[August 30, 2025] The book was in my mailbox, a surprise from a fan who thought I might like reading about Army Engineers in World War II. The book, First Across the Rhine: The 291st Engineer Combat Battalion in France, Belgium, and Germany (1989) by Colonel David E. Pergrin, was somehow familiar to me. After looking through my old collection of paperbacks in the attic, I found my original copy. Yes, I’d read it shortly after it came out, sometime in my Captain days as an Army Engineer company commander. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the book the first read, more than 35 years ago, but I do recall being fascinated by the stories of bravery, overcoming great odds in combat, and leadership principles applied in the most difficult of circumstances. Now that I’m retired and also a combat Soldier of a much later war, I could better understand the dynamics of danger as a Combat Engineer myself. And, as Summer is slowly turning into Fall (but not here yet), I find myself reading more. This book will be a keeper. As of the writing of this book review, we find it rated a 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, a reasonable rating.
First Across the Rhine: The 291st Engineer Combat Battalion in France, Belgium, and Germany (1989) by Colonel David E. Pergrin
Colonel Pergrin was the commander of the 291st Engineers and thus gives us a firsthand accounting of the actions in wartime of one of the most forward units supporting the spearhead of the Allied thrust into the heart of Nazi Germany. What I personally found the highlight of the book was the pivotal role the battalion played during the Battle of the Bulge, where at one point, the 291st was the only effective unit standing between the Germans and the Allies in retreat. Their steadfast stand during this battle enabled the U.S. First Army to reform and counterattack. Another reason I liked the book is that it gives one of the very few books that cover the crucial role of Combat Engineers during the war, and this one was written by its commanding officer. From clearing minefields to building bridges, maintaining roads, and removing disabled equipment on routes of attack and supply, the 291st did so under fire from the enemy. As one reviewer of the book correctly wrote, “It is evident that the Infantry could not have succeeded without the support of the courageous and hardworking Combat Engineers.”
The book is an enjoyable read and easy to follow without too much military lingo or peculiarities. What I originally liked about the book is that it allows the reader to become a part of the experiences of those who were part of the “damn Engineers.” As a side note, I found a video on YouTube (10:32 minutes) about a lost American M1 steel helmet found 80 years after World War II. The helmet had been lost near the Remagen Bridge in Germany and belonged to Earl L. McCorkle from Elizabeth, PA, who had served in the 291st Engineers. The man who found it sticking out of the mud when the river was low tracked down the daughters of McCorkle and returned it to them. This is a fascinating end to the story of the 291st and is worth viewing.
Highly recommended book.
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Please read my books:
1. “55 Rules for a Good Life,” on Amazon (link here).
2. “Our Longest Year in Iraq,” on Amazon (link here).
Sir, I logged onto Amazon this morning and ordered the book. I’m looking forward to reading it, now that I have your recommendation.
Excellent! I’ll be doing the same shortly. My grandfather served with the Brits and hit the shores on D-Day in the third wave. So, I look forward to reading the book too. 👀👀👀
An excellent choice for a book review.
How very interesting.
“As a side note, I found a video on YouTube (10:32 minutes) about a lost American M1 steel helmet found 80 years after World War II. The helmet had been lost near the Remagen Bridge in Germany and belonged to Earl L. McCorkle from Elizabeth, PA, who had served in the 291st Engineers. The man who found it sticking out of the mud when the river was low tracked down the daughters of McCorkle and returned it to them. This is a fascinating end to the story of the 291st and is worth viewing.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJTg1kwrWTI
“As of the writing of this book review, we find it rated a 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, a reasonable rating.”
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Indeed, good book. Kept me glued to reading it late at night, much to my wife’s chagrin.
Sir, another great book, I’m sure since you recommended it. I looked it up and found that there are many who read it and liked it. But, I do think that those who like these kind of books are those that already read WWII history and thus the population of those liking it are small. But I’m willing to give it a try. I’ll come back here in a few weeks (after my order to Amazon arrives) and give an update. Please keep your book review series alive.
A great read. I had the fortune to read this book a few years ago and loved it.
Discovering the lost helmet of a 291st engineer unit helmet and identification of the soldier who lost it is wild. What are the odds?
Yeah, I was thinking the same. If you watched the video about the lost (now found) M1 American helmet, you will see the route it took from America to Germany, through France and Belgium, and then back to America. And those involved are fascinating. Don’t forget this article recently published here, “I Hate Hats … but they symbolize my leadership’” https://www.theleadermaker.com/i-hate-hats-but-they-symbolize-my-leadership/
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“The lesson for leaders is that hats do have meaning. They communicate much more than their practical value. Hats carry messages like the hat I wore this morning. Are you important, a hick, a military officer, a firefighter, a police officer, a corporate CEO, or just an average kind of guy? Leaders use symbolism to their advantage. But, I still hate wearing hats.” – Gen. Doug Satterfield
Good memories! 🪖
Great connection found!!!!! Shows how small a world we really have and also,how much our nations have come together.
Ordered the book. Sir, we all appreciate your book reviews.
… and for everyone who reads this leadership blog, be sure to read Gen. Satterfield’s books like “55 Rules for a Good Life.” And can be found also on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/ I bought copies and gave them away to young men who I thought deserved a little extra guidance and who showed promise of great things in their life.