Fred Brems nailed exactly what it was like! Well done!
— Sgt. Ray Stewart, BOG in the tank Frances, veteran of F Company, 66th AR, 2nd AD during World War II
This well-researched account not only enriches our understanding of WWII but provides insights into the human and tactical aspects of any war, including today’s conflict in Ukraine. Far more than a story about a commander in the 2nd Armored Division, Knights of Freedom is a compelling narrative about how people organize, commit, and sacrifice for goals larger them themselves and, in so doing, make our world a better place.
— Stephen M. Schwartz, former U.S. Ambassador to Somalia (Ret.)
Company F, 66th Armored Regiment’s journey through the last months of World War II as told in Knights of Freedom is well documented and captivating. The first-person perspective of the narrative allowed me to get a glimpse of what our fathers had to go through. The vivid details made it feel like we were right there with them.
— 1st Lt. Marvin Fawks, U.S. Army (Veteran) and son of Capt. Ed Fawks, CO of F Company, 66th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division, World War II
. . . a fine account of the 66th Armored Regiment from Aachen to Berlin. I feel certain that my dad would have approved of this book.
— Jon Critchfield, son of 1st Lt. Donald A. Critchfield, Tank Platoon Commander, F Company, 66th Armored Regiment, Second Armored Division, World War II
A terrific read with a plethora of photos that provides great insights into the daily lives of U.S. soldiers fighting at the "tip of the spear" in Europe during the last days of the war.
— Neil Phillips, U.S. Foreign Service Officer
Fred Brems brings critical World War II battles to life through his father’s trek across Europe at the height of the war. His story is full of poignant vignettes, like our visit to Dochamps, where a chance encounter with an elderly Belgian man portrayed the human drama of war and illustrated how a lonely tank battle tragically changed lives. Brems’ vivid and loving WWII portrait is a valuable historical document that conveys on every page a simple message: Remember.
— Mark C. Storella, former U.S. Ambassador (Ret.)
Frederick C. Brems, a humble but heroic tank commander, fought in some of the most important battles of WWII. His eloquent letters and captivating photographs illuminate the human side of war in a saga of military leadership, tactics and life on the front. Throughout, his love for his family, troops, and country see him through the darkest days and inspire us all.
— Andrew Sisson, professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and retired U.S. Senior Foreign Service Officer
Knights of Freedom should become required reading in all officer training courses.
— Dave Minser, military historian