I've read maybe 10-12 books on the European theater so I was skeptical when my old man gave me a copy of Armageddon by Max Hastings. It is truly one of the most detailed and objective accounts I've ever read and highly recommend it to WWII buffs. Unlike Ambrose or other British writers Hastings is in no way a Allies cheerleader or Montgomery groupie. He is very critical of the Allies war effort and has incorporated an unbelievable amount of first hand accounts. After reading this it is very clear to me that the Soviets won the war and the rest of the allies just provided a distraction to Germany. It also leaves no doubt in my mind that a continuation of the war against the USSR would have been disastrous. Lyle I've also done a lot of reading on Vietnam. If it interests you pick up Bright Shining Lie. Hands down best book I've read on it.