J. Calvin Coolidge: Letters from the Korean War

J. CALVIN COOLIDGE: LETTERS FROM THE KOREAN WAR follows Coolidge from his early farming days in West Springfield, Massachusetts, to the front lines of the Korean War.

Calvin's younger sister Ann is awakened when a telegram arrives informing the family that Private Coolidge has been wounded during the bitter battle of Kings Hill (Hill 902 in North Korea). Calvin writes to his friend Sully: "The Reds attacked our Co. full force about 3:00 am. We were located about 15 to 20 miles above the 38th in the central sector... I am beginning to think a guy could get killed over here." And to his parents: "As I write this letter from Pusan on a Danish hospital ship, I suppose you have received a telegram stating I was injured in action. I was winged in the shoulder at the base of the neck. It is not serious. No broken bones... Don't want you to worry at home because I am doing great. Had steak and ice cream for dinner."

J. CALVIN COOLIDGE: LETTERS FROM THE KOREAN WAR contains letters, rare photographs, and newspaper clippings telling the story of three courageous young people navigating their way through the challenging times of America's forgotten war. Edited by his niece, author Lisa Soland, this historical book contains information regarding J. Calvin Coolidge's relation to his namesake,

the 3oth President of the United States.)

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING...

"J. Calvin Coolidge: Letters from the Korean War is a timely and excellent book by Lisa Soland that follows the life of a forgotten American hero who served his nation during the Korean War. The pinnacle of this book captures the battle of King's Hill (Hill 902) in North Korea, where Calvin and his unit faced a massive assault by the communist forces. Despite being massively outnumbered, Calvin's unit beat back the Reds, although at a great cost in lives. Calvin himself was seriously wounded in this action. I highly recommend this book that revives the memory of a great American and reminds us of the great sacrifice that comes with our freedoms."

Senator Doug Mastriano, PhD, Colonel, US Army (retired)

"It is often said that newspapers are pages of American history, written one day at a time. The same holds true for letters from soldiers facing enemies half a world away. In Lisa Soland's latest book, these up-close accounts were penned by her uncle, J. Calvin Coolidge, during the Korean War. Unlike his storied namesake, this Coolidge wasn't silent, for which readers and historians can be thankful."

Sam Venable, author and columnist, Knoxville News Sentinel

"Clearly, President Coolidge and his namesake cousin shared much more than a name. Both lived in Western Massachusetts; both served their country; both chronicled their lives through their letters and photographs. And both men shared a blend of wit and wisdom that is so characteristic of New Englanders. Lisa's well-researched and well-written book will serve as an inspiration for anyone thinking about

compiling a family memoir of their own."

Tracy W. Messer, APR, Living History Performer as "President Calvin Coolidge"

J. Calvin Coolidge was a New England farmer by trade in the New Salem, Massachusetts, area prior to and following his service in the United States Armed Forces. He was the grandson of Lillian Pierce Coolidge who wrote the book The History of Prescott, Massachusetts, Prescott being one of the towns in the Swift River Valley flooded for the benefit of the Metropolitan Water Basin. Calvin was the namesake and 8th cousin, 2nd removed, of the 30th President of the United States. He entered the Army on September 26, 1950, serving in the Korean War as a 57-mm recoilless rifle squad leader with the 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He received the Korean Service Ribbon with two stars, which meant he fought in two major Kore-an War campaigns. Calvin also received the Presidential Unit Citation Emblem, the Combat In-fantryman Badge, and the Purple Heart. He was wounded on Hill 902 during the battle of King's Hill. Following his recovery, Calvin was transported back to the front lines, where he spent ten weeks fighting in the famous battle of Heartbreak Ridge. He reached the rank of Corporal before being released.

Editor Lisa Soland began her literary career as a playwright. Samuel French published her plays Waiting, Cabo San Lucas, Truth Be Told, The Name Game, and The Man in the Gray Suit & Other Short Plays, but her work can also be found in countless "best of" anthologies by French, Smith & Kraus, Applause Books, and Dramatic Publishing. Her one-person show Sergeant York: The Play received a Tennessee Arts Commission grant, opened with a six-week run, and continues to tour throughout the Southeast. Ms. Soland teaches playwriting at Maryville College, the Arts in the Gap program at Lincoln Memorial University, and leads various writing workshops online and throughout the United States. She has over 60 international publications, including the children's books: Somebunny To Love, The Christmas Tree Angel, The Unmade Moose, Thump, The Truth About God's Rainbow, The Boy & the Bagel Necklace, and God's Hands and Feet. She currently works as Senior Editor for both the adult and children's divisions of Climbing Angel Publishing and has edited over 30 books.