The Human Tradition in the World War II Era (The Human Tradition in America)

This collection of brief biographical sketches presents the American experience in the World War II era by looking at the conflict through the ordeals of a broad array of men and women. The stories of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who served in the European and Pacific theaters are included here. Among the persons in uniform, subjects include an aviation trainer and combat commander, an infantryman, and a prisoner of war. The critical homefront comes to life through such diverse figures as a Kansas farmer, a famous Hollywood actor, women workers in the Iron Range of Minnesota, a Mennonite conscientious objector, and a wartime congresswoman. The varied experiences of a Japanese-American couple, a Jewish policymaker, and black leader reveal the trials and accomplishments of minority groups during this tumultuous time.

By focusing on a wide variety of Americans, The Human Tradition in the World War II Era gives readers a fuller understanding of the tremen-dous war effort mounted by the U.S., but also a deeper sense of its profound impact on American society at large and on the lives of individuals both in the field and on the homefront. These compelling, personal stories will capture the imagination of all those interested in military history, American history, and World War II.

The Human Tradition in the World War II Era's focus on individual experiences as a means to tell a wider story makes it extremely valuable for classroom use. (Dennis E. Showalter, Colorado College; author of Patton and Rommel: Men of War in the Twentieth Century)