Fighting Fox Company: The Battling Flank of the Band of Brothers

Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division has become one of the most famous small units in U.S. history, thanks to Stephen Ambrose's book Band of Brothers. However, to date, little has been heard of Fox Company of that same regiment—the men who fought alongside Easy Company through every step of the war in Europe. This book, over a decade in the making, came about for different reasons than the fame of the "Band of Brothers." Bill Brown, a WWII vet himself, had decided to research the fate of a childhood friend who had served in Fox Company. Along the way, he met Terry Poyser, who was on a similar mission to research the combat death of a Fox Company man from his hometown. Together, the two authors located and interviewed every surviving Fox Company vet they could find, resulting in a wealth of fascinating first-hand accounts of WWII combat and new perspectives on Dick Winters and others of the "Band," who had since become famous. Told primarily through the words of participants, Fighting Fox Company takes the reader through some of the most horrific close-in fighting of the war, beginning with the chaotic nocturnal paratrooper drop on D-Day.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 344 pages
\n Publication date: 14 March 2019
\n Publisher: Casemate Publishers
\n

Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division has gained immense fame in U.S. history, largely due to the exceptional book "Band of Brothers" by Stephen E. Ambrose, followed by its portrayal in the film. However, there has been limited attention given to Fox Company, the other unit within the same regiment that fought alongside Easy Company throughout the war in Europe. This book, which took over a decade to complete, emerged for distinct reasons than the fame of the "Band of Brothers." Veteran of World War II, Bill Brown, set out to investigate the fate of his childhood friend who had served in Fox Company. During his research, he encountered Terry Poyser, who was also pursuing the same mission to uncover the combat death of a Fox Company soldier from his hometown. Together, the two authors embarked on a mission to locate and interview every surviving Fox Company veteran they could find. The result was a treasure trove of captivating firsthand accounts of World War II combat, offering fresh perspectives on individuals such as Dick Winters, who later became renowned as part of the "Band of Brothers."

"Fighting Fox Company" is primarily narrated through the words of the participants themselves, taking the reader on a journey through some of the most intense close-in fighting of the war. The book begins with the chaotic nocturnal paratrooper drop on D-Day, followed by the fierce combat experiences in Normandy and Holland. During the Battle of the Bulge, Fox Company played a pivotal role in the heroic defense of Bastogne, which is considered one of the most remarkable against-all-odds stands in U.S. history.

In the midst of combat, each individual's experience is unique, reflecting the diverse nature of the German enemy. The book showcases a range of German forces, from ruthless SS fighters to meek Volkssturm to modern combatants with expert skills. The reader is given a comprehensive understanding of the various adversaries encountered by Fox Company during their wartime service.

Through the narratives of these veterans, "Fighting Fox Company" provides a profound insight into the trials and tribulations of war. The soldiers' accounts shed light on the bravery, resilience, and camaraderie that characterized their unit. The book also delves into the personal lives of the soldiers, exploring their backgrounds, motivations, and the impact of their wartime experiences on their post-war lives.

"Fighting Fox Company" is a testament to the enduring legacy of the 101st Airborne Division and the sacrifices made by its soldiers during World War II. It serves as a valuable addition to the literature on the war, offering a fresh perspective on the lesser-known stories of the men who fought alongside Easy Company. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, and it provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complexities and challenges of war.

\n Weight: 468g\n
Dimension: 229 x 155 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781612007113\n \n