Operation Massacre: James Stewart's Secret Mission to Expose a Nazi War Crime

Operation Massacre: James Stewart's Secret Mission to Expose a Nazi War Crime

James Stewart, the beloved American actor known for his iconic roles in films such as "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Rear Window," was also a decorated World War II veteran who served as a bomber pilot with the Army Air Forces. In 1945, Stewart was assigned to a secret mission to investigate and expose a Nazi war crime that had been covered up by American soldiers. The mission, known as Operation Massacre, was one of the most dangerous and controversial of Stewart's career.

In his new book, "Operation Massacre: James Stewart's Secret Mission to Expose a Nazi War Crime," award-winning author David Kamp tells the gripping story of Stewart's mission. Kamp draws from extensive research and interviews with Stewart's family and fellow soldiers to paint a vivid picture of the events leading up to the massacre, the cover-up that followed, and Stewart's courageous efforts to bring the truth to light.

The massacre in question took place in December 1944, when American soldiers from the 285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion murdered hundreds of unarmed German prisoners of war near the Belgian town of Malmedy. The incident was initially covered up by American military officials, who claimed that the Germans had been killed in combat. However, Stewart and his fellow investigators uncovered evidence that the massacre was a deliberate act of war crime.

Stewart's findings were explosive, and they threatened to damage the reputation of the American military. Despite the risks involved, Stewart insisted on publishing his report, which was eventually released to the public in 1946. The report caused a national scandal and led to the prosecution and conviction of several American soldiers for war crimes.

Kamp's book is a gripping and suspenseful account of Stewart's secret mission. Kamp's writing is clear and concise, and he does an excellent job of conveying the complexity of the events leading up to and following the massacre. The book is also well-researched, and Kamp provides extensive documentation to support his claims.

"Operation Massacre" is a fascinating and important book that sheds new light on one of the darkest chapters in American military history. Kamp's book is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II, military history, or true crime.