Robert J. Laplander has written one of the best unit histories I have read. This book is a public exposition of this private historian’s lifelong passion in search of the Lost Battalion. His approach is markedly unique. His research has set a true benchmark for the accolade, “exhaustive.” His style, while occasionally non-standard, is clear, simple, and often vivid. Every chapter reveals this artisan’s uncompromising pride in getting it right. The cumulative effect is a labor of love, and a clearly superior achievement.
This is an outstanding book. This is not a casual read. My rough estimate is 200,000 words, or twice the standard historical narrative. I was not surprised to learn Laplander cut the length in two from his initial draft; the quality and quantity of his research and analysis suggest there was much more that he just could not shoehorn into the final cut.
American attacks in the Argonne were relentless, repetitive, and gruesome. Like the battle, this book grinds you down; it leaves you emotionally drained. But Laplander recounts the sacrifices of these men and they call you back to see them finish their dirty job.
Laplander’s understanding of American infantry tactics is remarkable. His explanation of how the doughboys fought at the squad and company level, which he derived from personal accounts, is straightforward and worthy of citation by professional historians.
I found Laplander’s biographic study of the Lost Battalion’s commander, Major Charles Whittlesey, the most compelling passages in the book. The author examined this complex and tragic figure and revealed his uncommon leadership and his personal demons with respect, integrity, and humanity.
I would compare this book favorably to other diamond-in-the rough regimentals such as Warren Wilkinson’s Mother, May You Never See the Sights I've Seen (57th Massachusetts in the Civil War), Joseph Balkoski’s Beyond the Beachhead (29th Division in Normandy), and Shelby Stanton’s Anatomy of a Division: the 1st Cav in Vietnam. I highly recommend Robert Laplander’s Finding the Lost Battalion to armchair historians, military professionals, and Great War enthusiasts. This is a must-read for students and enthusiasts of the American Expeditionary Forces and the Meuse-Argonne battle.

“If there’s something missing here that could have been said about the famous unit that was neither ‘lost’ nor a ‘battalion’, it is hard to imagine what it might be. Robert Laplander’s exhaustively detailed treatment of the unit that Major Charles W. Whittlesey led into immortality... should be required reading for anyone with an interest in American operations during WW1. (Finding the Lost Battalion) is highly recommended.”

“While incredibly dense in its detail, which is nearly a minute by minute accounting of events, (Robert) Laplander’s writing is clear and concise. His research efforts have been phenomenal and wide ranging (and) there is no doubt that Finding the Lost Battalion is the most detailed and exhaustively researched account... It is difficult to imagine that Laplander’s book is anything less than the final word on the Lost Battalion (and) should remain the definitive study for many years to come.”

“Best book on the subject seen for years! Outstanding research!”

A superb tome on the subject! Highly recommended!

“An excellent publication.”

“Started book and can't put down! Excellent read; riveting.”

“Excellent addition to my WWI library, intriguing!”

“Great book!!!! Can't put it down!!! Highly recommended to all!”

“What a book!!! You do great work!!!”

“A great book and a must-have, top shelf keeper!”

“Outstanding scholarly work!!! Get this book!!!”

Deftly compiling in-depth documentation of the Lost Battalion, author Robert J. Laplander comprehensively explores the story of a truly epic struggle from beginning to end. An invaluable and appreciated contribution to the growing library of World War I military histories, Finding The Lost Battalion is very highly recommended reading for military buffs wanting a factual understanding and true appreciation of the incident that made the men of the Lost Battalion legendary in military annals.

Robert Laplander has written one of the finest narratives of a military unit in battle that I have had the pleasure to come across. His knowledge of not only what went on in the Pocket, but of the topography and personalities brings a depth that is rarely encountered. From a literary standpoint the book is wonderful as well. Rather than dry academic writing, it is as though Laplander was sitting down with the reader over a cup of coffee and telling the story. Continuity is always maintained, and all points well cited; the research going into this book was very in-depth and varied in types of material. Finding the Lost Battalion is a brilliant piece of historical digging, I highly recommend this book.

Robert Laplander has the gift of narrative, with the well-honed senses of a keen researcher. I know from personal experience the profound sensation that comes from standing on the battlefields of the Great War and visiting with the ghosts of the past as you follow in the very footsteps of our brave men, those who made the ultimate sacrifice for democracy so long ago. From meticulous work and repeated visits to France, Laplander brings back to us the anonymous faces of the boys come men who left their homes and daily lives to experience the adventures of war. What these troopers found waiting for them was the horror of slaughter and the bitter decision of duty.

Laplander gives you the feeling of the trenches with an extraordinary series of character sketches that make you feel like the men of the Lost Battalion are your own friends, your own comrades in arms. Finding the Lost Battalion is a very readable meld of big-picture unit action with a focus on the situations of individual Doughboys. It puts the reader there among the troops in trees of the Argonne, under the rain of artillery and the clatter of the Maxim guns. You’ll enjoy this read for many hours and revisit their story many, many times. Well done.

Byron Scarbrough, Author, They Called Us Devil Dogs