Normandy to the Bulge: An American Infantry GI in Europe During World War II

Dick Courtney’s high school graduation trip was an unforgettable sojourn through several European countries: Like many of our fathers and grandfathers, he was an infantry soldier in World War II. As was the case for thousands of other returning GIs, Dick’s first priority upon returning to America was re-learning how to be a civilian. Those of us who have served in the military – whether or not we have combat experience – can appreciate this to a certain extent. For the veteran who has lived under fire, however, it carries a far greater depth and breadth of significance.

Decades later, a chance discussion of the D-Day invasion prompted Dick’s recollection of the diaries he had kept during the war. With the encouragement of a retired Colonel – one he had neither served with, nor even met before – Dick began working in earnest to transform those diaries into what became the first printing of this book, in 1997.

Normandy to the Bulge gives us the first-hand account of a sheltered young man whose eyes rapidly and inexorably open to a world he had not even imagined: a world where momentarily forgetting that chocolate has a distinctive aroma could have meant death by hand grenade; where being able to wash once in two weeks was often an unknown luxury, and where lice were unavoidable. We watch his metamorphosis from an untried youngster to a confident, capable and courageous soldier. We cheer when he returns alive and unhurt. We mourn with him the men with whom he served who did not return. And we touch the edges of understanding how much the commitment and energy of Dick Courtney’s generation contributed to every aspect of American society.