The Deadly Brotherhood examines the role of the infantryman in WW2. In a fairly readable volume, McManus shows us what the average "dogface" went through in the war, in both theaters.

What motivates a man to suffer deprivation upon deprivation, then rise out of his foxhole, advance 20, 30, maybe hundreds of yards, under fire, seeking out the enemy soldiers who have been suffering similar deprivations? We who weren't there will certainly never know, but McManus has provided us with a very readable book that examines that question. I think anyone interested in the infantry's role in WW2 will find this book worth a read.

Despite what other reviewers may have said, I believe this is a much needed addition to any WWII library. Overall 'The Deadly Brotherhood' is a well written book that contains almost everything you need to know about a GI's life during WWII.

The book is divided into sections that discuss a variety of topics from a GI's food and weapons to what it was like to actually face a german tank with a rifle or see 10 screaming japanese running at you with bayonets fixed. It discusses things that most WWII writers assume you already know...For example what is the difference between a C,K, and D ration or between a Schu mine and a bouncing betty? How was the army organized and what exactly are the different types of weapons the GI used? What was the difference between combat in the Pacific and in Germany? Questions such as these and more are answered. True, for the seasoned WWII reader much of this will be common sense knowledge, but for those who want to understand the basics of combat infantry during WWII, this book is for you.

Most importantly, the author tries to stay out of the way and let the vet talk. Most of the book is a comment by the author followed by the quote of a veteran, so you get to hear many stories told here for the first time.

Once again, a great addition to your library...

This book is well written and though provoking. Though this book is not written as a first-hand account,(it tells the stories of many) it is detailed and interesting. Though some think it's uninteresting, this book is not for entertainment, but more for the study of the American combat soldier in WWII. There are funny stories and compelling truths about the grunts who fought in Europe and the Pacific. McManus is one of the professors at my University and teaches a few courses about combat soldiers. He really knows his stuff and this book shows it! I also met a man who was quoted several times in the book, and McManus portrayed him perfectly! For anyone who is truly interested in more than just the story of a few soldiers, this book is a must read!

The author presented the flow of information in a unique fashion. Individual stories of American combat airmen appeared throughout the book rather than in specific chapters dedicated to a particular airman. For example, an airman's views would show up in a chapter on crew training, then again in a chapter on air base activities or flying missions. Addressed were many aspects about combat personnel that one doesn't normally think of, such as the living conditions of enlisted men and officers, their drinking and sexual activities and how tours of duty were handled in different theaters. Included were items such as superstitious beliefs, prayer and even humorous events. The book states that many Germans fought for the Fatherland and the Japanese fought until the death. The Americans, on the other hand, did not fight for patriotism or the allied cause, although this was important. Their highest priority was survival.

I felt the book was a little weak on addressing equipment in the early phases of the war. It is my understanding that our airmen were thrust at the enemy in very inferior fighting vehicles. I was hoping to learn more from the crews' point of view on this subject.

It wasn't exactly what I expected, but it was a good read and certainly did cover a lot of territory. This book did bring back memories of American civilian and military feelings against Germany and Japan that I recall as a teenager

A thorough examination, backed by eyewitness testimony, of virtually every aspect of life, both on the ground and in the air, experienced by combat airmen during World War II. One walks away from this book in awe at what these men went through psychologically as they prepared for and returned from their often daily bombing missions. One unfortunate omission of the book is its non-treatment of the light bombers that flew for the Ninth Air Force, specifically the A-20 Havoc and the A-26 Invader. McManus focuses exclusively on the "heavies," but if any bombers were truly exposed to the destructive power of enemy flak, then it was these attack aircraft that strafed and bombed from low altitudes. My uncle flew in both and he and his buddies also have compelling stories to tell.

Deadly Sky surveys the American combat airman in World War II, considering their battles and the special dangers of manned air flights of the times. From flying missions to leadership changes and notable individuals, this provides an excellent review of military efforts in the air.