About
At the age of 19, S. Keith Kreitman was drafted into the Army and sent to the front lines as a combat medic in the European Theatre in the final days of World War II. He was thrust into the final, brutal battles with Allied troops as they broke through the German lines and ended the war in Europe, and stationed in Heidelberg as the occupation began. Highly decorated for courage under fire, he never considered himself a hero, but a citizen-soldier who held no illusions about war. The gritty realistic account of combat is balanced with the touching human and occasionally humorous accounts of the experience of military service, war and the aftermath.
What People Are Saying
"One of the most honest, searing and intelligent war memoirs I've ever read. Keith captures--and this is rare--the chaos, fear, and capricious randomness of combat in a manner that very few writers ever have, with an economical and forceful style that any writer would envy. For those who wish to understand the cruelty of war, and move beyond maps, weapon specs and military tactics, this book is essential."
Bruce C. McKenna, Writer--HBO's "Band of Brothers" Creator, Writer and Co-Executive Producer--HBO's "The Pacific"
"This book is a riveting examination of the nature of combat. It is, to my knowledge, the only W.W. II narrative from a medic's perspective. A powerful, dynamic, and unique book that is a 'must' for any reader interested in W. W. II, or for any reader interested in the reality of war."
Dave Grossman, Lt. Col. USA (ret.) Author, "On Killing" and "On Combat"
Meet The Author
S. Keith Kreitman was one of the youngest soldiers sent to the front lines in the European Theatre in the final days of World War II. Although he qualified as an expert marksman, and was a professional musician with the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra before he was drafted, he was assigned to be a combat medic. A member of a medical unit that experienced 80% casualties, he was awarded a Bronze Star medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and two unit citations for heroism. Yet he never considered himself a hero, but a citizen soldier, who held no illusions about the brutality of war. A long-time resident of Chicago, IL, and a graduate of Northwestern University with degrees in Political Science and Journalism, and advanced studies in Law, he was a professional musician, award-winning playwright, interior designer, and world traveler. and in his later years, a journalist covering both human interest and political issues. An independent thinker with ties to thoughtful candidates regardless of party affiliation, his political column in the San Mateo Daily Journal was widely read, attacked and appreciated for is fearless insights and historical perspectives.