Stephen E. Ambrose Citizen Soldiers Summary

In the vast catalog of World War II literature, few works capture the experience and soul of the American soldier experience, as well as “Citizen Soldiers” by Stephen E. Ambrose. Published in 1997, Ambrose’s exploration of the U.S. Army’s role, specifically the individual soldiers, in the conflict offers readers a captivating story that goes beyond the average war story. During the greatest and deadliest conflict the world has ever seen, Ambrose successfully portrays how men in the war fought and bled for not only our country but freedom itself. Stephen E. Ambrose is the author of “Citizen Soldiers” and is an accomplished historian and author who has a deep passion for American history and this shows a lot in his work. Born in 1936, Ambrose’s
This proves difficult as there are ambushes and progress is slow throughout. Yet the soldiers prevail and breakthrough moments do occur, important towns like Saint-Lo are captured through the tribulations that are presented. The next important event is the Battle of the Bulge. In December 1944, the Germans launched a counteroffensive through the Ardennes, a move they made successfully in the early years of the war, and this became the Battle of the Bulge. This would turn into a frozen hell for the Americans, barely equipped for the cold, who need to hold their positions. This is where the horrors of war are presented as soldiers are forced to endure frostbite, hunger, and endless shelling. What does not kill you makes you stronger, the soldiers overcome these tribulations and through their courage and determination, the Germans are pushed back and fail their counteroffensive. After the Battle of the Bulge, there is the Crossing of the Rhine. The Rhine River is no small river and is a hard barrier to cross. However, it was essential to cross the Rhine and Ambrose was able to detail these tense