Book

Running Wire at the Front Lines: Memoir of a Radio and Telephone Man in World War II

2010

Synopsis

In Running Wire at the Front Lines, Louis J. Lauria provides a gritty, unvarnished account of the signalmen’s experience during World War II, a perspective often overlooked in favor of frontline infantry narratives. Serving with the 1st Infantry Division—the famed "Big Red One"—Lauria details the grueling and high-stakes work of establishing and maintaining communication lines across the European Theater. His journey takes him from the invasion of North Africa through the campaigns in Sicily and eventually onto the beaches of Normandy, offering a firsthand look at the essential infrastructure required to coordinate massive military movements.

The memoir is particularly striking for its focus on the constant danger inherent in "running wire." Lauria describes the terrifying reality of laying telephone lines under heavy artillery fire and through active minefields, knowing that a single break in the wire could leave an entire battalion blind and disconnected. His writing style is straightforward and conversational, capturing the camaraderie among his fellow soldiers while refusing to romanticize the chaos of combat. By highlighting the technical and physical demands of signal work, Lauria ensures that the "telephone men" receive their due credit for the success of the Allied advance.

Suggested Reading

No Better Place to Die: Ste-Mere Eglise, June 1944―The Battle for la Fiere Bridge

The you-are-there story of one of the most ferocious small-unit combats in US history . . . As part of the massive Allied invasion of Normandy, three airborne divisions were dropped behind enemy lines to sow confusion in the German rear and prevent panzer reinforcements from reaching the beaches. I...

Operation Husky: The Untold Story of the Logistics of the Sicily Invasion

Operation Husky, the amphibious invasion of Sicily in July 1943, was the largest and most complex logistical exercise attempted by the Allies up to that point in the war. An assault force of 176,000 soldiers embarked on 2,590 vessels from ports across the Middle East, North Africa, the UK and the U...

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you accept our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.