YOU can purchase this 5-star Nonfiction Book of the Year, NOW, at Amazon and fine booksellers world-wide. Amazon link: HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.COM/LEFT-DEAD-NIJMEGEN-AMERICAN-PARATROOPER/DP/1612006965
MARCUS A. NANNINI, 2022 EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER, THE READERS HOUSE MAGAZINE, LONDON, ENGLAND. JUNE 2, 2022. THREE TIMES NONFICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR WINNER.
He was the last to jump from his fatally stricken C-47 and the lead man when he walked into a prepared German defense. He was left for dead, captured by the SS, interrogated by Heinrich Himmler and that was all on Day one of Operation Market Garden, 77 years ago. 1944-2021
You can watch the Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV-M0UHaCVk
Amazon link: HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.COM/LEFT-DEAD-NIJMEGEN-AMERICAN-PARATROOPER/DP/1612006965
LEFT FOR DEAD AT NIJMEGEN, The True Story of an American Paratrooper in World War II IS IN THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL ARCHIVES.
“Some savvy screenplay writer will inevitably snag the rights to this one. The comic relief is already built into the suspense-driven plot. The story is just the right size for a movie in an industry struggling to break-away from comic book heroes into the genuine article.” LEFT FOR DEAD AT NIJMEGEN, Reviewed by Casey Quyn for MANHATTAN BOOK REVIEW.
A“BESTSEL” in Holland, buy it here when in the Netherlands: https://www.athenaeum.nl/boek/?authortitle=nannini-marcus-a-/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen–9781612006963
Sep 20, 2019Duke Schneider rated it: “Amazing” · GOODREADS. I had a friend on fb share a link about this book so I looked it up. Ordered from a site in the UK and it came about a week later. There were times I thought for sure the hero, Gene, would wind up dead. Even though the title tells me there is going to be something bad happening at Nijmegen…a name I was familiar with because i am a fan of the movie A BRIDGE TOO FAR…the Nijmegen event was just the start of a series of absolutely hair raising incidents.
Then there is the fact the story moves from brutal to funny to brutal, in a few blinks of an eye, makes me wonder how the heck Gene can still smile. He is a man I would love to meet.
The pacing was perfect and putting it down was hard. Suggestion to readers: When you reach the Market Garden chapter look at the clock and decide if you have the time to read another 150 pages because if you don’t have the time, you will find yourself wishing you had.
This is one of the best WW2 stories I ever read and cannot even imagine what the author did to place me, the reader, so firmly into Gene’s boots. Hats off!
“Told in the matter-of-fact tone of a college essay, the book is a page turner, full of coincidences, narrow escapes, and tension worthy of a Hollywood film. Left for Dead at Nijmegen is well worth the read.” Paul Garrett for Reedsy Discovery
Gene quit high school to join the paratroopers only to find himself wedged between machine-gun toting “SS” fanatics while being interrogated by the notorious Nazi Heinrich Himmler.
It was just announced LEFT FOR DEAD AT NIJMEGEN is a 2020 Montaigne Medal Finalist! There are more reviews that I can post here and keeping up is difficult!
AMAZON HAS LEFT FOR DEAD AT NIJMEGEN ON SALE TODAY https://www.amazon.com/Left-Dead-Nijmegen-American-Paratrooper/dp/1612006965
The Highly Respected Midwest Book Review says: “Left for Dead at Nijmegen: The True Story of an American Paratrooper in World War II is an extraordinary and simply riveting memoir that will prove to be an immediate and enduringly valued addition to both community and academic library World War II Military History & Biography collections.“
“LOVED IT!” “Told in the matter-of-fact tone of a college essay, the book is a page turner, full of coincidences, narrow escapes, and tension worthy of a Hollywood film. Left for Dead at Nijmegen is well worth the read.” Link: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen-the-true-story-of-an-american-paratrooper-in-ww-ii-marcus-a-nannini
“There are many stories about the American airborne in Market Garden; Gene’s story is unique and significant.” World War II History Magazine.
“Brilliant book, riveting read” Nick Parker, United Kingdom.
2019 marks the 75th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden. 1944-2019,
I am honored to have been chosen, at no cost or prompting, by WIKI.EZVID for inclusion in: “Authors Of Non-Fiction Books About War And Military Service.” Link: https://wiki.ezvid.com/m/6-authors-of-non-fiction-books-about-war-and-military-service-eHfbQQGZsUTST
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The AUDIOBOOK is now available: https://audiobookstore.com/audiobooks/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen.aspx
This Latest Review comes from THE US REVIEW OF BOOKS.
Please note the US Review of Books states: “The review was written by a professional book reviewer with no guarantee that it would receive a positive rating. Some authors pay a small fee to have a book reviewed, while others do not. All reviews are approximately half summary and half criticism. (Emphasis added) The US Review of Books is dedicated to providing fair and honest coverage to all books. (I would like to point out that the review does not include even ONE (1) word of criticism.)
Left for Dead at Nijmegen: The True Story of an American Paratrooper in World War II
by Marcus A. Nannini
Casemate Publishers
book review by Donna Ford
“. . . standing in line waiting his turn to board the C-47 transport which would drop him into Holland in the first wave of Operation Market Garden.”
Gene Metcalfe was a fit and willing 20-year-old who finally achieved his goal of parachuting behind enemy lines. Days after the 1944 Normandy invasion, his 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment parachuted onto the European continent behind enemy lines in Holland. Their assignment was to capture the bridge leading into the city of Nijmegen. They were led to expect that no seasoned German soldiers would be there to meet them. Quickly, the unit figured out that these were not elderly men and kids manning the tanks and firepower. A blast that erupted near Metcalfe tossed him into the air; the slam to earth caused bleeding from his ear and rendered him unconscious. His best friend considered him dead and fell back with other unit members.
Metcalfe awoke slowly and disoriented. He was taken captive by the Germans and brought to meet a superior German officer who likely was Himmler. The Germans questioned him to learn about his regiment’s plans and also to determine whether he was Jewish. Metcalfe answered all questions humorously, even saying he was a farmer before the war. This lie likely saved his life after he was taken prisoner and assigned to Stalag VII-A, a prisoner of war camp in Germany.
Amazon link: HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.COM/LEFT-DEAD-NIJMEGEN-AMERICAN-PARATROOPER/DP/1612006965
Years later, the book’s content was told by Metcalfe to Nannini, who has done a first-rate job of writing and editing the book for publication. The author combined Metcalfe’s memories with documented research about the events and treatment of German prisoners. Metcalfe’s story is also verified by his personal artwork/sketches that he managed to bring back after the war ended. This 229-paged memoir documents conditions endured during WW II by captured prisoners. Some events are difficult to read about, but Nannini has described these eye-opening facts without dwelling on the horrors.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW, Library Bookwatch, JUNE, 2019. Critique: “Left for Dead at Nijmegen: The True Story of an American Paratrooper in World War II” is an extraordinary and simply riveting memoir that will prove to be an immediate and enduringly valued addition to both community and academic library World War II Military History & Biography collections.” http://www.midwestbookreview.com/lbw/jun_19.htm (Full review pasted below)
Amazon link: HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.COM/LEFT-DEAD-NIJMEGEN-AMERICAN-PARATROOPER/DP/1612006965
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-a-nannini-65b949160/
The riveting story of an American soldier left behind enemy lines during World War II
For more information email Marcus at: MarcusNannini@aol.com
Whether you are in North America, the European Union or the United Kingdom The WORDERY has a few copies remaining from the first press run, WITH FREE SHIPPING and, depending on your location, NO sales tax because they ship from the United Kingdom. HTTPS://WORDERY.COM/LEFT-FOR-DEAD-AT-NIJMEGEN-MARCUS-A-NANNINI-9781612006963?
LINK TO THE TELEVISION COVERAGE OF THE SPECIAL US ARMY AWARDS CEREMONY RESULTING FROM THIS “RIVETING” BOOK: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/two-valley-veterans-honored-with-medals-75-years-later
A first time buyers discount of 30% on LEFT FOR DEAD AT NIJMEGEN, by Marcus A. Nannini is available here. Click: https://www.casematepublishers.com/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen.html
Read Chapter One and you will begin living the adventure just as Gene did. And if you hated math class…
“Nannini dutifully constructs images and characteristics of the POW camps that his subject was forced into that were previously unknown. This work, therefore, is as important to historical study of the period as it is a riveting and fascinating tale.” Literary Titan, July 12, 2019. https://literarytitan.com/2019/07/12/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen/
Gene Metcalfe quit high school and joined the paratroopers only to find himself wedged between machine-gun toting “SS” fanatics while being interrogated by the notorious Nazi, Heinrich Himmler. DISTRIBUTED BY INGRAM, BAKER & TAYLOR, READERSLINK AND CASEMATE DISTRIBUTORS.
“The author has researched and studied this subject in great depth, his knowledge and ability to engage and keep the interest of the reader is accomplished and proficient. Army Rumour Service, 20/06/2019 (United Kingdom)
“Dear Mr. Nannini, I’ve just read your book “Left for dead at Nijmegen”. The story of Gene Metcalfe is really amazing and beautifully written. I salute you for keeping his brave history alive! Yours sincerely, Harry Hekman, Lieutenant Colonel , Royal Military Police (Koninklijke Marechaussee) The Netherlands “
“Very Riveting” Herbert Bauernebel, American Correspondent for the German periodicals BILD and amerikaREPORT.
“This is an important biography worthy of inclusion in World War II themed collections.” AuthorsReading
“Marcus, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It’s perhaps one of the best memoirs I’ve read.” Angus Wallace, WW II Podcast, United Kingdom
“Left for Dead at Nijmegen is a stunning and beautifully written recounting of Gene Metcalfe’s experiences beginning with his life-changing decision to quit school and enlist to become a paratrooper.” Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite.
Left For Dead At Nijmegen. LITERARY TITAN REVIEW, July 12, 2019:
“It’s not every day that we come across a historical work with as much life in it as we see in Left for Dead at Nijmegen: The True Story of an American Paratrooper in WWII. The level of research and attention to detail that went into the retelling of Eugene Metcalfe’s harrowing tale of survival is shown in spades. The reader has no problem understanding not only the physical situations faced by the main character but also the emotions and state of mind.
The author of this incredible story is hard to identify. Marcus A Nannini is certainly the one who organized and wrote the book, but he did such a good job putting it together that you just can’t help but think it is Gene himself telling you his own story. To add to that effect, Nannini puts a lot of focus on Gene’s sense of humor and personality.
The conversations between important members of the SS as well as many other details seem almost too good to be true from a historical perspective. Nannini dutifully constructs images and characteristics of the POW camps that his subject was forced into that were previously unknown. This work, therefore, is as important to historical study of the period as it is a riveting and fascinating tale.
The story starts off with Gene Metcalfe at school and illustrates his departure from his home, family and friends. Looking to do his part, Gene sets off and quickly finds himself shipping off. From the title, the reader knows there is going to be a traumatic event from the get-go, but what transpires afterwards is quite unpredictable. Left for dead, captured, moved from camp to camp, and bearing witness to many horrifying things, it is hard to believe at times that Gene is going to make it. Even more impactful are the ways that Gene gets himself through the atrocities he experiences.
The writing is direct, simple, and honest, relaying the same feeling that you get from the main character. Left for Dead in Nijmegen, written by Marcus A Nannini and published by Casemate, a resounding recommendation to readers of historical novels.” LITERARY TITAN https://literarytitan.com/2019/07/12/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen/
Pages: 256 | ASIN: B07QM86WDW
Walmart offers free in-store PICK-UP. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Left-for-Dead-at-Nijmegen-The-True-Story-of-an-American-Paratrooper-in-World-War-II-9781612006963/657636622
“On the 17th September 1944 Gene Metcalfe, of the 82 Airbourne, parachuted in to Holland as part of Operation Market Garden. Approaching the bridge they were to capture Gene is injured in a firefight and left for dead. He would spend the rest of the war as a POW.”
“Angus Wallace talks to Gene about his wartime experiences in the Airbourne, as a POW and what happened once he was liberated. Left for Dead in Nijmegen, by Marcus Nannini, is the story of Gene’s war, it is a fantastic read and well worth picking up a copy.”
Frank Olberts for Historic Battlefield Tours.com (March 30, 2019.):
Frank’s book Description
Left for Dead at Nijmegen recalls the larger-than-life experiences of an American paratrooper, Gene Metcalfe, who served in the 82nd Airborne during WWII. From his recruitment into the military at Camp Grant to his training with the 501st Paratroop Infantry Regiment at Camp Toccoa, it wasn’t until D-Day itself that he first arrived in England to join the 508th PIR.
When Metcalfe boarded the C-47 which would drop him at Groesbeek Heights, just outside of Nijmegen, Holland, he was handed a box of twelve dozen condoms by an overconfident British lieutenant. He was to be among the first to jump into what should have been a picture-book meadow, free of German troops. Instead, it was defended by three German antiaircraft cannon emplacements.
As he jumped into a hail of bullets and exploding shells he watched his plane roll over and plummet into the ground. It was at that moment he realized the condoms had either been a bad joke or the planners of Operation Market Garden had seriously underestimated German resistance. Gene was listed as KIA and left for dead by his patrol, who presumed the worst when they saw his injuries from a shell explosion.
The rest of his story is equally gripping, as he became a POW held outside Munich, being moved between various camps ridden with disease and a severely undernourished population. Eventually, after making an escape attempt and being captured within sight of the snow-capped Swiss mountains, his camp was liberated by American troops in April 1945.
Gene’s story is both remarkable for his highly unusual encounter, and his subsequent experiences. https://www.historicbattlefieldtours.com/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen-marcus-a-nannini/
Never forget to inquire with your favorite brick and mortar bookshop as many of them carry my book. Nothing like the instant gratification of going home with your purchase in hand! And BE SURE keep your local library on your MUST VISIT LIST!
THE COMPLETE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW-JUNE, 2019: link: lhttp://www.midwestbookreview.com/lbw/jun_19.htm)
Left for Dead at Nijmegen
Marcus A. Nannini
Casemate Publishers
1940 Lawrence Road, Havertown, PA 19083
http://www.casematepublishers.com
9781612006963, $32.95, HC, 256pp, http://www.amazon.com
“Synopsis: “Left for Dead at Nijmegen” vividly recalls the larger-than-life experiences of an American paratrooper, Gene Metcalfe, who served in the 82nd Airborne during WWII.
This personal military memoir covers his recruitment into the military at Camp Grant to his training with the 501st Paratroop Infantry Regiment at Camp Toccoa. It wasn’t until D-Day itself that he first arrived in England to join the 508th PIR.
When Metcalfe boarded the C-47 which would drop him at Groesbeek Heights, just outside of Nijmegen, Holland, he was handed a box of twelve dozen condoms by an overconfident British lieutenant. He was to be among the first to jump into what should have been a picture-book meadow, free of German troops. Instead, it was defended by three German antiaircraft cannon emplacements.
As he jumped into a hail of bullets and exploding shells he watched his plane roll over and plummet into the ground. It was at that moment he realized the condoms had either been a bad joke or the planners of Operation Market Garden had seriously underestimated German resistance. Gene was listed as KIA and left for dead by his patrol, who presumed the worst when they saw his injuries from a shell explosion.
The rest of his story is equally gripping, as he became a POW held outside Munich, being moved between various camps ridden with disease and a severely undernourished population. Eventually, after making an escape attempt and being captured within sight of the snow-capped Swiss mountains, his camp was liberated by American troops in April 1945.
Critique: “Left for Dead at Nijmegen: The True Story of an American Paratrooper in World War II” is an extraordinary and simply riveting memoir that will prove to be an immediate and enduringly valued addition to both community and academic library World War II Military History & Biography collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that “Left for Dead at Nijmegen” is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $19.95).“
MORE FIVE STAR Book Reviews
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite
Left for Dead at Nijmegen: The True Story of an American Paratrooper is a nonfiction biography written by Marcus A. Nannini, who spent several years interviewing Gene Metcalfe, who was determined to become a paratrooper, enlisted and was part of Operation Market Garden, a paratrooper landing in Nijmegen, Holland. It was his first foray into the field of battle, the culmination of years of training in every aspect of the paratrooper’s skills in war-craft. Operation Market Garden was, from the outset, a poorly timed and executed operation, one for which the Germans almost seemed to have advance notice. For Metcalf, his inability to hear the order to retreat resulted in an injury that led one of his comrades to believe he was dead. While he was stunned and rendered unconscious for a while, Metcalf was indeed not dead. Over the next 24 hours, he would be imprisoned in a strange castle-like building and interviewed by Heinrich Himmler himself. Thereafter, until the war ended, he would languish in a series of gulags wherein Allied soldiers were deprived of food, forced into hard labor and doomed to die slow and agonizing deaths.
Left for Dead at Nijmegen is a stunning and beautifully written recounting of Gene Metcalfe’s experiences beginning with his life-changing decision to quit school and enlist to become a paratrooper. While the story is written by Nannini, I consistently felt Metcalfe’s presence within the telling, and the photographs included in the book increase the impact and credibility of Metcalfe’s story. I enjoyed seeing the young soldier through the author’s eyes, especially his artistic and humorous side, and I loved the stories of how he would get in trouble in school and boot camp for his cartoons. I was thrilled to see a few of his drawings were included in the back of the book and couldn’t help but chuckle at the one entitled “das brot.”
What struck me most vividly, however, was the brutal truth behind the treatment of those prisoners of war in the German gulags. While most of us think the Geneva Convention ensured that somewhat tolerable conditions for prisoners was the rule, this book shows how soldiers held by the Germans were often literally starved and worked to death. As I read, I couldn’t help but remember the photographs I’ve seen showing the condition of surviving prisoners of war taken when US troops entered the gulags and death camps of Germany.
Those images and Metcalfe’s story paint an unforgettable picture of the suffering and privation inflicted in those camps. Left for Dead at Nijmegen: The True Story of an American Paratrooper is an important work, one that exemplifies the sacrifices made by our military and reveals the reality of the POWs’ struggle to survive under the harshest of situations. It’s most highly recommended.
https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen
AMAZON REVIEW BY Joyce Lefler 5.0 out of 5 stars. History come to life. April 2, 2019. Verified Purchase. Left for Dead at Nijmegen is amazing. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. It’s a need-to-read story based on the author’s interviews of Gene Metcalfe, a kid who left high school and volunteered to serve his country during WWII. Through excruciating hard work and dedication, Gene achieved his dream and became an elite paratrooper. This dream turned into a nightmare after his first jump under fire. The enemy was ready for him and his comrades. Gene experienced an injury so severe, his buddy assumed he was dead. Gene was left behind and became a German prisoner of war. He experienced years of torture, starvation, and atrocities beyond horror.
Through it all, Gene maintained an uncanny sixth sense that he listened to. It saved him many times. He developed a pragmatic attitude towards death – and an authentic one towards life. His sense of humor and his journaling through the medium of pencil sketches helped him maintain his sanity when others would have given up or gone insane.
The author showed that through the mayhem of war, there were a few people who chose to show kindness to a captured enemy with gifts of food, a break from slave labor, and occasionally, a bath. These short respites allowed Gene to regain his strength and rebuild hope that he might outlive his captivity.
I loved the inclusion of the before, during, and after photos – and Gene’s sketches. A picture is worth a thousand words and each picture helped validate the story, though the author wrote so authentically, no validation was needed.
I especially appreciated the wrap-up: Gene survived the war and was rewarded with a very fulfilling life.
The author made these characters and their experiences real. This story really happened and is an integral part of our history. Freedom is never free. Gene Metcalfe is one of the heroes who willingly paid the price.
Book Review of: Left for Dead at Nijmegen
Reviewed by: Carol for Authors Reading.com May 2, 2019. (Link follows review)
Author Marcus A, Nannini conducted many in-depth interviews with WWII veteran, Gene Metcalfe. Left for Dead at Nijmegen sub-titled The True Story of an American Paratrooper in World War II is so intriguing that it would read as a memoir if written in the first person. Gene’s personality and memory allow his story to be recreated with astounding detail.
Gene begins his tragically historic account as paratrooper and prisoner of war with humor. He quit high school months before graduation in late 1942, at the age of nineteen. With no time to grow up, he began an arduous training adventure of mishaps to become qualified as one of America’s first paratroopers. He recalls miraculous interventions, or good luck, as his career advances in spite of brushes with death.
As a green paratrooper, he and his unit were dropped outside Nijmegen, Holland as part of Operation Market Garden. A German shell exploded sending his body skyward. A fellow soldier reached him but assuming he was dead, left his body as the unit retreated.
Gene’s story continues as a prisoner of war. For eight harrowing months, he suffered the anguish, pain, and shock of deprivation, starvation, and fear. He witnessed extreme carnage, risked his life to save a wounded paratrooper and eventually escaped. He vividly recalls how he endured as a slave laborer, even recalling conversations and some of the men he became acquainted with. His interrogation by a German he identified as Himmler is intriguing.
The author vividly recalls Gene’s description of himself as an escaped prisoner. “he had not cut his hair, shaved or even washed his uniform since he jumped into Holland. He also sported the German prisoner-of-war patch, partially obscured by dried blood on his battle jacket.”
Gene experienced many twists of fate as the newly organized Paratrooper Infantry Regiment thrust him into the depths of a war like the world had never before experienced. He accepted misconstrued orders without complaint and endured extreme hardship with lack of despair. He told the author that at one point he thought he was losing his sanity and whispered: “I could get killed if I don’t get a grip on myself”. This positive attitude and faith served him well, as did his sense of humor.
Without knowing it, Gene escaped death again, this time death by the hands of the Allies, when the sprawling prison, Stalag VII-A, was identified just in time to prevent being attacked during General Patton’s Liberation. During the confusion of the war’s end, Gene escaped, stole a 1930 Opel convertible and headed to France. Eventually, he returned to the United States, a little older and much wiser as he hitch-hiked home.
Gene Metcalfe’s detailed recollections are supplemented with photographs. This is an important biography worthy of inclusion in World War II themed collections. The book portrays military sacrifices and the reality of the struggle of POW as reported by a survivor.
LINK: https://www.authorsreading.com/book-reviews/marcus-a-nannini/left-for-dead-at-nijmegen/
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