Panzer Commander: The Memoirs of Colonel Hans von Luck

By Hans von Luck

Book Overview

A stunning look at World War II from the other side... From the turret of a German tank, Colonel Hans von Luck commanded Rommel's 7th and then 21st Panzer Division. El Alamein, Kasserine Pass, Poland, Belgium, Normandy on D-Day, the disastrous Russian front--von Luck fought there with some of the best soldiers in the world. German soldiers. Awarded the German Cross in Gold and the Knight's Cross, von Luck writes as an officer and a gentleman. Told with the vivid detail of an impassioned eyewitness, his rare and moving memoir has become a classic in the literature of World War II, a first-person chronicle of the glory--and the inevitable tragedy--of a superb soldier fighting Hitler's war.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440208025
• ISBN13: 9780440208020
• Release Date: February 1991
• Publisher: Dell
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Classic Memoir with Unmatched Breadth

First let me say that I find it nearly impossible to believe that anyone could give this book less than four stars. If you have a true interest in learning the thoughts of a German solider, buy this book. The value far exceeds the cost of the book. Previous low ratings are either completely biased against German points of view or they had expected something more traditional (blood & guts) and would not allow their horizons to expand. This is the sixth book that I have read from the WWII Library and by far the best. I had expected something more like Currahee, Road to Arnem, etc.; but was pleasantly surprised. Panzer Commander is a collection of stories written from a German soldier who fought in nearly every major WWII battle. His experiences include the blitzkrieg through Poland and the remainder of Europe, the invasion of Russia, the battles in North Africa, D-Day at Normandy, the gradual retreat toward and defense of Germany and nearly five years in Russian POW labor camps. The Colonel gives one of the most seemingly unbiased accounts of the War and political climate that I have ever read. He is the true professional soldier, fighting in a War that he does not necessarily believe in, but because it is his duty as an officer (at first) and to protect his homeland (toward the end). He gives the reader an understanding of how Hitler slowly gained popularity and how Goebbels created a propaganda machine that rarely reflected reality. Von Luck also gives the reader a firsthand account of Rommel and of his later frustrations with the German leadership. It is uncanny how closely Rommel resembles General Patten. He is strong willed, takes unorthodox approaches and generally succeeds. Throughout his experiences, Von Luck's curiosity of different lands and people is obvious. He looks at people objectively, trying to understand why they think a certain way and understand their differences. Von Luck relates to people well and does not prejudge them. This is probably the single most important trait he possesses and one of the main reasons he was successful throughout the war and survived the labor camps.

One of the best

In 1992, I Was in Normandie, and study the theaters of "D-day". One of the reader was Colonel Hans Von Luck.Hes trameduos way of telling his story of the war was unique, This man and his storis catch me, that he was an gentleman and a proffesional warrier.I also met John Howard who secured the pegasus bridge, after he had succefully landed with his glider. When I read this book this summer (1999) it was like I meet him agin,the start of the war aginst Poland,France,Russia,Africa,and so on.... I think this is a very good book and I recomend it. I have to apologize, beakuse me english is not so god so Ihope you understand what I meen. La