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Odor of War

by Sergeant Andy Giambroni

145 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); illustrated; catalogue #03-1454; ISBN 1-4120-1085-3; US$20.00, C$25.00, EUR16.25, £11.26

A haunting memoir that evokes the ugliness and brutality of war. Hundreds of combat soldiers who have read the book say it is an accurate and realistic portrayal.

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about the book      about the author      excerpts      catalogue info

About the Book The purpose of the book is to show the ugliness and brutality of war, and to show the important part the infantry soldiers play in the defense of our country. "Much has been written about heroes these days. No doubt the efforts and sacrifices of New York firemen and policemen qualify them as authentic heroes. Heroes of a different sort have defended our country in wars past, yet many acts of courage and sacrifice went unreported. A recent book written and published by Sgt. Andy Giambroni rectifies some such omissions. We know Andy as a very successful, now retired, veterinarian. He and his older brother Joe operated a clinic on Luther Road for many a year and both were permanent fixtures at Round-Up and Bull Sale events. Andy's book, Odor of War, is a graphic portrait of an infantry man in World War II. He writes, 'The purpose of this book is to show the brutality and ugliness of war. It also serves to show the important part infantry soldiers play in the defense of our country.' It does that in spades. If you viewed any of the TV series Band of Brothers, you saw a gripping yet arm-chair version of war. For a close-up, in-your-face experience however, check out Andy's first person account. It is non-fiction at its best." - Robert Minch, Redd Bluff, California "Editor: To all of you who know someone in the service, who have been in the service and/or at this current time of events, have a special interest in our men and women at war, I encourage you to read a book by Andy Giambroni called Odor of War. In this book, Andy has put together a hands-on account of wartime. Several articles have been written to express how it really is; this book is a keeper." - Mary Jane Growney, Red Bluff, California "After reading your book, Andy, even if I knew nothing about soldiering, I 'feel' as if I know something of an infantryman's life. And, to me, that's what is important about a 'first person' account of combat. The reader must "feel" what it is like being an infantryman. What a great book you have written, Andy. Thanks. Thanks for letting me play a small role in your book. You were very kind to include my 'squibs.' But, Andy, you will have to admit that not many soldiers had the opportunity of being gynecologists or obstetricians as you were in Lunenbach. What a story!! Stay healthy! My fondest regards." - James S. Moncrief, Jr. Colonel USA (Retired) "Editor: Your Monday, Feb. 12, 2001, publication introduced a book Odor of War by Dr. Andrew Giambroni, Tehama County resident and veteran of World War II. I was able to obtain a copy and cannot remember the last time I read a book cover-to-cover without a break. There are all too many articles, books and even movies that dramatize and exploit the so called "heroics of war." Dr. Giambroni's account is objective and personal, written as only a rifleman soldier could do, having experienced battle at the bloody front line. He speaks clearly and truthfully, 'War stinks.' I now live and work in a mostly free and democratic Europe. All that reside here owe a debt of gratitude to the Allied Forces of World War II. I am most grateful to Dr. Giambroni for sharing his experiences as a young man; the boy died in battle at age 19, but the man lives today, and becomes immortal in the words he has published." - Frank Cambra, London, England "Dear Mr. & Mrs. Andy Giambroni, I wanted to let you know the results of your impact on my students. I attended the reunion of your 'F' Company last summer in Indiana with my mother, Adele Tinney. I took lots of video tape of your stories and comments about life in the army and World War II. I also asked you to complete a questionnaire about your experiences. Many of the wives also answered a set of questions. This spring my students were studying the history of the last century and we looked at the effects of World War II. I showed the students several clips from the video tape I had taken and the composite that Tom Moore sent me. I also passed around the questionnaires that you completed. I then asked them to write a note to you about what the video and comments meant to them. The students were really moved by your dedication and hardship. Many of the students were 17 or 18, so they felt that they could relate to the personal choices you had to make. I have included some copies of the students' letters. I was going to retype them because some are difficult to read, but I think they have a greater impact in the original form. I want to thank you all for sharing your experiences and I think you can see from the letters that the students were appreciative, too." Sincerely, - Debbie Hufstader (daughter of "Cal" and Adele Tinney) "Hey Andy, Thank you for sending me your book Odor of War. It was like I was personally back in Red Bluff, Ca., talking with you about your experience. When you said you 'felt weak as a cat' to one of your colleagues, while at the field hospital, I could see you coming up with and saying just that. (Classic Andy phrase). Anyway, it was an insightful read and the vivid descriptions of your tour of duty gave me a sense of the 'Odor' and horrors of war. It definitely has caused me to think, as you always were and are capable of doing. Looking at the pictures of young Andy the soldier, reminded me a lot of the Andy, that I called on at the Walco store in RB. Very much about the business at hand, but also ready to share some humor with a highball and a meal at your home at the end of the day. Andy, you are a super guy. Reading how you risked your life to save your fellow man in the battlefield, while fighting the Nazi 'War on Terrorism' affirmed for me, that having met, known and worked with you is an honor. Again, thank you for sharing part of your life's story with me and those who read your first book, Odor of War. Now, if it's not your first book I apologize. However, off the top of my head, I can think of one or two other topics you may have or are currently working on. "Take A Deep Seat and a Distant Look" Fun, Games, Jokes and Goodtimes of the SCTB's. How about a book based on your experiences as part of Walco Intl. and base it on what it really takes to be an effective sales person. It was always a pleasure to see you in action. I learned a lot just by watching and listening to you. Andy quote, 'first sell them what they want, then, sell them what they need.' Oh well, I could continue on, as you know too well. When I pass through RB, I will surely stop by to see you and Bev. Give her my best regards. It was good to see you in Las Vegas. Take Care." Sincerely, - Pat McBride

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About the Author The author, now retired, was a large-animal veterinarian for 50 years. He lives in Northern California near the Oregon border in cattle, sheep, and timber country.

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Excerpts

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Catalogue Information

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