The Deserters

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A fast-paced narrative history of World War II centered on the often-overlooked subject of deserters, this work redefines the ordinary soldier's experience. It reveals that many soldiers viewed “desertion” as a natural response to the chaos of conflict, as unpredictable as acts of bravery. Men who had once fought valiantly in Italy were reduced to fearful shells in France, while those who fled from tanks in the desert showed remarkable courage during D-Day. Front-line soldiers often saw no shame in these contradictions, finding ways to support their comrades. With the narrative flow of a novel, this account transcends simplistic notions of courage and cowardice, illuminating the true experiences of Allied soldiers. It tells the stories of individuals like Private Alfred Whitehead, a Tennessee farm boy who earned military honors but later turned to crime in post-liberation Paris, and Private John Bain, who deserted multiple times yet fought bravely until he was severely injured. At its core is Private Stephen Weiss, a young idealist from Brooklyn who, through his experiences in combat and the French Resistance, came to terms with the harsh realities of war and the complexities of military life. Meticulously researched and deeply insightful, this work stands as an unforgettable war story about ordinary men grappling with immense and contradictory expectations.