School of War Ep 203: Stephen Rabe on the Invasion of Normandy
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Jun 6, 2025 Stephen Rabe, a historian and the author of The Lost Paratroopers of Normandy, delves into the emotional and layered history of the Normandy invasion. He shares a personal connection through his father's experiences as a WWII paratrooper. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by the 507th Regiment, including unexpected flooding and the villagers' critical support. Rabe also sheds light on the tragic fate of unarmed medical personnel, emphasizing the moral complexities of war and the long-term impacts on soldiers and communities.
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Rabe's Father's Normandy Story
- Stephen Rabe's father was an 82nd Airborne paratrooper who jumped into Normandy on D-Day and fought through to Berlin.
- He recounted being hidden in a barn by a French family for three days, an episode that inspired the book's investigation.
82nd Airborne's Composition and Ethos
- The 82nd Airborne was composed mostly of ordinary men, many poor and with limited education, motivated mainly by extra pay.
- Leadership like General Gavin valued intelligence, fitness, and initiative as vital for airborne troops' success.
Training Philosophy of the 82nd Airborne
- Airborne training emphasized extreme physical fitness, mental toughness, and breaking down traditional officer-enlisted barriers.
- Commanders insisted officers jump first and eat last, fostering equality and shared hardship.