In the winter of 1998, veteran Ernie Kosan published in the 596th Parachute Combat Engineer Company's magazine "Wings" that he was waiting for information and photos to write the history of his unit. Only a few veterans responded to his appeal He wrote: I can't move forward much on history without some memories, stories, experiences and observations from the people who lived our history - YOU! So please, think back to those three years and write down your thoughts and memories of those days that were part of the most significant period of the 20th century - and you were there!

His appeal went almost unanswered and did not allow the history of his unit to be written. The 596th Airborne Engineer Company (mostly known as the 596th Parachute Combat Engineer Company) was an integral part of the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team. After the deactivation of the unit on March 1, 1945 in Auxerre and the integration of its members into the 13th Airborne Division, then into the 82nd Airborne Division, the members of the unit with sufficient points were able to return to the country at end of 1945. After two years of service together during the war, like many other units, a very strong friendship had united the majority of the members of the engineer company. Back home, some stayed in touch, while others were called to other duties. The 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment had also been disbanded, leading to the end of its newspaper 'The Thunderbolt'. However, in the 1960s the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team Association was formed, reviving publication of the periodical which covered the news soldiers and their families This initiative allowed many veterans of the unit to reconnect after so many years.

In 1980, veterans of the 596th Airborne Engineer Company took another initiative by creating a quarterly entitled "Wings," published by Charles E. Pugh and sent to all veterans of their company. There are published photos and stories from the war, but even more photos of meetings and news about their work, their family and their active life. Over the next three decades, the veterans worked to reconnect with each member of their company. In 2007, the newspaper finally died out, as did 'The Thunderbolt' - online edition - in 2016. The association of the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team was also dissolved in 2015.

This unique book highlights the daring exploits, sacrifices, and moments of camaraderie of these brave men. You will discover rare photographs that depict their daily lives on the front line. Don't expect tales of chivalrous warfare, extravagant romances or violent battles. This book portrays what this singular American airborne engineer company experienced during the war.