As a newly commissioned captain of a veteran US Army regiment, MacDonald's first combat experience was war at its most hellish the Battle of the Bulge. In this plainspoken but eloquent narrative, we live each minute at MacDonald's side, sharing in all of combat's misery, terror, and drama. How this green commander gains his men's loyalty in the snows of war-torn Europe is one of the most unforgettable war stories of all time. Read More
As a newly commissioned captain of a veteran US Army regiment, MacDonald's first combat experience was war at its most hellish the Battle of the Bulge. In this plainspoken but eloquent narrative, we live each minute at MacDonald's side, sharing in all of combat's misery, terror, and drama. How this green commander gains his men's loyalty in the snows of war-torn Europe is one of the most unforgettable war stories of all time. Read Less
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In 2024, the Library of America published a compilation of five World War II Memoirs from the European Theater selected and edited by Elizabeth D. Samet, Professor of English at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The five memoirs were among the hundreds written about WW II experiences. Samet selected five memoirs that describe WW II from a variety of different perspectives. The LOA compilation includes this book, "Company Commander" by Charles MacDonald, first published in 1947 and still available separately. I am reviewing MacDonald's book separately here using some of the support material of the LOA volume.
"Company Commander" is a story of and a tribute to infantry. MacDonald (1922 -- 1990) graduated from college and ROTC in 1942 with the rank of Second Lieutenant. In 1944, he was sent overseas with the rank of Captain and assumed command of Company I, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division as an officer replacement in October, 1944. He was young and lacked combat experience and was worried that those under his command would not accept him.
The book is in two parts. The first part describes MacDonald's experiences as commander of Company I which centers on his role and the role of his troops in the Battle of the Bulge and in the Adrennes. Although he thought he had retreated hastily, MacDonald would receive the Silver Star for holding a position in the southern part of the Battle of the Bulge on December 17, 1944. He later was wounded at Ardennes on January 17, 1945 and received the Purple Heart.
The second part of the book discusses MacDonald's return to service after a brief convalescence from his injury. He was given command of Company G, 23d infantry and served in this capacity for the remainder of the War. The book discusses his unit as it advanced into Germany and then concluded the war in Czechoslovakia.
MacDonald writes clearly and simply with a great deal of detail. He describes his own activities and his fears, of combat and of his standing in the eyes of his men. The book discusses his place in the military chain of command and his relationship to his superiors and to other units. It also includes discussion of his contact with the Germans, mostly in combat but also with civilians and in negotiations towards the end of the War.
Readers without an overall grasp of the Battle of the Bulge may find some of this book confusing as the author concentrates on his role and of the role of his troops. In combat, he would not have had a broad picture of what was going on. Also, the book includes substantial military terminology, abbreviations, and slang which sometimes are difficult to follow. Still this book offers a tough-minded raw picture of infantry life in Germany in 1944-45.
MacDonald cared about and wanted to memorialize the soldiers under his command. Throughout the book he introduces the individual soldiers, from the privates through his fellow officers. He gives their names, their residences in the United States, and tells something personal about many of them. He shows the activities of individuals during the course of the brutal campaigns in which his companies were engaged. This was the most moving part of the book.
MacDonald takes a great deal of pride in his men, referring to them in his Preface as "those who actually fight wars." He writes:
"I was an officer in the war, a captain and company commander of Companies I and G, and because I was a captain my lot was easier sometimes than that of Joe Private, and Joe Private First, Class, and Joe Seargeant and Joe Lieutenant. But when my lot was easier physically it might be harder mentally, because I knew Joe Private, and Joe Private First Class, and Joe Sergeant, and Joe Lieutenant, and I could not supress my love and admiration for them. But physical suffering can be worse sometimes, and when the GI's lot was harder than mine I shall try to tell you that because I am not the hero of my story."
Macdonald's book still is used in leadership courses at West Point. It offers a gritty, honest, and personal view of combat from the perspective of infantry soldiers. The book helped teach me about WW II on the ground. It reminded me of the harshness of the war and of the price so many Americans paid in the service of freedom.
