The Boys of Pointe Du Hoc: Ronald Reagan, D-Day, and the U.S. Army 2nd Ranger Battalion

The 100-foot promontory known as Pointe du Hoc -- where six big German guns were ensconced -- was the number one target of the heavy U.S. and British warships poised in the English Channel on D-Day morning. Facing arguably the toughest task to befall U.S. forces during the war, the brave men of the Army 2nd Ranger Battalion boldly took control of the fortified cliff and set in motion the liberation of Europe.

Based upon recently released documents, here is the first in-depth, anecdotal remembrance of these fearless Army Rangers. Acclaimed author and historian Douglas Brinkley deftly moves between events four decades apart to tell two riveting stories: the making of Ronald Reagan's historic 1984 speeches about the storming of the Normandy coast and the actual heroic event that inspired them and helped to end the Second World War.

“Brinkley knows there is sometimes a theater to war and always to its remembrance.” Chris Matthews, host of Hardball and author of Kennedy and Nixon

“In this jewel of a book, Douglas Brinkley proves his skills as a master storyteller.” Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of No Ordinary Time

“A powerful tale that celebrates, and explores, the patriotism and pride inspired by Americas brave soldiers.” Walter Isaacson, author of Benjamin Franklin

“Both the novice and D-Day historian will want to read The Boys of Pointe du Hoc.” JoAnna McDonald, author of The Liberation of Pointe du Hoc

“Riveting.” Chicago Tribune

“In this fascinating new study, Douglas Brinkley... sheds fresh light on the making of a crucial presidential moment.” Jon Meacham, author of Franklin and Winston

“A gripping account of the Rangers who scaled Pointe du Hoc; and a bold, even brilliant treatment of Reaganesque stagecraft.” Richard Norton Smith, Executive Director, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

“The Boys of Pointe du Hoc are needed today.... An important and entertaining book.” Bill O'Reilly, host of The O'Reilly Factor

“Compelling reading.” New Orleans Times-Picayune

“Brinkley knows there is sometimes a theater to war and always to its remembrance.” Publishers Weekly

Douglas Brinkley is professor of history and director of the Roosevelt Center at Tulane University. Four of his books were selected as New York TimesNotable Books of the Year. His last three historical narratives Tour of Duty, The Boys of Pointe du Hoc,and Parish Priestwere all New York Timesbestsellers. A contributing editor to Vanity Fairand American Heritage, he lives in New Orleans with his wife, Anne, and their two children, Benton and Johnny.