Same War - Different Missions: WWII Memories and Letters Home

This book recounts the personal WW II experiences of four participants in their very own words. The three American and one German shared many similar and, at the same time, very different experiences. The fighting units of the 82nd Airborne (Sobus) and 23rd Infantry (Robinson) contrast with the support provided by the Special Services Company (Foertschbeck). All four men entered the service, American and German, with a sense of loyalty and duty. All served honorably. As the war in Europe was coming to a close three had thoughts of coming home and then going to Japan to "finish the job". The fourth, Hertrich, was captured by the Russians in Hungary and was a prisoner in a labor camp until November 1949.

John H. Foertschbeck, Sr., was born and raised in Southeast Baltimore, MD. Educated in parochial schools, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mt. St. Joseph's High School in Baltimore, MD., John developed an interest in writing and history early in his youth focusing on his family's German heritage, Native American culture and history, and local history. John retired from Federal service as a project manager in January 1996 after 38 years service. After retiring from Federal service, John worked as an independent IT consultant until December 2001. Since fully retiring he has devoted his time to his family and many special projects including writing. He self-published Woodbine on the B & O in Nov. 2008. John and his wife, Josie, have lived in Woodbine, MD since 1968 and currently enjoy spending time with their four children and eight grand children. John enjoys traveling and has visited all 50 states and traveled extensively through Germany.