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A Story of One
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Price: From $21.95 to $36.95
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A Story of One: Walking the Path of a World War II Airman
by Christopher M. LaHurd
A Merriam Press Original Publication
Military Monograph MM92
On his twenty-sixth horrifying mission over the hostile skies of Nazi Europe a charismatic bombardier, seated at the nose of a B-17, strapped on his parachute as his disintegrating bomber dropped uncontrollably to the ground. What got him to this point, the ensuing months behind barbed wire, and his daily letters written to his family in Akron, Ohio provide the engrossing content of A Story of One.
This is an emotionally intense memoir of a bombardier's experiences during World War II with the 817th Bomb Squadron, 483rd Bomb Group, Fifteenth Air Force. This book recreates a straightforward story of a cadet growing into a matured and experienced lieutenant that can be extrapolated to illustrate the immense impact of World War II on individual lives. Unlike the scores of historical studies of leaders, military decisions and battles and equally plentiful novels of the period, A Story of One offers a kind of "people's history." It is the true account of a single, unknown individual who stands in for
the unsung warriors of the greatest generation by offering readers an insight into the details of one life.
Although rich with military history, A Story of One is not entirely focused on the war. It recounts frugality and emotions on the home front, training, friendships, love affairs, family, confinement as a prisoner of war and much more. Between March 1942 and August 1945 a cadet becomes an aerial warrior, observes his comrades fall victim to the machinery of war, learns that his brother has also been captured, and attempts to ease his family's fears through frequent letters home.
Besides thousands of wartime personal correspondence, A Story of One draws on extensive interviews with veterans of the 483rd Bombardment Group, conversation with military wives who lived through the war on the home front, and poignant conversations with the bombardier himself.
Contents
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Acknowledgments
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Foreword
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Introduction
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Chapter 1: Memmingen Raid
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Chapter 2: Bouncing Betty
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Chapter 3: Airborne
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Chapter 4: Square One
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Chapter 5: Eye on Norden
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Chapter 6: Brothers in Arms
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Chapter 7: Roses and Rivets
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Chapter 8: Groom Deploys
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Chapter 9: Over the Deep Blue Pond
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Chapter 10: Last Repose
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Chapter 11: Nazi Interview
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Chapter 12: The Dash
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Chapter 13: Stalag Luft I
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Chapter 14: Lost Boys
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Chapter 15: Monotony
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Chapter 16: Lucky
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Chapter 17: Bombardier’s Promise
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Chapter 18: Victory Garden
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Chapter 19: One Life
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Writer’s Note
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Bibliography
Specifications
For more information about the book, visit the author's web site.
Reviews and Testimonials
After Daniel LaHurd passed away, Christopher LaHurd found his grandfather's memory box. A Story of One is Chris's loving recreation of Daniel's experiences as a World War II airman and POW. A great read.
—James Bradley, author of Flags of Our Fathers, Flyboys, The Imperial Cruise
Chris, I just finished reading your wonderful book and I just had to write and give you my congratulations. I am writing to you as a writer, a wife of a Korean Vet, a mother, a sister of a Marine, and last, but not least, a grandmother. From all of my different vantage points, you have done a wonderful job with your first book! You captured me from the moment I read the Introduction—receiving the box of letters from your Grandmother. You have woven the letters into a beautiful book—it was really well done. I have no idea what the critics say about it, but from my point of view, you have touched my heart and made people realize how important A Story of One is. Once again, congratulations Chris, I am sure that your Grandfather is very, very proud of you and you have done a great service to, not only your Grandfather, but all the men who have served our wonderful country.
—Lynne Kovacs via email
Soldier's memory lives on in former resident's book by Amanda Harnocz
[From TallmadgeExpress.com] Tallmadge, Ohio -- November 15, 2009 -- Just before his grandfather passed away, Christopher LaHurd told him he would never forget him. Now, his memory will live on eternally in the pages of LaHurd's first published book on his grandfather's experience during World War II.
"I guess this book was a way for me to keep his memory alive," said LaHurd, who was born in Tallmadge and currently lives in Chicago.
His grandfather, Akron-native Daniel Elias LaHurd, passed away in 2005. Shortly after his death, a large box of war letters, journals, documents and photographs showed up on LaHurd's doorstep.
"After he passed away, my grandmother was going through his things and sent them to me," said LaHurd. "These war materials, which had been hidden deep in my grandfather's closet, became the foundation and inspiration for the book."
The book, entitled A Story of One: Walking the Path of a World War II Airman, took about three years to finish, LaHurd said.
"My hope was that this very personal, singular story would in some way make real the stories of all the other soldiers who fought or are fighting in wars past and present," he said. "I wanted to make sure the individual soldier was never forgotten in the sterile numbers attempting to measure a war, for those individuals are the catalyst of the outcome."
The book includes 60 unedited war letters, 25 photographs and other information from the box given to LaHurd just after his grandfather's passing.
"I had asked my grandfather many questions about his military days and had received only very brief answers, followed by a quick change of subject," he said. "Most of my questions were answered with one word or 'it was no big deal,' 'just doing my duty,' or with tears in his eyes, 'those were good men, good soldiers.' He never gave me anything more than that."
Despite the lack of conversation on his experience, LaHurd combed through all of his grandfather's things in the box and was able to put together his story.
Although Daniel isn't here to read the book, and "he was never one to seek attention for his service, I know he would be proud of my effort."
The book will be available in local retailers and at www.amazon.com this winter, but it is currently available at www.chrislahurd.com.
LaHurd noted he would like to write more books in the future.
"I plan to donate some of the book's profits to charities that align themselves with veterans, disabled or wounded servicemen and military families," he said. "I know [Daniel] would have agreed with that gesture because he was a very giving man."
LaHurd is holding a "meet the reader" at the Nervous Dog Coffee Bar in Akron, 1530 West Market Street, Nov. 28 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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