"Longshore Soldiers is an excellent read. It combines personal accounts and detailed unit history of often unheralded yet vitally important men who kept the allied war machine rolling. Though sometimes overshadowed by front line combat troops, the men who kept the supplies moving were in no less perilous positions than those at the front. Without food, ammunition and equipment, there is no battle. The men of the port battalion's are every bit the hero's as their counterparts and this book tells their story. No study of the Allied victory in World War Two is complete without an understanding of what it took to keep the Armies supplied and the men who did it. It is a quick read and very informative."
—Ken Koskodan, author of No Greater Ally
"People often forget that it takes 10 men in the rear areas to support one infantryman on the front line. However, for the men of the port battalions, there were no front lines on June 6, 1944, and at times, they found themselves under heavy fire as well.
The author is the grandson of one such soldier, Cortland "Corty" Hopkins, from Schenectady, New York. Hopkins had a difficult time getting into the service because his job was considered essential by the War Department. However, after many attempts, he was successfully inducted into the Army in 1943.
Brozyna does a good job in describing the duties and experiences of his grandfather's unit during the D-Day landings, the fighting in Belgium, and the Ardennes Offensive. Without a doubt, the port battalions made numerous contributions in supporting the soldiers in the field." —WWII History magazine
"This is an eloquent tribute to a beloved grandfather and an impeccably researched unit history." —Professor Peter Schrijvers, author of Liberators: The Allies and Belgian Society, 1944-1945
"Books on the supporting units of D-day are long overdue, and this one provides a great insight into what you may have previously perceived as a dull, safe transportation unit. These units played a vital role in keeping the troops ashore at Normandy, and without men such as these the invasion easily could have failed. I especially love the (previously unknown) cover photograph."
—Jon Gawne, author of Finding Your Father's War and Spearheading D-Day
"Most army histories concentrate on the troops at the sharp end. Those that cover soldiers serving in the rear areas are generally tedious attempts at humour. So it was a delight to discover Longshore Soldiers. Brozyna's well written and researched book is a fine tribute to his grandfather and the other men who served with him. Their's was a demanding, often dangerous, and largely unsung task. This book colourfully brings their story to life."
—Mark Zuehlke, author of Terrible Victory and the Canadian Battle Series
“I was completely captivated by the role played by the longshore soldiers at Normandy and Antwerp. I knew in my heart that they must have a compelling story, but was always drawn away by the glitz of the combat arms. That was a mistake. The men of the 519th port battalion lived and died as genuine heroes. This little story is a major contribution to the saga of men at arms. A real treat.”
—Col. David Fitz-Enz, USA ret., author of Why a Soldier? and Redcoats’ Revenge
"As a member of the 519th Port Battalion I found Longshore Soldiers to be a comprehensive study and accurate depiction of life in the 519th as well as the duties performed by said unit. The book also illustrates the varying conditions under which our duties had to be and were performed. The book is exceedingly well documented and interestingly presented."
—Larry Botzon, veteran of 519th Port Battalion Headquarters Company
