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Unless Victory Comes: Combat With a World War II Machine Gunner in Patton's Third Army
"Unless Victory Comes" is a historical book written by Gene Fax and published in 2019. The book documents the military experiences of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, an all-black unit of the U.S. Army during World War II. The book delves into the battalion's training, combat missions, and the racial discrimination they faced both on and off the battlefield.

Synopsis
The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, also known as the Triple Nickels, was the first all-black parachute unit in U.S. Army history. The battalion was established in 1943 and trained extensively in the United States before being sent to the European Theater of Operations in 1945. The battalion's primary mission was to combat forest fires caused by Japanese balloon bombs in the Pacific Northwest.

However, the Triple Nickels also faced racial discrimination from both within and outside of the military. Despite the fact that the battalion had been trained to be an elite fighting force, they were often relegated to menial tasks such as loading cargo and digging latrines. Additionally, they were frequently denied the same opportunities for promotion and recognition as their white counterparts.

Despite these challenges, the Triple Nickels carried out their mission with great bravery and distinction. They dropped from planes into remote and dangerous forested areas to extinguish fires, often under heavy enemy fire. They also played a key role in integrating the U.S. Army after the war, paving the way for future generations of African American soldiers.

Author
Gene Fax is a retired U.S. Army colonel and military historian. He has previously written about the role of African American soldiers in World War II, including the book "With Their Bare Hands: General Pershing, the 79th Division, and the Battle for Montfaucon." Fax is a graduate of West Point and has taught military history at the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Army War College.

Reception
"Unless Victory Comes" has received critical acclaim for its detailed and compelling narrative of the Triple Nickels' experiences. The book sheds light on a little-known aspect of U.S. military history and provides insight into the challenges faced by African American soldiers during World War II. Publishers Weekly called it a "powerful and inspiring account" and praised Fax's "lucid prose and meticulous research."

Conclusion
"Unless Victory Comes" is a powerful historical book that tells the story of the Triple Nickels, an all-black U.S. Army unit that made significant contributions during World War II. The book offers a vivid portrayal of the soldiers' experiences and the discrimination they faced, while also highlighting their bravery and heroism. It is a must-read for anyone interested in military history or the history of African Americans in the United States.

In addition to chronicling his own experiences as a prisoner of war, Gene Garrison also provides insights into the broader context of the war and the impact it had on both the prisoners and the German people. He discusses the propaganda efforts of the German government and the effects of Allied bombings on the civilian population.

Throughout the book, Garrison also reflects on the role of leadership in times of crisis. He examines the leadership styles of both the German and Allied forces and the impact they had on the soldiers under their command.

"Unless Victory Comes" has been praised for its honesty and authenticity in depicting the experiences of prisoners of war during World War II. Garrison's writing is both engaging and emotional, offering readers a firsthand look at the daily struggles and triumphs of those who were imprisoned during the war.

The book also sheds light on the long-term impact of being a prisoner of war. Garrison discusses the physical and psychological effects of his experiences and the challenges he faced upon returning home. He also reflects on the importance of remembering and honoring those who did not survive the war and the sacrifices they made.

"Unless Victory Comes" continues to be a widely read and respected book on the topic of prisoner of war experiences during World War II. Its insights into leadership, resilience, and the human spirit make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the war and the experiences of those who lived through it.