The Boys of Pointe du Hoc: Ronald Reagan, D-Day, and the U.S. Army 2nd Ranger Battalion

When Brooklyn native Peggy Noonan heard that the rangers who had heroically scaled Pointe Du Hoc on June 6,1944 were going to be front and present at President Ronald Reagan's 40th anniversary speech marking D-Day, she had the perfect line in mind for Reagan to say, "These are the boys of Point Du Hoc." She had stolen the line from Roger Kahn's THE BOYS OF SUMMER. Historian Douglas Brinkley brilliantly combines Noonan, Reagon, Kahn and the boys of Pointe Du Hoc themselves into a swift and powerful narrative.It was said at the time that as soon as the speech was delivered, the 1984 presidental election was over. Reagon had captured the patriotism of the greatest generation and tied it to a particular point in history. It was morning in America.The only oddity of the book is the fact that for whatever reason Brinkley did not interview Noonan. He quotes her books and articles endlessly and attributes to her great praise. It would be nice to know why she declined to speak to him offically. But, Brinkley's accuracy and detailed research allows her voice to shine through as if she was interviewed.

The negative reviews of this book are tragic and unwarranted. The author does not pretend to write the definitive book on World War II, the heroics of the "Boys of Pointe Du Hoc," or the Reagan Presidency. This book is exactly what the title states, it is an overview of a particular Regiment who fought on a historic day, and how President Reagan gave a fitting tribute to those men on the 40th anniversary of the battle.This is a must read for any fan of great battles, great Soldiers, and a terrific orator. As a Soldier, I get chills reading how eloquently our President memorialized those brave men who scaled the cliffs at Pointe Du Hoc.Well done Mr. Brinkley.

Great read. I learned more about Ronald Reagan and the landing at Pointe than I thought I would!

Excellent review of this historic occasion.Regan's speeches at the Pointe & at Omaha Beach are poignant and moving.Our politicians should read these as the message contained in these commentaries about aggression are totally germain to todays' situation.

The 40th anniversary of D-Day brought together the right President, the right speech writer and the right story of heroism to create a new patriotism that our nation. In doing so, we have for the past 25 years have honored those who fought, sacrificed, and paid the ultimate price in freeing Europe from tyranty.What Douglas Brinkley has in this hard to put down book, is set the record straight about the role of US Army Rangers in the ETO of WW II. Further, he has provided insight to the greatest American president of the last 40 years. Brinkley has shown that Ronald Reagan truly thought of himself as the embodiment of the average American citizen and that he felt that their story of sacrifice during WW II must be told if America was to be re-invigorated with a desperately needed injection of patriotism. Lastly, we learn of a young visionary speech writer who felt it was important that when the president spoke on such a solemn occassion as the 40 anniversary of D-Day that he would connect with more than just the veterans who gave it all on Normandy and throughout the war.The end result of Reagan's speech was phenomenal. It gave our nation something to be proud about. It gave us a sense of purpose as we went on to win the Cold War and lastly it properly set in place events that would ensure the greatest generation would be honored for years to come for their service.A truly must read if you are a student of both WW II and Ronald Reagan, our greatest president in the past 40 years and the Great Communicator.