Commemorating Christmas in Bastogne 1944--Book Review of No Greater Valor

     by Sally Matheny

     

No Greater Valor commemorates
Christmas at Bastogne

      Seventy years ago, German troops outnumbered and surrounded the US troops in Bastogne, Belgium. Hopes of a silent night diminished. However, not only did the U.S. troops hold fast to their faith and courage, they witnessed divine miracles that Christmas. They held Bastogne.

     

     Dr. Jerome Corsi, author of six New York Times best-selling books, extensively researched numerous WWII resources including military documents, personal diaries and letters. The result of his research is his latest book, No Greater Valor: The Siege of Bastogne and the Miracle That Sealed Allied Victory.”

     

     “Battles are won by military power, but wars are won by spiritual power,” said William Arnold, the WWII US Army chief of chaplains.

    

     Dr. Corsi, intrigued by how the Siege of Bastogne was “won by a small group of American soldiers who largely believed in God in accordance with the Judeo-Christian traditions,” wrote No Greater Valor for a number of reasons, which he shares in a lengthy but enlightening introduction. He asks, “Is it possible to make the case, even today that the faith of those who fought at Bastogne invited God to play a direct hand in how the battle turned out?” Then, Corsi sets out to make that case.    

    

     At first glance, Dr. Corsi’s analytical style may not appeal to all readers. I encourage you to press through the military terminology. After a bit, it doesn’t dominate your mind, and the story begins to reign.

     Those with a military background or interest will have a better grasp of the military maneuvers mentioned. However, even civilian readers will appreciate the reality the historical accounts provide.

     

     Factual details reveal the days leading up to the massive Christmas Eve bombing and Christmas Day attack. The words of Patton, McAuliffe, and other officers bring the reader into the battle. An occasional German officer’s account gives us an additional perspective.     

McAuliffe and Kinnard II

   

     Dr. Corsi displays the superb ability to convey the frustrations of war without writing one curse word. Bravo. 

    

      It’s interesting to read from the field histories of US military historian Lt. Col. Samuel Marshall, who interviewed the 101^st Airborne Division and its attached units just four days after the Siege of Bastogne ended.

     Corsi also draws attention to the chaplains who served at Bastogne, particularly Lt. Col. Francis Sampson. How the chaplains inspired the troops in 1944 will offer encouragement to readers battling evil forces today.

     Due to its historical accuracy, No Greater Valor should be included as a text for students. The insights on the power of faith and prayer, make it a must-read for all Christians. 

    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising