Chappie World War II Diary of a Combat Chaplain - Softcover

Alton E. Carpenter; A. Anne Eiland

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1606435078 ISBN 13: 9781606435076

Publisher: Mead Publishing, 2007

Synopsis

This combat chaplain's WWII fascinating eye-witness account of the major battles in North Africa and Europe paints a rare, but vivid picture of the daily reality he and his fellow 20th Combat Engineers experienced during their three years of serving along the front line. As the unit fought their way across North Africa, Sicily, and Europe, this army chaplain kept a diary, making entries before battles, in the midst of battles, and afterwards, recording the joys, the humor, and the tragedies unfolding around him and his fellow engineers. Written at the time the events occurred, the author shared his observations, and expressed his opinions. This is Chappie's story, an account of how he saw the events as they occurred, not necessarily as historians may have later recorded them. Chappie's diary includes numerous details of the war that are not be found in any other book, and the inclusion of over eighty photographs adds to the story.

About this title

About the Author

Born in 1906 in Lousiana, Alton E. Carpenter graduated from L.S.U. and earned his Th.D. from the New Orleans Theological Seminary. He served as a Baptist minister in Louisiana, Alabama, and Arizona for 36 years, served three years during World War II as a combat chaplain, and taught religion for four years at Arizona State University. From 1968-1976 he served as the President of Scottsdale Memorial Hospital in Scottsdale, AZ, after which he served on its board as president emeritus until shortly before his death in 1993. For his innovative leadership in creating quality helathcare for Scottsdale, he received many honors, including being named to the Scottsdale Hall of Fame Historymakers. He wrote several books, including a textbook for his ASU course. He loved to travel, was an avid photographer, and was an active member of the Scottsdale Rotary until his death. He kept a diary during his time in combat, and it was this diary that formed the basis for the book. Other books published by Alton E. Carpenter: Twenty-three Keys to Inner Peace (1973), The Infinite Thought Projections of Jesus (1975), Twenty-Keys to a Beautiful Life (1976)................................. Co-author: Anne Eiland was born in New Orleans, Lousiana and grew up in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. After graduating from Baylor University, she lived in various parts of the south before moving to Texas, where she was a teacher for 28 years. She now lives in Arizona, is a freelance writer and professional photographer, and enjoys lecturing on the many places she's traveled. She has had a number of her stories and articles published in both adult and children's magazines. Her interest in history has always been there, and this book presented the perfect opportunity to share her father's personal daily accounts of one of the most historically significant events of the 20th Century. Anne and her father worked together on the manuscript for Chappie World War II Diary of a Combat Chaplain, and he left her with instructions to see that the book was completed after his death.

Review

Midwest Book Review, July 2008 by Richard N. Larson: This awsome diary of Combat Chaplain Alton E. Carpenter, lovingly transcribed by his daughter A. Anne Eiland follows Chappie from the landing at November 8th 1942 in French Morocco in North Africa, through the landing at Sicily July 10th 1943 and finally the D-day landing on Omaha Beach in France, June 6th 1944. The Diary begins June 4th 1942, with Chaplain Carpenter's entry into the military and continues on to August 16th 1945 as he left Europe for home. This diary is very personal with opinions, not always in agreement with official reports. Chappie comments on George Patton, Dwight Eisenhower and a myriad of World War II personalities. This diary, along with Ms Eiland's additional biography of her father, cries out to be read. It is a fascinating daily account of World War II Africa and Europe, up front and personal, the way Chappie saw it, more than sixty years ago. The original 9X6 notebook-diary on which this book is based, is carefully preserved by his family. The many photographs were candid shots taken by Chappie and give the feel of the times. It seems like only yesterday. For all who have interest in World War II history, to those who like to read diaries, and anyone else who enjoys a good read, I recommend this book. --Midwest Book Review by Mr. Richard N. Larsen --Midwest Book Reviewer's Bookwatch, July 2008

As a historian I was fascinated by the many references he made to particular people, places and events and his own perceptions/impressions of them...The book provides an inspiring and honest look at how the human spirit is sustained in an environment of death, destruction and loss. --Email: Dr. M. Burch, former history professor, Phoenix AA

I am an avid reader of history in general and the twentieth Century in particular. Chappie ranks among the finest of the innumerable works that I have read. As the author said, it is an account of the events of battle as they occurred, not necessarily as historians may have later recorded them. --Letter from R. E. Mann, Phoenix, AZ

About this edition

• Publisher: Mead Publishing
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1606435078
• ISBN 13: 9781606435076
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240
• Editor: Darla Mead
• Illustrator: Russell Mead