Why so good? First of all, the author points out that leadership was a prime factor in the success of the 88th Infantry division. The first men came primarily from the New England area and after a very successful participation in Louisiana Manuevers the ranks were filled with Texans mostly the Tex/Mex. The men from the Northeast were as a rule well educated, many with college degrees, While the Texans at that time had not had the same educational opportunities. As Brown points out the comination of the jelled and when the 88th went into action it was recognized immediately as as the leading division in the breakthrough of the Gustav Line and the leaders of the First 5th Army troops to enter Rome. Brown continually points out the leadership of the Jr. Officers and the fighting ability of the Texans. The outfit went overseas as the Cloverleaf division which was changed quickly by Axis Sally to "BLUE DEVILS" a name that has never been relinquished. The 88th continued its march all the way to the Brenner pass where it joined up with the 7th Army, HERO an Historical Organization of evaluations of Infantry Divisions rated it fifth amongst the Infantry Divisions in the EAME Theater only ranking behind 4 German Divisions and well above any other American Division. Again Brown continues emphasizing leader ship. The book has many technical aspects and is not always easy reading but at the same time he brings the officers and men into an unbeatable team