Yes, I am actually reading that big stack of books I posted in June.

First is this book by Phil Nordyke about the 508th PIR, all the way from its formation until leaving from Germany at the end of 1945 as the last remaining Parachute Infantry Regiment in Europe.

As you can tell from the many strips of yellow notes, I found a lot of new information for my own research. I was hoping to find information about the 508th regimental surgeon, Maj. David E. Thomas. And I did. It filled some gaps in the bio I had made, but the parts of Nijmegen in Holland and Erria in the Ardennes are still a bit sketchy.

In the notes, the author refers to “Military Career Memoirs of Brigardier General David Edward Thomas, MC”, by Normand E. Thomas. I think this is his son. I have tried to reach out to him to get hold of a copy of these memoirs, but no luck so far. Hopefully some reading this can help me!

Back to the book then: Apart from it being a treasure trove of information about the history and members of the 508th, it is also very enjoyable to read. The index is also practical, as are the many helpful situation maps throughout the chapters.

Next up: “Jump Into The Valley Of The Shadow“, by Dwayne T. Burns, also about the 508th PIR. Coming soon (I’ve almost finished it).