Since its release in 2006, ‘Finding the Lost Battalion’ by Robert J. Laplander has become the benchmark work against which all things Lost Battalion related have been measured. Now, in this updated 3rd edition released to coincide with the centennial of America’s entry into WW1, Mr. Laplander again takes us to the Charlevaux Ravine to delve deeper into the story than ever before! Meticulously chronicling what would become arguably the most famous event of America’s part in the war, we find the truths behind the legend. Spanning twenty years of research and hundreds of sources (most never before seen), the reader is led through the Argonne Forest during September and October, 1918 virtually hour by hour. The result is the single most factual accounting of the Lost Battalion story and their leader, Charles W. Whittlesey, to date. Told in an entertaining, fast moving style, the book has become a favorite the world over! With new Forward by Major-General William Terpeluk, US Army (Ret). Robert J. Laplander has written one of the best unit histories I have read... His approach is markedly unique (and) his research has set a true benchmark for the accolade, "exhaustive." Laplander's understanding of American infantry tactics is remarkable. His explanation of how the doughboys fought at the squad and company level, which he derived from personal accounts, is straightforward and worthy of citation... I highly recommend Robert Laplander's Finding the Lost Battalion. This is an outstanding book (and) a must-read for students and enthusiasts of the American Expeditionary Forces and the Meuse-Argonne battle. LT.COL. Peter Owen USMC (Ret), author of: To the Limit of Endurance. If there's something missing here that could have been said about the famous unit that was neither 'lost' nor a 'battalion', it is hard to imagine what it might be. Robert Laplander's exhaustively detailed treatment of the unit that Major Charles W. Whittlesey led into immortality... should be required reading for anyone with an interest in American operations during WW1. (Finding the Lost Battalion) is highly recommended. Over the Front - The Journal of the League of WW1 Aviation Historians, Volume 21, No. 4, Winter 2006 While incredibly dense in its detail, which is nearly a minute by minute accounting of events, Laplander's writing is clear and concise. His research efforts have been phenomenal and wide ranging and there is no doubt that Finding the Lost Battalion is anything less than the final word on the Lost Battalion and should remain the definitive study for many years to come. Military Collector & Historian - Journal of the Company of Military Historians, Vol. 59, No. 2, Summer 2007. Robert Laplander has written one of the finest narratives of a military unit in battle that I have had the pleasure to come across. His knowledge of not only what went on in the Pocket, but of the topography and personalities brings a depth that is rarely encountered. From a literary standpoint the book is wonderful as well... Continuity is always maintained, and all points well cited; the research going into this book was very in-depth and varied in types of material. Finding the Lost Battalion is a brilliant piece of historical digging (and) I highly recommend this book. Thomas Hoff, author of: Doughboy: 1916-1919 Robert Laplander has the gift of narrative, with the well-honed senses of a keen researcher. From meticulous work and repeated visits to France, Laplander brings back to us the anonymous faces of the boys come men who left their homes and daily lives to experience the adventures of war. Laplander gives you the feeling of the trenches with an extraordinary series of character sketches that make you feel like the men of the Lost Battalion are your own friends. Finding the Lost Battalion puts the reader there among the troops in trees of the Argonne, under the rain of artillery and the clatter of the Maxim guns. You'll enjoy this read for many hours and revisit their story many, many times. Well done. Byron Scarbrough, author of: They Called Us Devil Dogs Deftly compiling in-depth documentation of the Lost Battalion, author Robert J. Laplander comprehensively explores the story of a truly epic struggle from beginning to end. An invaluable and appreciated contribution to the growing library of World War I military histories, Finding the Lost Battalion is very highly recommended reading for military buffs wanting a factual understanding and true appreciation of the incident that made the men of the Lost Battalion legendary in military annals. Midwest Book Review/Small Press Book Watch - Fall, 2006 Author and historian Robert John Laplander was born February 23rd, 1966 in Tucson,Arizona and grew up in Northern and Southeastern Wisconsin. His primary areas of focus are the activities of the US 77th Division in WW1 and POW escapes of both wars. He lives with his wife, Trinie, their three children, and a tall, skinny dog on Lake Tichigan in the sma