Panzergrenadier Aces: German Mechanized Infantrymen in World War II (The Stackpole Military History Series) Paperback – Illustrated, July 16, 2010

It has been difficult to write about WW II from the German point of view. Kurowski and his books were under constant pressure of critics and unofficial but brutal censorship even before the books to be out of his desk. He sacrifices some of the convictions and direction of thoughts of his characters. Because of that the whole book is somewhat looking like some sort of calamity between mechanic robots moved by the motivation of their duty and crazy berserkers. Time to time all is looking dry and spurious patches from newspapers. In first glance, the real spirit of the third Reich is distorted to the level of absence or even worse... to the level of contemporary visions of the war. However, Kurovski has his ways and for the dedicated, readers can be revealed the events concealed in words behind the words. And I give him my respect for his mastery in that concealing. The book is not simple boom-boom comics but something deep and serious as WW-II.

This new volume by author Kurowski is well done, even though written in a rather formulaic manner. The format is very familiar to readers of the "Panzer Aces" series, and describes the combat accomplishments of the leading warriors of SPW units.(SPW: Schuetzen Panzer Wagen)The SPW units all employed the ubiquitous half-tracked vehicles in a profusion of models, as well as motercycle infantry. The key to mechanized warfare is mobility and firepower. The German soldiers described herein were all masters of the art of war, and uniformly wore the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross in various levels of attainment.This book doesn't stand out from the pack of other books written by the author, but is a must-own for serious students of W.W. II. I'm happy with my purchase, and it fits in well with my other volumes in the Stackpole Military History series.

After having ordered several titles from the Stackpole Military History Series I have found each of them very interesting and well worth the investment. Especially this author in the series, Franz Kurowski, gives the reader the feeling of "being there." Each volume gives the reader several engaging and exciting personal stories that enthusiasts like me are able to live the story through the lives of these brave, dedicated and very resourceful soldiers. I highly recommend this volume by Kurowski and, so far, all volumes in this series.

Once again Franz Kurowski gives us an intimate look into some of the soldiers of WW II. Learn more about the tactics and trials of the soldiers of the German Army in WWII. I feel these books are very helpful in giving a rounded account of the war.

This book is similar, but shorter than the others previously published by the author. The stories of eleven German Knight's Cross awardees is presented. Each chapter starts with a first hand account of a battle, then a brief summary of the soldier's background, and then into accounts of their experiences in combat.Each chapter is very short, from 16 to 27 pages, providing a quick glimpse into each soldier's experience. Not as detailed in Infantry Aces I and II or Panzer Aces I and II.The introduction is interesting to read on the formation of the Panzer Grenadiers along with their expected lifespan in combat. For a platoon leader, it was seven days. There are also many interesting photos of the different vehicles and weapons used by there German Army in World War Two.Appendix B provides a listing of the unit formations that formed each significant Panzer Grenadier formation. This is very helpful for those who play miniature wargames and want to re-create accurate scenarios or campaigns. What is interesting about each of their experiences is how they were successful in battle when combined arms were used. Tanks with mechanized infantry, supported by artillery and engineers in their "fighting groups", gave them the combat power and flexibility to defeat more numerous Russians, who initially had better armored and larger caliber guns on their tanks (T-34 and KV-1). When combined arms were lacking, operations were much less successful.What the book lacks is explaining how each unit performed their refit and training back into a combat effective formation. The book does describe how depleted and devastated formations were pulled form Russia and sent to France and Italy to reconstitute and refit prior to being sent back into Russia. Learning how the Germans (the officers and sergeants) performed their unit training (if training maneuvers of regimental size were performed) would help explain how their staffs and units gained proficiency and cohesiveness to endure the high attrition rates.Did find Chapter 10 very interesting on how an anti-tank gunner managed to survive so many engagements and wounds. Details of how he endured multiple wounds while the rest of his crew fell under the deadly tank and machine gun fire is truly remarkable. Somehow, this soldier was able to engage and destroy multiple tanks and anti-tank guns in those engagements.One interesting note from the different chapters is that weapons malfunctions and jams are described and recollected. Things went wrong in combat, from broken extractor pins to misfires.Another point of interest was how the German light machine gun was the prime weapon that allowed them to drive to ground the attacking Russian infantry. Once the trailing infantry screen was eliminated, the Grenadiers were able to close assault Russian tanks with mines and satchel charges.Overall, this is another solid book. However, am not sure if the cost versus the brief chapters is worth the purchase for most readers. Many might be satisfied to simply borrow from a library instead.

Inspiring stories of some of the forgotten heroes of the German Armed Forces. There is an element of propaganda in these stories, as Mr. Kurowski wishes to cast these men in as favorable a light as possible to a generation of Germans who disdain the valor of their forbears. However, Mr. Kurowski conveys the essence of what these brave soldiers did to earn the Ritterkreuz(Knights Cross). One can admire and acknowledge courage, even in our former enemies. For that reason, I would recommend this book.

The author knows of which he writes as he was a PK correspondent during the war. Can't get any closer than that.

I'd buy anything by Franz Kurowski

Happy with book

Being a german,but from a French,british,american ,Viking,and or course german family,I am very interested in military warfare.This book is a very indepth look into the makeup of the military machine. Although a blinkered look,for it does not Tell any of the readers the atrocities that the panzer members commited all in the name of hitler.Such as the massacre of the french village of Oradour-Sur-Glane,by the panzer group Das Reich.When writing a history of these units one must also write the worst of them as well as the good. If indeed there were any good among the Panzers!!The Kindle copy of this book was very quick,and readable.

Great detailed accounts

excellant could not fault it

A good book that gives the German experience of the second world war from first had accounts well worth having