MWSA Review

In A Victor's Tale: The Story of Milo Flaten, One of the GIs who Led the Invasion of Omaha Beach on D-Day, author Doc Westring brings to life the remarkable story of a World War II veteran who witnessed and participated in some of the most pivotal moments of the war. Through Milo Flaten's eyes, readers are transported to the front lines, experiencing the chaos, bravery, and sacrifice that defined the Allied victory in Europe.

Drafted in 1943, Milo Flaten's journey takes him from the shores of Omaha Beach on D-Day to the bitter battles across France and Germany. As the first scout off his landing craft, Flaten's firsthand account of the invasion is both harrowing and awe-inspiring. His story, meticulously preserved by Westring, offers a rare glimpse into the realities faced by the soldiers who fought to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression.

A Victor's Tale is more than just a war story; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds forged in the heat of battle. Flaten's experiences, from his grave injury in 1944 to his continued service in Korea, paint a vivid picture of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation. As the number of living World War II veterans dwindles, this book serves as an essential record of their heroism and a reminder of the horrors of war.

Westring's engaging narrative style brings Milo Flaten's story to life, ensuring that his legacy and the legacy of countless other brave soldiers will endure for generations to come. A Victor's Tale is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the human experience of World War II and the profound impact it had on those who fought in it.

Review by Elvis Leighton (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

While it's likely most of us have never wanted to go to war and face combat, many of us are nevertheless fascinated by the experiences of men and women who have.

This book is about a man who served as a rifleman in World War II, and was one of the first GIs to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day.A man who survived the landing and continued to fight through France and Germany until the Nazis finally surrendered.

His memories of those experiences have been preserved in a new book by Doc Westring entitled A Victor’s Tale: The Story of Milo Flaten, One of the GIs who Led the Invasion of Omaha Beach on D-Day.

Milo was drafted in June 1943, and after training in the states, was shipped to England, where he was assigned to a company in the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division. That company would be in the first wave of soldiers invading Normandy. As that company’s 1st scout, Milo was the first man off his landing craft and the first on shore. He eventually realized he might have been the first GI to land on Omaha.

Follow his path as he survived the invasion carnage, and continued to fight through Europe in some of the bitterest, bloodiest battles of World War II. After becoming a highly decorated and respected senior sergeant, he was gravely wounded in November 1944. He recovered completely, rejoined his division, and was in combat until Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945.

With the personal stories of so many World War II veterans now lost forever, we are privileged to have this man’s life available to us. His remarkable exploits are here, from the day he was drafted to the end of the war in Europe, along with his further service in Korea and his fascinating military and non-military life thereafter.

Walk with Milo and experience the insanity and terrible heartbreak that is war—and the relief, if not exuberance, that comes with victory and peace.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 204

Word Count: 58,097