Fred Brems was drafted in 1941, six months before Pearl Harbor. He spent all of World War II as a tanker, serving in the European Theater in the U.S. Army's most celebrated division, the 2nd Armored Division, known as "Hell on Wheels." One of the most renowned units in American military history, the 2nd served in North Africa, Sicily, and Europe and fought in celebrated engagements including Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Rhine campaign. Brems, who rose up the ranks to command a platoon and then a company of Sherman tanks, photographed it all. Through over 600 photos, many never before published, supplemented by firsthand accounts from Brems, Knights of Freedom follows the 2nd Armored through some of the toughest fighting of World War II. It is a visual feast depicting American tank combat as it has never been seen before.
Frederick C. Brems was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1941, six months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served as a tanker throughout World War II, with the 2nd Armored Division and other units and received the Bronze Star and the Silver Star. Once the war ended, he returned to his civilian life in the paper industry, rising to lead the firm he joined as a young man. He continued in the Army Reserve until 1967, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Frederick was born in Chicago, Illinois, and lived in the Chicago area until retirement. He died in 2014. Fred G. Brems, inspired by the multiple accounts related by his father over the years, became a lifelong student of military history and an avid collector of military models. Brems is an educator, researcher, writer, and photographer who held professional staff positions in U.S. embassies and schools in both the U.S. and overseas. He has an M.A. from the University of Maryland and a B.S. from Georgetown University. Fred and his wife, Susan, live in Durham, North Carolina.
. . . a fine account of the 66th Armored Regiment from Aachen to Berlin. I feel certain that my dad would have approved of this book.--Jon Critchfield, son of 1st Lt. Donald A. Critchfield, Tank Platoon Commander, F Company, 66th Armored Regiment, Second Armored Division, World War II A terrific read with a plethora of photos that provides great insights into the daily lives of U.S. soldiers fighting at the "tip of the spear" in Europe during the last days of the war.--Neil Phillips, U.S. Foreign Service Officer Company F, 66th Armored Regiment's journey through the last months of World War II as told in Knights of Freedom is well documented and captivating. The first-person perspective of the narrative allowed me to get a glimpse of what our fathers had to go through. The vivid details made it feel like we were right there with them.--1st Lt. Marvin Fawks, U.S. Army (Veteran) and son of Capt. Ed Fawks, CO of F Company, 66th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division, World War II Fred Brems brings critical World War II battles to life through his father's trek across Europe at the height of the war. His story is full of poignant vignettes, like our visit to Dochamps, where a chance encounter with an elderly Belgian man portrayed the human drama of war and illustrated how a lonely tank battle tragically changed lives. Brems' vivid and loving WWII portrait is a valuable historical document that conveys on every page a simple message: Remember.--Mark C. Storella, former U.S. Ambassador (Ret.) Fred Brems nailed exactly what it was like! Well done!--Sgt. Ray Stewart, BOG in the tank Frances, veteran of F Company, 66th AR, 2nd AD during World War II Frederick C. Brems, a humble but heroic tank commander, fought in some of the most important battles of WWII. His eloquent letters and captivating photographs illuminate the human side of war in a saga of military leadership, tactics and life on the front. Throughout, his love for his family, troops, and country see him through the darkest days and inspire us all.--Andrew Sisson, professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and retired U.S. Senior Foreign Service Officer Knights of Freedom should become required reading in all officer training courses.--Dave Minser, military historian This well-researched account not only enriches our understanding of WWII but provides insights into the human and tactical aspects of any war, including today's conflict in Ukraine. Far more than a story about a commander in the 2nd Armored Division, Knights of Freedom is a compelling narrative about how people organize, commit, and sacrifice for goals larger them themselves and, in so doing, make our world a better place.--Stephen M. Schwartz, former U.S. Ambassador to Somalia (Ret.)
