War II. The book offers valuable insights into small-unit tactics, leadership under extreme conditions, and the human dimension of warfare, making it a significant contribution to the literature on the European theater of World War II.