Description: "Seventy-five years ago, he hit Omaha Beach with the first wave. Now Ray Lambert, ninety-eight years old, delivers one of the most remarkable memoirs, a tour-de-force of remembrance evoking his role as a decorated World War II medic who risked his life to save the heroes of D-Day."--Publisher's description.
Brief description:
Arnold "Ray" Lambert (1920-2021) joined the U.S. Army in 1940 and served as a medic in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and Normandy. For much of the war, he was staff sergeant in charge of a 30-man detail in the First Division's famed 16th Regiment. Lambert earned the Silver Star and multiple Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts. He saved many lives. After the war, he started two successful businesses in the Boston area. His memoir, Every Man a Hero, was published in 2019 and became a New York Times bestseller.
Review Quotes:
"At 98, Lambert, who earned a Silver Star and multiple Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts, is still around to tell his story. Readers will be grateful. ... Lambert's narrative flows smoothly throughout, clearly showing the author's heroism." - Kirkus Reviews
“At 98, Lambert, who earned a Silver Star and multiple Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts, is still around to tell his story. Readers will be grateful. ... A lively account. ... The narrative features plenty of action. ... Lambert's narrative flows smoothly throughout, clearly showing the author's heroism. One of the better recent World War II memoirs.” - Kirkus Reviews
"Lambert is nothing short of miraculous. ... Reading Lambert's account is like sitting at your grandfather's feet and hearing some of the best tales you'll ever know. All Americans owe Lambert gratitude for his service and sacrifice, and for sharing his memories." - Booklist, STARRED review
"Gripping. ... This excellent memoir stands out. ... A treasure trove of details about WWII." - Publishers Weekly
“[A] gripping memoir. ... A treasure trove of details about WWII. ... Told with both dramatic immediacy and charming folksy flourishes (“I like to tell people I'm older than Noah and the Flood, but that's not true”), this excellent memoir stands out.” - Publishers Weekly
"Lambert landed on [Omaha Beach] as a 23-year-old Army medic with his brother Bill. Only seven of the 31 soldiers on Mr. Lambert's landing craft survived. As the bullets cut down his comrades, he raced repeatedly back into the sea to drag out wounded soldiers." - New York Times
"[Lambert] was able to save well more than a dozen lives thanks to his bravery, skill and presence of mind. . . . The responsibility he felt for those men on Omaha Beach 75 years ago has never left Ray Lambert, and it never will." - Smithsonian