The other veterans of World War II : stories from behind the front lines /
For decades, the dramatic stories of World War II soldiers have been the stuff of memoirs, interviews, novels, documentaries and feature films. Yet the men and women who served in less visible roles, never engaging in physical combat, have received scant attention. Convinced that their depiction as...
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| Format: | Book |
| Language: | English |
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Kent, Ohio :
Kent State University Press,
[2020]
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| Summary: | For decades, the dramatic stories of World War II soldiers have been the stuff of memoirs, interviews, novels, documentaries and feature films. Yet the men and women who served in less visible roles, never engaging in physical combat, have received scant attention. Convinced that their depiction as pencil pushers, grease monkeys or cowards was far from the truth, Rona Simmons embarked on a quest to discover the real story from the noncombat veterans themselves. She sat across from nineteen veterans or their children, read their letters and journals, looked at photographs and touched their mementos, including pieces of shrapnel, a Japanese sword, a porcelain tea set, a pair of wooden shoes, a marquisette wedding gown. Compiling these veterans' stories, Simmons follows them as they report for service, complete their training and often ship out to stations thousands of miles from home. She shares their dreams to see combat and disappointment at receiving noncombat positions, as well as their selflessness and yearning for home. Ultimately, Simmons finds the noncombat veterans had far more in common with the frontline soldiers than differences. Simmons's extensive research gives us a more complete picture of the war effort, bringing long-overdue appreciation for the men and women whose everyday tasks, unexpected acts of sacrifice and faith and humor contributed mightily to the ultimate outcome of World War II. |
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| Physical Description: | xi, 256 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| ISBN: | 9781606353981 1606353985 |