Knights of Freedom: With the Hell on Wheels Armored Division in World War II, A Story in Photos

This is an outstanding account of a Soldier's like during World War II. It compares favorably with Charles MacDonald's "Company Commander." While less verbose than that book, the pictures more than make up for it. He doesn't just tell us what happened, he shows us. And the prose is not lacking, the incidents in Dochamps and later the Soldier with his wool cap moved me to tears. My only regret is that I did not get to LTC Brems, but I thank his son for giving me this opportunity to at least read his words.

Hop in the commander’s seat in the turret of a Sherman tank. Not just a tank commander but a platoon commander (5 Shermans), and later a company commander (17 Shermans) during some of the worst fighting and most important battles of World War II. This account is destined to become a tanker classic and is comparable in importance to other firsthand accounts, such as Spearhead (Mancos), Death Traps (Copper), and Another River, Another Town (Irwin). 1st Lieutenant Frederick C. Brems was with Company F, 66th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels”. F/66 has been portrayed in the Band of Brothers series, when companies D, E, and F are directed to support the 101st Airborne Division outside of Carentan, France on June 13th to blunt a German counterattack. The battle that ensued not only turned the tide for the 101st Airborne, but eliminated the German attack that was planned to retake Carentan and push on to the beaches between the seam of the VII and VIII Corps. F/66 is also the unit featured in the movie Fury, starring Brad Pitt, which shows them in action late in the war.“Knights of Freedom” tells the true story of the Fury tankers in World War II.” By the way, Lt. Brem’s Sherman was named Freedom. Lt. Brems joined the 2nd Armored Division as a replacement with Company I on September 25, 1944, when they were fighting to cross the Siegfried line and capture the first major city of western Germany – Aachen. On October 8th, Lt. Brems volunteered to move to Company F, after all three of its platoon commanders were either killed, wounded, or relieved. Lt. Brems took command of the 2nd platoon. During the Battle of the Bulge Lt. Brems took over as commander of all three platoons of F/66th. The battles to get across the Rhine River, Ruhr Pocket, and final engagements of the war are also covered in the book.Using battalion Daily Reports, his own notes, letters home, etc. Lt. Brems and his son have completed a wonderful firsthand account of tank actions, challenges, and battles won. The book also details the mutually beneficial relationship the tankers had with the infantry they supported, and who supported them. The book features many never-before-seen pictures. Lt. Brems took over 600 photos while in Europe. A companion website to the book has been set up with a lot of never-before-seen photos (organized by chapter) that did not make it into book, or are shown in a larger format, etc. Great detail is given in the book to denote specific locations of events. Lt. Brem’s original maps used during the war are shown, along with new illustrated maps for a better understanding of the big picture. The book also covers his early training and the multiple units he was with before the 2nd AD. The books ends with the 2nd Armored Division in Berlin and many never-before-seen photos of the city right after the war.Sit back and meet the crews and tanks of F/66 – Fancy Pants, Freedom, Francis, Fawks Family, Fay, etc., as they fight against some of the best German divisions on the battlefield and destroy Mark IV, Panthers, & Tiger II tanks in head-to-head combat.

Knights of Freedom is the personal story of Lt.Col. Frederick C. Brems from his days of Boot Camp, training in the US, waiting in a replacement company, combat actions in the Second Armored Division, occupation of Berlin, and return home. His story is combination of self-narration, parts from letters home, and excerpts from official records. A real bonus are the more than 600 photographs most taken by Brems himself. In addition, several hundred more photos are available at the website listed in the book. Lt.Col. Brems was a sharp, intelligent officer who had a intuition for assessing a situation and making the correct decision. These traits along with his continual watching out for the men in his command led to awards of both a Silver and Bronze Star. The actions resulting in these awards are covered in detail, without boasting or bravado. Everyone knows of the fighting in Bastogne and attack by Patton’s Third Army during the Battle of the Bulge. But, until reading this book I wasn’t aware of the actions of 2nd Armored to close the Bulge from the north side. Lt.Col. vividly described the movement through villages and towns in Germany on the way to victory. In one incident one of his tanks responds to a sniper attack with tragic results that were unknown until the research for this book. I highly recommend this book for anyone whose interests are World War 2 late war actions, life in a tank company, and the war experience of an individual. Again most highly recommended.

“Knights of Freedom” greatly enriches what I’ve known of the hero in this story…the man whom I fondly called Uncle Freddie. To be made aware, though, through his own words and photographs, of the incredible strength, the courage and the conviction he held as he moved through a world that challenged the very ideals he held dear, those of faith, family and country, has at times moved me to tears in the reading of this book. I knew him as my loving, kindly Uncle who was quick with a smile and long with a hug. To know more of what he gave to those in his company, in uniform or out, only augments my admiration for him and heightens the great pride I feel in having known him. WWII becomes easier to understand as I weave my way through Uncle Fred’s story… one so brilliantly put together by his son, my cousin Fred G Brems. I am grateful for the efforts both of them have expended upon my behalf and, more broadly, upon OUR behalf . This is a story that needs to be shared, to be celebrated, and to learn from!

A unique first person perspective of a young man drafted in 1941 and serving till the end of 1945 risingfrom a private to a tank company commander by the end of the war. His hobby of taking photos withhis little camera provide a great visual accompaniment to his 5 years of service; which includedthe entire campaign in northern Europe from the Normandy invasion, the Battle of the Bulge and the finalassault on Berlin. I felt that the book provided a fair picture of what it was like to serve at this critical time for Americaand a sense of the values these brave soldiers held.