top of page

BLURBS

A masterful storyteller and a dogged history detective, Martin King has brought to life the inspiring and poignant story of Augusta Chiwy: The Forgotten Angel of Bastogne. In December 1944, amid the fearful violence of the Battle of the Bulge, this Belgian African nurse embodied true bravery and compassion, repeatedly risking her life to care for wounded American soldiers. Her heroism might have remained unsung, but for King’s tireless efforts to piece together the story. His journey brought him face to face with the tiny woman whose huge heart made her a most unlikely hero.

King paints an extraordinary picture of besieged Bastogne from snowy, blood-spattered battlefields to dank cellars where people took shelter from the carnage. He introduces us to a cast of quiet heroes -- civilians and soldiers, alike -- who strove to save lives during one of the horrific battles of World War II.

--Rick Beyer, author and FiIlmmaker, The Ghost Army of World War II

One of the joys of studying history is that people emerge from the shadows whose actions that would otherwise have been forgotten demand our attention. One such is Augusta Chiwy, a Belgian nurse who found herself immersed in the horror of the Battle for Bastogne during Christmas 1944 and responded with spectacular courage and compassion. Chiwy's story has now been revealed in full by the energetic researches of Martin King who has demonstrated that Chiwy should be counted as one of history's true heroes

Peter Snow British Historian TV Presenter Author ‘20th Century Battlefields’

"His Majesty entrusted me with the honor of conveying you his appreciation for your very interesting book. Highly sensible to the remembrance of those who suffered and even gave their lives, like many allied soldiers did, to free Europe and Belgium, the King was deeply moved by the feature documentary.”
General Jef Van den put
Chief of the Military Household of the King of Belgium


Martin’s story of Augusta Chiwy reminds me of that which the soldiers in the 327th Infantry Brigade, 101st Airbone Division hold dear; selflessness, duty, and commitment. Augusta serves as a shining example of these attributes and this story reminds all of us in uniform that we must never forget the sacrifice and service of those who came before us. This is a must see for anyone and also those who have served as well as their loving, supportive families.”
Colonel Rob Campbell (ret’d)
Commander, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airbone Division
(Air Assault)


“I have never known a better story in my life. It is thoughtful and touching beyond belief. The context that you provide on the Bulge to help tell the story is beyond reproach. This is 11 on a scale of 10.”
CMR Jeffrey Barta (Ret'd)
Former Deputy Museum Systems Operations Office
Naval History and Heritage Command
Washington, DC


It has brought me to tears! 
Dr. Norman Lichtenfeld,
Author/Historian


Thanks to the passion and determination of Martin King to deliver the extraordinary details of this modern day saint, Augusta Chiwy's life of humility driven by an interior forum to do do the right thing even in the face of hell can never be forgotten again!

Helen Patton,
Granddaughter, General George Patton

Augusta Chiwy, a civilian volunteer nurse to the 101st Airborne Division fighting in and around Bastogne in Dec '44, will be forever remembered as the young girl from Burundi who became the ultimate symbol of self sacrifice and acclaimed nursing devotion to our wounded in need. With her religious faith and experienced mind and hands Augusta Chiwy became the modern battlefield Florence Nightingale to our besieged divisions that were outnumbered 10 to 1 in armor and men. Her personal iconic sacrifices have been honored by the American and Belgium governments along with numerous organizations thanks to Martin King’s tireless efforts to get her the recognition she so justly deserved. A petite figure of historic gigantic proportions now resting in Bastogne but reunited in heaven.

Professor Carlton Joyce author of ‘Stand where they fought’ and life long friend of Dwight D Eisenhower

bottom of page