by Elizabeth Plume Fuss (Author)
An old heavy suitcase that belonged to the widow of a World War II soldier had been moved from place to place over many years. The contents remained unknown other than an explanation to her daughter that it contained "your Daddy's letters." After her death the suitcase revealed a family treasure and a legacy. The letters tell the story of a soldier's experience in Europe with the 83rd Division, known as The Thunderbolt, and portray a beautiful tale of love and devotion. They describe the heroic actions that earned a Bronze Star for Valor and a Purple Heart. They illustrate the limitations of communication in the 1940s and describe the contrasts of going from a clean home to fox holes and destroyed buildings; from clean sheets on a soft, warm bed to dirty blankets on a cold floor. The old suitcase also contained letters from and about the widow's young brother who was killed when his B-24 Liberator was downed over Belgium the night before the D-Day invasion. This book shares these letters and also accompanying pictures and documents in appendices such as General Dwight D. Eisenhower's D-Day speech, Bronze Star Medal citations and an award-winning essay What I Am Fighting For. These letters tell a love story and chronicle the day-to-day life of a WWII soldier who was faithful to his country, his faith and his beloved wife. Enjoy and be inspired.
Author Biography
Elizabeth Plume Fuss is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Science degree in Nursing Health Policy. She retired in 2014 after a 45-year career in Pediatrics, Nursing Management and as Director of Infection Prevention and Employee Health. She has written articles for nursing and infection prevention journals and spoken at national meetings. Elizabeth has been an avid reader all her life, especially biographies and historical novels. Finding her father's World War II letters to her mother was a great joy that she felt called to share with others. Born in West Virginia, she has lived in Maryland for the past 37 years and enjoys her family life with her husband, two sons and their spouses and a granddaughter.
Number of Pages: 312
Dimensions: 0.65 x 8.5 x 5.5 IN
Publication Date: April 05, 2015
