Save up to 20% off select gift cards
$11.99 with 33 percent savings
Digital List Price: $17.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Mark Alexander
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Jump Commander: In Combat with the 505th and 508th Parachute Infantry Regiments, 82nd Airborne Division in World War II Kindle Edition

by Mark J. Alexander (Author), John Sparry (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 out of 5 stars 62 ratings
The thrilling memoir of the legendary army colonel and paratrooper—the only airborne officer to lead three different battalions into combat during WWII.
 
In his distinguished service during World War II, Col. Mark James Alexander took command of three separate battalions of parachute infantrymen within the 82nd Airborne Division. A legend in his own time, he fought in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and France. Even after sustaining serious wounds in Normandy, he insisted on playing a role in the Battle of the Bulge.
 
Alexander’s exploits in Italy, from capturing hundreds of prisoners in Sicily to holding ground against German counterattacks in Salerno, won him a reputation known from the lowest private to Airborne generals Gavin and Ridgway. At Normandy, Lt. John “Red Dog” Dolan called him “the finest battalion commander I ever served under,” after witnessing his leadership through the bloody battle for La Fière Bridge and Causeway.
 
This memoir is based on the transcription of hundreds of hours of recorded interviews made by Alexander’s grandson, John Sparry, over a period of years late in his life. Providing valuable insight into the beloved commander who led three of the most storied battalions in the US Army, Jump Commander also contains a wealth of new detail on 82nd Airborne operations and unique insight into some of the most crucial battles in the European Theater.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    407 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Casemate
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 19, 2010
  6. File size
    4.6 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Editorial Reviews

Review

“…contains new details on 82nd Airborne operations and provides insight into crucial battles. It is illustrated with a wealth of b&w historical photos.”
Book News, Inc.

“…well worthwhile book covering the story of the US 82 Airborne Division and one of their finest unit commanders.”
Military Modelling

About the Author

John Sparry is an active member in the Friends and Family of the 505 RCT Association, and maintains the 505 Regimental Combat Team website. He is passionate about preserving the stories of the greatest generation and making them available to current and future generations.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003SNK26I
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Casemate
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 19, 2010
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.6 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 407 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1935149514
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 62 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Mark Alexander

Mark Alexander

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
62 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers praise Alexander's leadership as an epitome of premier leadership. The book receives positive feedback for its well-written narrative, with one customer noting it's a pleasure to read a first-hand account. Customers appreciate the insights provided in the book.

Select to learn more

LeadershipWriting qualityInsightReadability
7 customers mention "Leadership"7 positive0 negative

Customers praise Alexander's leadership, describing him as the epitome of premier leadership, with one customer particularly impressed with his character.

"...I also noticed there were good leaders in the 82nd, and not so good leaders, like Colonel Lindquist...." Read more

"...LT Col Alexander is the epitome of premier leadership...." Read more

"...I was impressed with Alexander's character, combat skill and leadership integrity. I lament the loss of this generation of soldiers. Well done!" Read more

"As told to his grandson, this is a great take on leadership from the greatest generation." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its well-crafted narrative. One customer particularly appreciates it as a first-hand account, while another mentions it is a must-read for leaders.

"It was a very good overview of a famous unit in wWII> Very well written" Read more

"...It was written on a personal level not on the overall strategy of the War." Read more

"Well written story about another individual from "The Greatest Generation!" Mark Alexander sounds like an amazing man when I read how he did..." Read more

"...It's a pleasure to read a first hand account of some of the intimacies of close combat in Normandy, especially La Fiere...." Read more

4 customers mention "Insight"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insights, with one noting it provides a wonderful perspective and another describing it as a very good overview.

"...It also gave a fine insight in the details and the background of the methods of working of the men who did the actual fighting...." Read more

"It was a very good overview of a famous unit in wWII> Very well written" Read more

"...Thank you John, for this moving, insightful story of a man, his family and his wartime experiences. I still feel his presence. This book is a keeper!" Read more

"A great book with wonderful insights about Mark Alexander" Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great read.

"As a former paratrooper, I found this book very interesting...." Read more

"A great book with wonderful insights about Mark Alexander" Read more

"great commander, great book..." Read more

"Great read!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • P. J. K. Hendrikx
    5.0 out of 5 stars great commander, great book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2010
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book because it gave a wonderful insight in the development of one of the finest airborne combat leaders of WW2. It also gave a fine insight in the details and the background of the methods of working of the men who did the actual fighting. Again, it seems that they had to develop themselves as they got along. I noticed this as well in Mark Bando's book "Avenging Eagles". I also noticed there were good leaders in the 82nd, and not so good leaders, like Colonel Lindquist. It surprises me that they ended up in the 82nd under Ridgway and Gavin, who ought to know their regimental commanders better than they apparently did. Yet, the authors were kind in their judgement of these leaders.
    I also enjoyed reading about the combat action from a battalion commander point of view, and his little squabbles with fellow battalion commanders Krause and Vandervoort. Nothing much important, but it gives an insight in the characters of these historical characters.

    I can highly recommend this book to anyone interested in WW2 airborne history, and thank John for all his work throughout the years, starting with interviewing Mark Alexander, and sharing it with all of us.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Mary Sanborn
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Leaders Serving in the Airborne
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    LT Col Mark J. Alexander is a 505th PIR legend. LT Col Alexander is the epitome of premier leadership. His book “Jump Commander” should be a required read for all Infantry officers, an absolute must read for all leaders serving on Jump Status.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Joey B
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It was a very good overview of a famous unit in wWII> Very well written
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Captgpl
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic story of courage and leadership under fire
    Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2011
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I had the privilege of knowing and working with Col. Mark Alexander for the last decade of his life. John Sparry has written a superb history of his grandfather that will appeal to casual readers and students of World War II, alike. When a book grabs you and you feel that you are standing in the field with "Alexander," or feeling the impact of mortars landing near you, then you know that you are reading a captivating book. I had the additional privilege of hearing Mark's gravelly, commanding voice inside my head whenever I read his comments.
    For anyone interested in Parachute Infantry units, World War II, or especially the Normandy or Sicily invasions, this book is not to be missed. Mark was a simple, spunky, Midwestern boy who learned how to stand his ground as a teenager and developed into a leader of exemplary caliber who was sought after by Generals. Besides -- anyone who rises from Private to Lt Colonel in 2 1/2 years is an exceptional leader! Thank you John, for this moving, insightful story of a man, his family and his wartime experiences. I still feel his presence. This book is a keeper!
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Debera H. Wilson
    5.0 out of 5 stars individual account of an officer in WW II.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2015
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    As a former paratrooper, I found this book very interesting. If you understand the chain of command ie companies, battalions etc and the difficulties all Army units faced in WW II you will apreciate this book. It was written on a personal level not on the overall strategy of the War.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • anniebee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive man.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Well written story about another individual from "The Greatest Generation!" Mark Alexander sounds like an amazing man when I read how he did his own reconnaissance I am so impressed! he teuly cared about his men. My Dad was a member of the 517th, later assigned to the 456 of the 82nd Airborne of which he was extremely proud and I am so proud of him.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • D. Selditz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Given His Due
    Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2010
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Col. Alexander is at last given credit as one of the best combat commanders of the 82d Airborne. This book is brief with a well written narrative sourced from Alexander himself. It's a pleasure to read a first hand account of some of the intimacies of close combat in Normandy, especially La Fiere. I was impressed with Alexander's character, combat skill and leadership integrity. I lament the loss of this generation of soldiers. Well done!
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Chris S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    As told to his grandson, this is a great take on leadership from the greatest generation.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • P. Hainsworth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 22, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A true, factual and gripping account of the heroism of all who served in the 82nd.
    A credit too the greatest generation
    Report
  • anthony
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 22, 2019
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Well worth a read. A good book in a plain simple honest way, keeps you interested from start to finish.
    Report
  • C. S. Hodge
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read from WW2
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 16, 2020
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    Pleased with purchase a good deal, no problems
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report