What Soldiers Do

What Soldiers Do examines the interactions between American GIs and French civilians during and after the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944. Roberts draws on military archives, French police records, and personal accounts to reconstruct this complex period of Franco-American relations. The book focuses on three main aspects of the American military presence in France: romance, prostitution, and rape. Through extensive research and documentation, Roberts presents how these sexual encounters shaped both the American soldiers' experience and French society during the liberation period. The narrative traces the evolution of relations between soldiers and civilians, from initial welcoming celebrations to later tensions and conflicts. Roberts analyzes how military authorities, French officials, and local communities responded to various challenges that emerged during this time. What Soldiers Do challenges conventional narratives about World War II by examining the social and cultural impacts of military occupation on both the occupiers and the occupied. The book presents war not just as a series of battles, but as a complex web of human interactions with lasting consequences for both American and French society.

Readers note the book provides raw accounts of US soldiers' behavior in France during WWII, particularly regarding sexual violence and racial tensions. Many cite the extensive archival research and documentation as key strengths. Readers appreciated: - Detailed primary sources and archival evidence - Focus on overlooked aspects of military history - Clear writing style that handles sensitive topics Common criticisms: - Over-emphasis on negative behaviors while minimizing heroic actions - Some readers felt it portrayed US forces too harshly - Limited geographic scope (focuses mainly on Normandy region) One reader noted: "Important but difficult history that challenges the 'Greatest Generation' narrative" Another stated: "Well-researched but seems to cherry-pick the worst examples" Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (219 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (58 ratings) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (21 ratings) The book resonates with academic readers but receives more mixed reviews from general audiences and military history enthusiasts.

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🔹 Author Mary Louise Roberts uncovered many of her findings through previously untapped sources in French archives, including police reports, medical records, and civilian complaints about American soldiers. 🔹 The book challenges the traditional heroic narrative of D-Day and liberation by examining how American GIs' behavior in France sometimes caused significant social disruption and tension with local communities. 🔹 While serving in France, American soldiers sent an estimated 40 million letters home per week, providing invaluable historical documentation of their experiences and perspectives. 🔹 The French town of Le Havre became known as "Gateway to France" for American troops, with over 1.6 million American soldiers passing through during the war years covered in the book. 🔹 Roberts' research revealed that French authorities often avoided reporting crimes committed by American soldiers to maintain good relations with their liberators, leading to significant underreporting of incidents.