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Twenty-Five Yards of War is about warriors in World War II. It covers heroic action from the European theater to the war in the pacific. The first chapter begins with a recounting of The Halsey-Doolittle Raid, April 18, 1942. Mr. Drez's background work covering people involved in the action is excellent. He does a great job of personalizing his story and often gives you the gut feeling that you are there. He presents salient facts that draw the reader's interest. The Doolitle Raid is often mentioned in conversation about WW II; yet, most anyone will benefit and be entertained by reading this story.
The Battle of Midway is a difficult story to tell. There are a thousand stories within this story, but Ronald Drez manages to keep it simple. He still manages to cover a lot of territory in his presentation. The battle plan scripted by a vastly outnumbered American fleet is well researched and presented. Also, Drez chooses several characters involved in the action to tell the story. Grab on to your seat when you read this account. Most readers already know how the battle ends, but few know the details of sacrifice and courage from the American side.
The fearsome confrontation at Betio was a victory for the American's but at the cost of many American lives. Drez manages to pick out a few main characters and provide interesting information on their background. The storming of the beach and the battle that ensued was exciting and interesting. This would be a great story to present in high school classroom's in America.
Perhaps one of the most told account of World War II is the invasion of Normandy. Here again, Drez brings time, place, and people alive. He gets you to know the people. How individual's were able to act on their own initiative is one of the most amazing story's of the war. It is often said that one of the reasons American's were successful in combat is that they were able to act independently and quickly in dangerous situations. This is especially true of paratrooper action in Normandy.
The Battle of the Bulge is another gripping event. The author chooses first Lt. Lyle Bouck to tell his story. Drez takes Bouck and his platoon through unimaginable action as the Americans confront a powerful German counter attack near Lanzerath, Belgium. This a true story you must not miss.
There are ten stories told by Ronald J. Drez. Drez tells each story and then provides an interesting epilogue. Twenty-Five Yards of War is highly recommended. Not only will it educate and entertain the reader but fill him with a sense of the sacrifices this great generation gave so the world might live free of tyranny.
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