by AJB Design
“This is an eloquent tribute to a beloved grandfather and an impeccably researched unit history.”
—Peter Schrijvers, professor at The University of New South Wales; author of Liberators: The Allies and Belgian Society, 1944-1945

“People often forget that it takes 10 men in the rear areas to support one infantryman on the front line. However, for the men of the port battalions, there were no front lines on June 6, 1944, and at times, they found themselves under heavy fire as well. The author is the grandson of one such soldier, Cortland "Corty" Hopkins, from Schenectady, New York. Hopkins had a difficult time getting into the service because his job was considered essential by the War Department. However, after many attempts, he was successfully inducted into the Army in 1943. Brozyna does a good job in describing the duties and experiences of his grandfather's unit during the D-Day landings, the fighting in Belgium, and the Ardennes Offensive. Without a doubt, the port battalions made numerous contributions in supporting the soldiers in the field.”
WWII History Magazine

Andrew Brozyna is a publishing professional who has worked on the production of hundreds titles. He is the grandson of Cortland Hopkins, veteran of the 519th Port Battalion.

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