One Soldiers Journey
World War II stands as a defining moment in history, with countless untold stories of heroism and sacrifice still waiting to be discovered. Jack’s Story: A WWII Tank Commander in WWII is one such remarkable narrative. This book transcends the typical war memoir by delving into the overlooked heroics of the 7th Armored Division, an essential yet historically neglected combat formation in the U.S. Army. Combining personal letters, vivid recollections, and rigorous research, it provides a deeply authentic and humanizing perspective on the European Theater of Operations. Historian Steven Smith’s review eloquently underscores the historical and literary significance of this work:
Steven Smith’s Review
New combat memoirs of the ETO are very welcome at this juncture, especially since it concerns a tank commander in the 7th Armored Division, perhaps the most neglected significant combat formation in the US Army in WWII.
“Jack’s Story” is built around an enormous trove of detailed letters and oral reminiscences from Jack Wilson, a tank commander who joined the 7th AD after its rough battles in Holland, just before the Battle of the Bulge. It is full of engaging, often charming, details of life Stateside during the ’40s and in England and France before combat. It’s in the Bulge itself, during the defense of St. Vith, that Wilson’s account becomes both thrilling and rare. The two significant roadblocks to the German offensive were St. Vith and Bastogne, yet the latter has overly dominated postwar literature due to Bradley and Patton determining its narrative. St. Vith was more directly in the path of the Germans–who wanted to swing north, not south–and the battalions of 7th Armored, supported only by fleeing remnants of the 99th and 106th divisions–were their only stumbling blocks. The tankers’ gallant combats in the midst of the 6th SS Panzer Army have been neglected in US history because the sector had been put under British control (Monty, no less), so Bradley and Patton steered credit to their side of the battle.
This book helps even the story, as the days of battle around St. Vith are vividly recounted by a tank commander who was there. These pages are full of unique views into combat, including when Jack is wounded in the retaking of St. Vith in January ’45, right after discovering a row of abandoned 88mm guns. The action proceeds to the Battle of the Ruhr and a horrible scene in a village on fire. Reaching the Elbe, Russians greet Jack’s unit in “beat-up Sherman tanks,” the first Red officer to pop up from one was a woman.
Jack’s wartime experience continues as he waits in Europe for “points” to go home and temporarily joins Graves Registration. The reader is assisted throughout the book with background research by Jack’s son, John, so the context of the conflict is always evident. Overall, this is a terrific contribution to the literature of World War II, and as far as giving overdue credit to the gallantry and sacrifice of the 7th Armored Division, well overdue.
Conclusion
Steven Smith’s review encapsulates the historical importance of Jack’s Story. Beyond recounting battles, the book honors the bravery and humanity of soldiers like Jack Wilson, who faced unimaginable challenges during one of history’s darkest times. It also sheds light on the critical role of the 7th Armored Division, a story too often overshadowed in postwar narratives.
Jack’s Story is more than a memoir; it’s a bridge between history and personal legacy, inviting readers to reflect on the sacrifices that shaped the modern world. By giving voice to the soldiers who lived it, the book ensures their heroism and struggles will never be forgotten.
Discover the untold story of the 7th Armored Division and Jack Wilson’s extraordinary journey in Jack’s Story.