Tank Driver

With the 11th Armored from the Battle of the Bulge to VE Day

By: J. Ted Hartman

Narrated by: J. Scott Bennett

Tank Driver is the story of a young man’s combat initiation in World War II. Based on letters home, the sparse narrative has the immediacy of on-the-spot reporting. Ted Hartman was a teenager when he was sent overseas to drive a Sherman tank into combat to face the desperate German counterattack known as the Battle of the Bulge. Hartman gives a riveting account of the shifting tides of battle and the final Allied breakout. He tells about the concentration camps, the spectacle of the defeated Germans, and the dramatic encounter with Russian soldiers in Austria that marked combat’s end. This is a vivid, personal account of some of the most dramatic fighting of World War II.

The book is published by Indiana University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"A well-balanced, often moving look at one man’s war and every man’s war." (World War II)

©2003 J. Ted Hartman (P)2019 Redwood Audiobooks

Content good, delivery mediocre

Narration is reasonably clear, but the “hollow” timbre is off-putting.

I am appreciative of bass and baritone sounding narrations of combat. Higher pitched and strained voices are never engaging, even less so when narrating battle or action sequences.

The pausing and pacing seems off as well. Too many, minor pauses, perhaps in the belief the narration is made more interesting thereby.

The inflection also seems a bit affected.

None of these factors are when considered separate from the others particularly disconcerting but when taken together they are distracting.

Content is good. The recollections seem authentic and some edifying.

Great first person account

Detailed and authentic accounting of one person’s experiences during WWII will serving as a tank crewman.

Interesting personal history

As time passes these personal histories become more informative and relevant.
This is the personal experience of a young man thrown into the battle of the bulge. and his subsequent hardships and triumphs.
Very interesting and definitely gripping I could have easily listened to it in one sitting..
I received a free copy of this audio book at my request and voluntarily leave this honest review..

loved it

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

Outstanding First Person Narrative on War

I received this audiobook free at my request and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Amazing memoir on war by J. Ted Hartman and his experiences as a tank driver near the end of WWII. I enjoy first person experiences, and I feel nothing gives us a clearer picture of the war experience short of being there than the words of the men and women who served. It's very interesting hearing the author's take on his experience. J. Scott Bennett did an excellent job on the narration of Tank Driver, giving voice to Hartman's memoir, and holding the listener's interest throughout the duration.