In honor of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we are sharing a list of nonfiction books about D-Day.
D-Day was when the Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, during WWII.
D-Day cost many brave men their lives, but it allowed the Allied forces to gain ground toward winning WWII.
So many books on WWII and D-Day share the stories of the brave men and women who fought during WWII.
WWII is one of our favorite periods to read about. Much is to be learned from the courageous men and women who fought during WWII. May we never forget those who gave so much to keep us free.
We have read many books on WWII, but since this week is the anniversary of D-Day, we wanted to put together a list of our favorite WWII books that at least touch on some of the stories of D-Day and the invasion of Normandy, France.
If you have a favorite book about WWII or D-Day, please leave a comment letting us know. We love to learn about new books that share interesting parts of history.
Nonfiction Books About D-Day
Band of Brothers
Band of Brothes by Stephen E. Ambrose is one of the best known books about D-Day and was the basis for the documentary Band of Brothers.
This was one of the first nonfiction books Gracelyn read about WWII. She read it after reading Flags of Our Fathers because a friend said she should since she loved Flags of Our Fathers so much.
Band of Brothers shares the story of a group of ordinary men who came together, trained, and fought during WWII. I am so glad I read it as it encouraged me to read other World War II books set in Europe.
Fighting with the Filthy Thirteen
Fighting with the Filthy Thirteen by Jack Womer is the author’s very personal story and his own account of fighting as a spearhead of the Screaming Eagles in Normandy, Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge.
It is very well written. I started this book while traveling and I had trouble putting it down.
Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends
Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends shares the story of three paratroopers of the U.S. Army who were among the first members of an elite unit of the 101st Airborne Division called Easy Company.
They were involved in high-risk operations during WWII, including D-Day, Operation Market Garden in Holland, the Battle of the Bulge, and the capture of Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest in Berchtesgaden.
Mission Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe
This book is the story of a famous Academy Award-winning actor who left it all behind to serve his country during WWII. Many people know Jimmy Stewart for the Hollywood movies he starred in, but there is a whole lot more to Jimmy Stewart than most people know.
Mission Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe by Robert Matzen shares the life of Jimmy Stewart both in Hollywood and his service during WWII.
The First Wave by Alex Kershaw
This is the amazing story of the men who carried out D-Day’s Mission. It is about the first American paratrooper to touch down on Normandy soil, the glider pilot who crashed near Pegasus Bridge, the brothers who led troops onto Juno Beach, and other brave men who helped win the war.
Both Gracelyn and my husband have read and enjoyed this one.
The Bedford Boys by Alex Kershaw
This is another book by Alex Kershaw that Gracelyn read and enjoyed.
It is about Bedford, VA, a small town of three thousand people, and the sacrifice they made when nineteen of their boys died in the first few minutes of D-Day.
Soldier, Sailor, Frogman, Spy, Airman, Gangster, Kill or Die: How the Allies Won on D-Day
I can’t give a review of this book because I haven’t read it, but it is on my TBR list and I am looking forward to reading it. It has great reviews.
Some have called this the best narrative nonfiction book about D-Day and the how it changed WWII. I can’t wait to read it. Have you read it yet?
Have you read any books about D-Day?
Posted June 2019. Updated June 2024.