The Liberator

"The Liberator" by Alex Kershaw unveils the harrowing true story of Felix Sparks, a maverick officer who led one of World War II's most remarkable and diverse infantry units. The US Army 157th regiment, known as the Thunderbirds, was a melting pot of Native Americans from over fifty tribes, Mexican-Americans, and men from the American Southwest. Tasked with leading this formidable force, Sparks endured an odyssey from the invasion of Italy to the liberation of Dachau, witnessing more action and suffering than almost any other unit in Europe. This gripping narrative chronicles their brutal journey, showcasing the resilience and sacrifice of the men who fought alongside Sparks. He was the sole survivor of his company's entire wartime journey, and his story, alongside those of his brave comrades, is told here for the first time, offering an unvarnished look at the savagery of war and the indomitable spirit of those who fought it.