The Nickname and Legacy of American Soldiers in World War II
While reading a book titled “Stalingrad in Normandy”, I was struck by the nicknames and the descriptions of American soldiers by various fighting forces. This essay delves into the unique identities and characteristics of American soldiers, both in terms of their nickname and the impact they had during World War II.
The Various Nicknames of American Soldiers
American soldiers, who played a crucial role in the battles of Normandy, were often referred to with different nicknames by their adversaries. The Germans, for instance, often nicknamed them “Tommies” or “Yankee bastards.” Despite these nicknames, the French, who were often contentious, retained their preference for eccentric terms like “Boche” and “Fritz” for the Germans, whereas they called the British “rosbif.” Interestingly, the term “rosbif” is a derogatory term in French, related to the stereotype of the British being similar to roast beef.
The Image of American Soldiers
Despite these nicknames, the American soldiers were often considered by Europeans to be somewhat superficial and untrained. They were seen as heavy-handed with ammunition and not as well-organized as their counterparts. However, it is crucial to note that these perceptions may have been influenced by wartime propaganda and the tense atmosphere of combat. Despite these superficial differences, the American soldiers were highly appreciated for their kindness and generosity. Unlike their Russian counterparts, the American soldiers did not engage in mass rapes, a behavior that is still prevalent in some conflicts today.
The Allied Victory: Organizational Superiority and Perseverance
One of the reasons the Allies won the war was the superior organization and willingness to adapt. Despite being outnumbered and equipped with better technology, the German forces were ultimately unable to sustain their military campaigns. This was partly due to their adherence to Hitler's erratic commands. In contrast, the Allies frequently found themselves attacking and bombing their own forces, while the Germans persisted with their plans, even in challenging conditions with no access to food and water.
The Treatment of Prisoners
A common practice among the Allies involved the treatment of wounded prisoners. The Normandy civilians, who often assisted those in need, found it easier to handle the wounded prisoners together rather than dealing with the additional burden of captives. Despite the differences in home countries, the shared creed of being white, Christian Europeans brought them closer, especially after consuming French calvados, a strong apple brandy, which was readily consumed.
Further Reading
The book I am reading, “Stalingrad in Normandy”, written by journalist Eddy Florentin, offers a detailed account of these events. Antony Beevor, another renowned author on the same subject, has also written extensively on the German experiences in Russia during World War II. He noted that the battle in Normandy was even worse than in Stalingrad, which is reflected in the book’s title. The people of Normandy maintain a deep gratitude towards the Allies for their efforts in freeing them from German occupation. On June 6th, big parades and parties are organized to commemorate the event, with items like cidre and calvados prominently featured.
Personal Anecdotes
My husband, who landed in Provence on August 15th, 1944, was part of the Sherman tank crew. Although he rarely spoke about his wartime experiences, he shared a few terrifying stories. For instance, he mentioned why the German bodies were placed along the roads. It was a common tactic by Ukrainian forces to slow down their retreat. Another grim detail was the cleaning of tank tracks after passing over corpses, a task my husband, at 20 years old, had to perform. This was a part of war that not even the bravest could prepare for.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is important to remember that the categorization of soldiers through nicknames and stereotypes does not capture the full complexity of the individuals involved. These nicknames and their associated stereotypes are part of the fabric of historical memory, but the real legacy of American soldiers lies in their unwavering commitment to peace and camaraderie, especially in times of conflict.
Throughout this essay, I have explored the varied perspectives on American soldiers, from the nicknames they were given to the way they were received by different parties. While nicknames can be a window into cultural perceptions, they should not overshadow the true essence of these soldiers—those who fought and sacrificed for their countries during one of the most turbulent times in human history.