(The initial comments)
It is an outstanding contribution to the historiography of D-Day. CONGRATULATIONS! it stands out dramatically from the run-of-the-mill D-Day stuff I've seen. You must be pleased that the Military Book Club has also taken the book and given it good publicity. With minor exceptions, I've never before seen the photos. Carlo D'este, author of many outstanding WW2 books
It is a remarkable achievement. It is really the first book about D-Day - ever - that dispenses with the overtold stories of what happened to deal with the intricacies and details of an extraordinary military operation and how exactly that operation was carried out. Just the photos alone are worth the price of the book. However, the photos ARE great, and just your ability to find them, label them accurately and present them to the reader in a coherent fashion is a great achievement in itself. Then, of course, the descriptive text is also extremely valuable and fresh, and that is also a notable accomplishment. Overall, you have done great. Joseph Balkoski, author of Beyond the Beachhead- (perhaps the best book ever on the struggle for Omaha Beach).
I just wanted to write and tell you that it is by far the absolute best book on the Normandy invasion that I have ever seen. I can't tell you how impressed I am with the level of detail in the book, and especially the accuracy of the information. As you're certainly aware, most of the books on the D-Day operations contain so many inaccuracies (misidentifying beaches or troops, etc.), so it's a pleasure to read a book of such high quality. Julie Walsh, Senior Researcher, National D-day Museum, New Orleans.
I really enjoyed what you wrote and agree that you are much closer to the mark than any other author I have read. MG John C. Raaen Jr. (ret) fomer Company Commander of the 5th Ranger Bn on D-day
I did not know how little I knew about the invasion of Normandy until your fine book arrived. Jon! What a fantasic job. The amount of research involved is truely amazing. You have prodiced a real outstanding work. Bill Callahan, Commander of Company F (a first wave assault company), 116th Infantry Regiment on D-day.
Spearheading D-day is, in my judgement, the most definitive treatment of the Navy's role in Operation Overlord attempted by anyone to date. Of behalf of myself and my amphibious colleagues I salute you. Joe Vaghi, 6th Navy Beach Bn, Beachmaster on Omaha.
A great book thanks a million. I am having a ball reading it. Julius Shoulars- President, 7th Navy Beach Battalion Association
Having read as many books on this subject as possible, I consider myself to be rather knowledgeable about this subject. This book is, by far, the most readable and most informative there is. Your complete description of the men, equipment, composition of units is unparalleled. I feel certain that this will become the standard work on the subject. Stanley Goldman,146th Combat Eng Bn. S.E.T.F.
It must have been a tremendous work of history and study to turn out such a magnificent book- its just wonderful! Nate Irwin, Naval Combat Demolition Unit 139
Your beautiful book arrived today. It will be cherished by my family for many, many years. I think you have done a marvelous job of researching this particular portion of the war in Europe. Most books refer to the demolition teams as having been there, but in a passing bit of information. The quality of the book, i.e., paper and printing, is excellent. Of course the content is beyond expectations. You can be proud of the job you have done. Carl Isley Jr. son of the C.O. 146th Combat Engineer Bn (SETF on Omaha Beach)
I've devoured it, page my page and am very impressed. You have compiled an amazing amount of material and brought out some very interesting information. The photos are outstanding and are so helpful in recalling that day's events. It is most gratifying to finally have my Battalion, and the other CEB's, acknowledged in print and given the credit and recognition they deserve. I, and many other D-Day veterans are most grateful to you. This will definitely be a prized piece in my D-Day collectionCharles Hurlbut, 299th Eng. Combat Bn., S.E.T.F.
Spearheading D-day - is an extraordinary work. (Its) detailed, close-in view offers a fresh reminder of what a miracle of complex planning and and dedicated execution that world-changing operation represents. Distributed by Combined Publishing, the book costs $37.95 and would be a bargain at twice that price. Richard Snow, Editor: American Heritage Magazine (from April 2000 issues)
Let me just say great job. I think that this is your best work yet and something that will become the goto source for info on D-Day. Chris Anderson, Editor: MHQ
Fascinating detailed explanation of what it takes to mount a full-fledged invasion. Highly recommended. The reference which this volume represents is a boon to modelers as well, as many vehicles which are not normally covered, such as the M29 weasel, are shown in action and also placed in perspective of what they accomplished on D-day.Armor Magazine, Jan 2000
I find this book uncommonly good in all details and I think it is one of the best I've seen come out in years. Bill Wise, The Soldier's Trunk
I got the book the other day. I haven't put it down since. The only problem for me is that you sent during crunch time for the magazine! I've already spent hours reading it. It's great. I like the detail. The guys from the 69th NCB will be pleased to know that the photos of the warping tug and causeway are from their unit. Steve Karoly, Editor: C.B. Log
I have said this before about some books I have reviewed that they will become Standard Museum Reference books on the subject. This is one such book; it will stand the test of time and will give many hours of fruitful research to historians and model makers of all persuasions. I highly recommend this to any one who is remotely interested in the Build up to D-Day go out and buy one now. Ian Sadler - PC Modeler
IT'S A FRIGGIN MASTERPIECE! It's worth more money. Seriously, I'm pissed at you for keeping me up all night. I mean my butt is dragging today because I read and re-read and looked and re-looked at it. Son, this is one of the best reference books on the invasion I have ever seen. David Spenser. 29th Div. fanatic
Truly impressive. The book arrived yesterday. Got to say that first off I was impressed by its sheer size. Even more impressed as I read the text (which is eminently readable, btw, crammed full of detail but lucid and not stultifying) and captions of the great pictures. It's got what I want in this type of book. Lots of information, lots of clear and carefully captioned pictures and technical illustrations and an author who wants to share as much information as he can. Dennis Moore, Combat Photographer, 9th Division Art Team
Congratulations it is a wonderful book , a great job and some amazing discoveries even after more than 50 years. Your work is a masterpiece of history. I'm only half way through your book but on each page I learn something and congratulations again for the research concerning the pictures. I lived 4 years in Normandy and I believed that everything has been said, printed, showed on D Day... I was wrong and I'm happy to be wrong. Again congratulations and thank you. French reader A. Lajugie
Thank you so much for helping my understand the role my father played in D-day. He never talked much about what he did, and now I understand how very important his seemingly minor role really was. K. Glimmons
I thought I knew it all. I was wrong, dead wrong. First off I can't begin to say enough about this book, and secondly I just have to wonder about all those other D-day books that seem to have totally missed the boat. S. Conelly
The book is now available in the USA. You can order it here through the mail (they are now shipping from the warehouse), or buy an autographed copy directly from the author ( who loves to sign them for vets).