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A review by richardrbecker
Spearhead: An American Tank Gunner, His Enemy, and a Collision of Lives in World War II by Adam Makos
5.0
Spearhead is a compelling book that sheds light on the courage, sacrifice, and humanity of American and German tank soldiers during World War II. Told as an inspiring truth-life adventure, author Adam Makos paints portraits of the men forced to face each other in the liberation of Europe and into Germany.
The book begins in occupied Belgium, 1944, as Corporal Clarence Smoyer — a 21-year-old from Penn. — shuttling a 75mm shell to the loader. The tension is set from the onset. The M4A1 Sherman tanks were no match for their counterparts, requiring American tank crews to capitalize on luck as much as their tenacity. For what they lacked in force, the U.S. tried to make up for in volume. More than 49,234 Sherman tanks between 1942 and 1945.
Knowing this adds angst to the story as a Panzer Mark 4 unknowingly parks behind a wedge of Shermans in the black of night. Clarence knows that any sound from his crew or the crew of any other tank would likely cost them their lives. At first light, someone would die.
For the next two years, Makos takes readers on a journey with this tank crew and other members of the 3rd Armored Division across Europe and into Germany. From time to time, he follows a young German tank soldier, dispelling the myth that they were mindless adversaries. Much like the Americans, they too knew the war was over and couldn't fathom why they were pressed to fight on, especially as their countrymen began to despise them for dragging out the war.
In doing so, Makos puts a human face on the war's triumphs and tragedies, making the journey as unforgettable as the lingering impact it would have on the men who served. For anyone interested in an up-close and personal look at history as it was lived, this book is it.
The book begins in occupied Belgium, 1944, as Corporal Clarence Smoyer — a 21-year-old from Penn. — shuttling a 75mm shell to the loader. The tension is set from the onset. The M4A1 Sherman tanks were no match for their counterparts, requiring American tank crews to capitalize on luck as much as their tenacity. For what they lacked in force, the U.S. tried to make up for in volume. More than 49,234 Sherman tanks between 1942 and 1945.
Knowing this adds angst to the story as a Panzer Mark 4 unknowingly parks behind a wedge of Shermans in the black of night. Clarence knows that any sound from his crew or the crew of any other tank would likely cost them their lives. At first light, someone would die.
For the next two years, Makos takes readers on a journey with this tank crew and other members of the 3rd Armored Division across Europe and into Germany. From time to time, he follows a young German tank soldier, dispelling the myth that they were mindless adversaries. Much like the Americans, they too knew the war was over and couldn't fathom why they were pressed to fight on, especially as their countrymen began to despise them for dragging out the war.
In doing so, Makos puts a human face on the war's triumphs and tragedies, making the journey as unforgettable as the lingering impact it would have on the men who served. For anyone interested in an up-close and personal look at history as it was lived, this book is it.