Only a small percentage of the sixteen million servicemen called up during World War II saw front-line service. For the others, war involved training, reinforcement depots, tedious assignments, and lots of waiting. Herman J. Obermayer was one of those who earned a combat star without ever coming close enough to a battlefront to hear or see booming guns. Nonetheless, his letters then, and his reflection on them now, reveal important aspects of the war and the wartime world. From school, from basic training, and later from Europe, Obermayer wrote home with vivid descriptions of life in the Army. Reflective and observant, he recorded his views of both French and German reactions to the American occupation force, race relations among enlisted men, and the problems of supplying the troops as they crossed Europe after the Normandy invasion. One of the few people alive today to have seen Hermann Goering, Rudolf Hess, and other leaders of Third Reich, Obermayer wrote compellingly about the Nazis on trial at Nuremberg, describing Goering’s leadership qualities when stripped of the symbols of rank. A Jew himself, Obermayer explained his reactions at the trials when he witnessed the first documentary confirmation that six million Jews had been killed in the Holocaust. He knew and wrote about the official U.S. Army hangman at Nuremberg. Readers will find in Obermayer’s letters and connective commentary a welcome tendency to look for what went on beneath the surface, a challenging view of how his experiences cast light on today’s politics and issues, and an engrossingly human story of war behind the lines.

About the Author

Herman J. Obermayer was born and raised in Philadelphia. After a successful career as a journalist and as the editor-publisher of two daily newspapers, he enjoyed a second career as a newspaper management consultant in countries emerging from communism. He lives in Arlington, Virginia, with his wife of fifty years.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Founded in 1973, with a shop in downtown Amherst from July 1975 until July of 2009, we are now an online only bookshop. We accept orders by phone or email only. We accept personal check, and paypal. Reasonable offers considered.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Valley Books
MA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Please designate shipping preference. Media mail is 4.25 for average size hardbacks and paperbacks in the U.S. Delivery confirmation is included in the price. $1.00 ea. addit. book. Oversized books are charged at exact cost. Flat-rate Priority rate is $6.95, including delivery confirmation. Oversized books shipped priority depend on weight and zone and will be charged at exact cost. Foreign postage, to most countries, is 32.95 for average size hardbacks, sent First Class International rate.. Can...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Preset shipping cost is based on average hardcover size and weight. Over-sized or unusually heavy books may require additional postage. Delivery confirmation free with every order. We describe accurately and pack carefully. We ship USPS unless another service is requested. We ship within 48 hours of receipt of order, often within 24 hours. We ship worldwide. Books are returnable within 7 days of receipt. ALL BOOKS ARE SHIPPED WITH TRACKING NUMBERS, TRACEABLE AT THE USPS WEBSITE. PLEASE REQUEST TRACKING NUMBERS. ANY CLAIMS OF NON-DELIVERY WILL BE CHALLENGED AGAINST THE TRACKING INFORMAITON PROVIDED BY THE USPS.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 6.00	US$ 10.50

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.