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Pegasus Bridge: June 6, 1944 Paperback – November 15, 1988

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,383 ratings

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In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, a small detachment of British airborne troops stormed the German defense forces and paved the way for the Allied invasion of Europe. Pegasus Bridge was the first engagement of D-Day, the turning point of World War II.

This gripping account of it by acclaimed author Stephen Ambrose brings to life a daring mission so crucial that, had it been unsuccessful, the entire Normandy invasion might have failed. Ambrose traces each step of the preparations over many months to the minute-by-minute excitement of the hand-to-hand confrontations on the bridge. This is a story of heroism and cowardice, kindness and brutality—the stuff of all great adventures.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Los Angeles Herald Examiner All the vividness of a movie, and all the intelligence -- in every sense -- of fine military history.

Drew Middleton The New York Times Book Review An illuminating account of an operation as strategically important as any fought on D-Day.

James Pitts New Orleans Times A little gem. One that will be drawn from by historians of the future.

Noland Norgaard The Denver Post The best war story this reviewer has ever read.

From the Back Cover

In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, a small detachment of British airborne troops stormed the German defense forces and paved the way for the Allied invasion of Europe. Pegasus Bridge was the first engagement of D-Day, the turning point of World War II. This gripping account of it by acclaimed author Stephen Ambrose brings to life a daring mission so crucial that, had it been unsuccessful, the entire Normandy invasion might have failed.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster (November 15, 1988)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0671671561
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0671671563
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.71 x 6.06 x 9.21 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,383 ratings

About the author

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Stephen E. Ambrose
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Dr. Stephen Ambrose was a renowned historian and acclaimed author of more than 30 books. Among his New York Times best-sellers are: Nothing Like It in the World, Citizen Soldiers, Band of Brothers, D-Day - June 6, 1944, and Undaunted Courage.He was not only a great author, but also a captivating speaker, with the unique ability to provide insight into the future by employing his profound knowledge of the past. His stories demonstrate how leaders use trust, friendship and shared experiences to work together and thrive during conflict and change. His philosophy about keeping an audience engaged is put best in his own words: "As I sit at my computer, or stand at the podium, I think of myself as sitting around the campfire after a day on the trail, telling stories that I hope will have the members of the audience, or the readers, leaning forward just a bit, wanting to know what happens next." Dr. Ambrose was a retired Boyd Professor of History at the University of New Orleans. He was the Director Emeritus of the Eisenhower Center in New Orleans, and the founder of the National D-Day Museum. He was also a contributing editor for the Quarterly Journal of Military History, a member of the board of directors for American Rivers, and a member of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council Board. His talents have not gone unnoticed by the film industry. Dr. Ambrose was the historical consultant for Steven Spielberg's movie Saving Private Ryan. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks purchased the film rights to his books Citizen Soldiers and Band of Brothers to make the 13-hour HBO mini-series Band of Brothers. He has also participated in numerous national television programs, including ones for the History Channel and National Geographic.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,383 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story compelling and fascinating. They praise the writing style as well-written and concise. The research is praised as well-done and accurate. Readers appreciate the account of heroism and sacrifice by the brave young men who helped win the war. Overall, customers describe the book as a great slice of history.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

115 customers mention "Story quality"113 positive2 negative

Customers find the story compelling and fascinating. They appreciate the authentic account of the war, with personal memories that bring the story alive. The action accounts are exciting and fun, providing nostalgia. Readers appreciate the minute-by-minute account of events, and the detailed research, oral histories, and gifted writing into a great narrative.

"...Their personal memory of events bring the story alive. I highly recommend." Read more

"...This book is a detailed and exciting account of the operation and its strategic importance, based on numerous first-hand accounts of British and..." Read more

"...The pictures at the end of the book are worth a thousand words...." Read more

"Concise and minute by minute account of events. Information from German participants added to the enjoyment...." Read more

42 customers mention "Writing style"40 positive2 negative

Customers find the book's writing style engaging and informative. They appreciate the concise and detailed account of events, as well as the vivid descriptions that bring history to life. The book contains a good sketch showing the area around the D-Day invasion.

"...The mission to wiin the bridges was successful. This book is a detailed and exciting account of the operation and its strategic importance, based on..." Read more

"So well done! Never realized how important Pegasus Bridge was to the D Day landing. The pictures at the end of the book are worth a thousand words...." Read more

"Concise and minute by minute account of events. Information from German participants added to the enjoyment...." Read more

"...his talent for detailed research, oral histories and gifted writing into a great account of this major link in D-Day's chain...." Read more

40 customers mention "Research quality"40 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-researched and informative. They describe it as an accurate historical document that reveals details about training and discipline. Readers praise the author's mastery of the subject and his ability to bring the story to life. The information from German participants adds to the enjoyment, providing a comprehensive account of the D-Day events.

"While written quite a few years ago this book is a must read for all WWII history enthusiasts...." Read more

"...Information from German participants added to the enjoyment...." Read more

"...Success was based on luck, exceptional training, great leadership by its officers and NCOs, and most importantly, by the corporals who stepped up..." Read more

"...the history of the event into a suspenseful narrative of heroism, determination and a lot of luck...." Read more

17 customers mention "History accuracy"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's history accurate and informative. They say it's a great slice of history, covering an important date in history. The book provides interesting details about World War II not often discussed or noted on this side of the Atlantic. It includes background information from the men who fought the battle and several good photographs.

"..."coup de main" surprise military action remains a moving and informative historic site, well worth visiting as part of a Normandy tour...." Read more

"...For me, it helped keep the people, places, and the chronology in order." Read more

"...contain a good sketch showing the area around the bridges and several good photographs. It also includes Major Howard's actual orders...." Read more

"...of the unit before they died, which lends to the historical accuracy of the book...." Read more

12 customers mention "Heroism"12 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's heroism. They appreciate the bravery and sacrifice of the young men who helped win the war. The book builds character descriptions that make the soldiers seem real. Readers also mention the leadership of the glider pilots was outstanding.

"...And it was an honor to learn of so many extraordinarily brave and dedicated soldiers that participated…especially Major John Howard, the leader of “..." Read more

"...Much like stories of fiction this book builds character description in a way that makes the history real to the reader." Read more

"...Very interesting and it, along with Dropzone Normandy ell of amazing heroism and horrors,..." Read more

"This story of amazing bravery.and sacrifice is but one of so many in WWII. They were truly the greatest generation and must never be forgotten." Read more

10 customers mention "Account quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's account of the British component to D-Day engaging and personal. They describe it as a good choice for WWII enthusiasts, with first-hand accounts from survivors.

"This volume is the compilation of first hand accounts from the survivors of the opening act on D-day...." Read more

"Mesmerizing account of a significant part of the invasion of Normandy...." Read more

"...If you are at all interested in WWII this is a good choice...." Read more

"Very good account. Another winner for Ambrose." Read more

12 customers mention "Value for money"6 positive6 negative

Customers have different views on the value for money of the book. Some find it worth buying at low cost, while others say it's short and not worth the cost. The last third is essentially an index.

"...This book tells the story, short and true. Read it." Read more

"...This one is shorter than most Ambrose books, but it's not because it's less complete; it simply covers a shorter period of time." Read more

"the descriptions of battles are good,.Worth buying at low cost, a critical glider fight to hold a bridge on D day...." Read more

"...I agree with Ambrose' own critique of this work, It was too short...." Read more

Good but slow finish.
4 out of 5 stars
Good but slow finish.
I recently visited Normandy and all of the D-Day beaches as well as the Pegasus Bridge. I had not read the book as yet so we learned the history of the commando raid while there. We overheard someone saying that you had to go to Madame Gondree's Café as the daughter born early in the war still worked there. We went for a cold beer and sure enough she was working away!! I read the book upon returning to the states and it was a great read including aerial pictures of the bridge, the café, and the canal which was fascinating since we had just been in that exact same spot. I would have given it 5 stars, but after the bridge had been taken and secured (about 2/3's of the way though) Ambrose rambled on page after page about how Howard's D Company was depleted and under utilized until finally being sent back to England in September. While I think it's important to cover this aspect of the Company, the author spent way too much time on it which just drug on for me. After a fast paced exciting 2/3's of the book, it ground to a halt and fizzled out to the end. Still it's a good read..
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2024
    While written quite a few years ago this book is a must read for all WWII history enthusiasts. At the time of its writing the author was able to interview many of the participants of the fight to take and hold Pegasus Bridge on D-Day. Their personal memory of events bring the story alive. I highly recommend.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024
    n the opening moments of D-Day, minutes past midnight on June 6, 1944, British airplanes towed and released three gliders near two strategically critical bridges spanning the Caen Canal and the Orne River. The mission of the troops in the gliders was to take and hold the bridges, (which were believed to be rigged for explosive demolition), thereby denying the Germans their most effective route to a counterattack on the D-Day invasion and beach landings that would follow in hours. The mission to wiin the bridges was successful. This book is a detailed and exciting account of the operation and its strategic importance, based on numerous first-hand accounts of British and German soldiers, and French civilians.

    The site of this important "coup de main" surprise military action remains a moving and informative historic site, well worth visiting as part of a Normandy tour. The nearby Commonwealth military cemetery at Ranville is a beautiful and touching memorial of this pivotal moment in time.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
    So well done! Never realized how important Pegasus Bridge was to the D Day landing. The pictures at the end of the book are worth a thousand words. The author brings in both sides to the taking and defense of Pegasus as well as long lasting friendships made by all involved on both sides but the French appreciation for liberation is and continues to be special. So enjoyed the references to the making of the movie THE LONGEST DAY as a masterpiece to helping us understand and appreciate this great event.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2024
    Concise and minute by minute account of events. Information from German participants added to the enjoyment. This book covers an important battle that is under appreciated in most American D-Day accounts.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2001
    Securing the eastern flank of Overlord (D-Day) was the British Airborne. Between them and the British 3rd Infantry Division coming ashore on Sword Beach were two bridges fifty years apart across the Orne Waterways. These bridges had to be held or the airborne troops would have been cut off from relief coming inland. Pegasus Bridge has been at times called the Caen Canal Bridge, the Orne Canal Bridge and the Benouville Bridge. Now it bears the proud name Pegasus Bridge in honor of the valiant men who took it, held it, died on it and who wore that emblem on their shoulder: The 2nd Ox and Bucks. Lead by Major John Howard after months of detailed rehearsals, D Company landed in Horsa gliders minutes after midnight on D-day. Landing within yards of the enemy held bridge they seized it in a short, well-rehearsed and bloody firefight. This extremely brave action was just the beginning of a daylong, tense struggle to hold out against seasoned troops and tanks with only small arms. They held and later joined the other Ox and Bucks near Escoville. When finally relieved on Sept.5th, D Company had fallen from its D-day strength of 181 men to 40. Colonel Von Luck, 21st Panzer, contends that had those bridges been available to him, his regiment would have been able to join the 192nd Regiment of the 21st Panzer and their combined strength would have surely allowed them to drive to the beaches. And the result of that could have spelled disaster for the beachhead troops if not the entire invasion.
    As expected, Ambrose weaves his talent for detailed research, oral histories and gifted writing into a great account of this major link in D-Day's chain.
    Richard Todd, the actor, was a Captain in the 1th Airborne and is mentioned several times retelling some of the activities of that unit on the other side of the Orne River. In the movie "The Longest Day", he portrayed Major John Howard.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2024
    When it comes to World War 2 history books, no one does it better than Stephen Ambrose. The current edition of “Pegasus Bridge” is an updated version with corrections given after it was originally released.

    The capture of “Pegasus Bridge” is a small, but important part of the Allied invasion on D-Day. Success was based on luck, exceptional training, great leadership by its officers and NCOs, and most importantly, by the corporals who stepped up when the officers and NCOs went down. The German Army's failure to counterattack is an example why you don't have a rigid top-down command structure.

    “Pegasus Bridge” does point out that there were some who got scared and went AWOL before the mission. There were incidents of accidental gunshot wounds (self-inflicted?). These can be expected in any military combat unit.

    “Pegasus Bridge” raised a few questions that I had not considered. One was why did the British high command use D Company as ordinary infantrymen for defense (90+ days) after the bridge was captured and secured. It was a waste of an elite special forces unit which incurred more casualty as ordinary defensive infantrymen than during the capture of the Pegasus bridge.

    Another question was about Operation Market Garden. The plan to capture Pegasus bridge was a successful blueprint to seizure the key bridges in the Netherlands; but all the lessons learned at the Pegasus bridge was ignored. Instead, Operation Market Garden was a dismal failure and a reminder a similar fate could have happened at the Pegasus bridge and doomed the Allied landing at Normandy.

    There a number of YouTube videos about the Pegasus bridge. I watch a few of those videos before reading the book. For me, it helped keep the people, places, and the chronology in order.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2024
    Much of the telling involved detailed accounts of men, equipment, plans and may be tedious for some (not me). The action accounts are exciting and fun. The end provides nostalgia.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • A Movie Buff
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good Coverage of a Very Important Mission
    Reviewed in India on July 2, 2024
    Excellent in depth study based on personal interaction.
    Very well written so that found it difficult to put down. Read it over two days and enjoyed the style as well as the method of coverage.
  • M. Dale
    5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and Absorbing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2018
    I found this to be a totally engaging and absorbing book. The writing style draws you in and exposes the determination and dedication of those involved while also highlighting their courage and heroism. I read this book as a periphery source to some research I am doing, the Second World War is not my area of interest, but I was surprised to find myself becoming emotionally entangled with the people, their story, their actions and the role they played - it was quite an eye opener. I would recommend this book to anyone regardless of whether they are interested in the War or not because this is a story packed with humanness.
  • Paul Morrissy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Ambrose must read
    Reviewed in Australia on November 7, 2021
    Fantastic minute by minute account
  • James Gillap
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on May 29, 2016
    great reading goes nicely with my collection of war books
  • maxvc
    4.0 out of 5 stars Quando la storia sembra un romanzo
    Reviewed in Italy on February 18, 2013
    libro interessantissimo su un evento chiave della notte tra il 5 e il 6 giugno 1944.
    Nel prologo Stephen Ambrose spiega la ragione per cui decide di scrivere questo libro (dopo aver incontrato casualmente, a Pegasus Bridge, nel dopo guerra, il maggiore John Howard, comandante del manipolo di uomini aerotrasportati inviato a catturare i due ponti determinanti per lo sviluppo strategico degli sbarchi a Sword prevista per il mattino successivo). L'opera scritta con meticolosità dallo storico americano ben spiega i particolari accadimenti che consentono ai pochi inglesi di ottenere l'obiettivo auspicato: catturare e tenere i ponti fino all'arrivo dei rinforzi. Spesso si ha l'impressione di leggere un romanzo e come tale scorre.
    Il testo in inglese è semplice da leggere anche senza disporre di un vocabolario inglese ricchissimo. Il senso della frase è sempre facile da cogliere. Peccato che non esista un versione italiana come per altre opere dello stesso autore.