Honor Before Glory: The Epic World War II Story of the Japanese American GIs Who Rescued the Lost Battalion

Honor Before Glory: The Epic World War II Story of the Japanese American GIs Who Rescued the Lost Battalion by Scott McGaugh describes the late 1944 rescue of the 36th Infantry Division by the 442nd Regimental Combat Team which included the 100th Infantry Battalion. After fighting their way behind the German lines in the mountains of France, the 42nd found themselves surrounded, with quickly diminishing supplies of food, ammunition, and medical supplies. After numerous failed rescue attempts, the 42nd RCT, comprised of Japanese-American volunteers from the internment camps, most of whom had families still being held, were sent in to liberate their fellow soldiers. They undertook this mission despite the disrespect they and their families were suffering by the same American people they gladly volunteered to protect. The 42nd would go on to be the most decorated unit in WWII, with its soldiers garnering 18,100 awards and decorations.

This non-fiction book is a well-researched look at an important WWII battle. However, it is also much more. McGaugh’s writing is solid and engaging, and he manages to bring the points of view of the American soldier, the Japanese-American soldier, and even the Germans into a much more complete picture than previously produced.

This is a testament to the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of the American soldier.