Awaiting the Sun: WWII Veterans Remember the Aleutians

During World War II, the Aleutians were the only North American territory to be invaded and occupied, resulting in over 3,800 Japanese and American deaths. Bil Paul's narrative history weaves together the accounts of over 200 officers and enlisted men, including those of Dashiell Hammett, Yehudi Menuhin, and Bud Freeman, and includes over 50 official and personal photographs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2023
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

The Aleutians stand as a singular chapter in the annals of World War II, as they were the only North American territory to be invaded and occupied by enemy forces. The intense battle for these remote islands off the Alaskan mainland raged for over a year, claiming the lives of over 3,800 Japanese and American soldiers. The soldiers on both sides endured grueling combat spells, interspersed with extended periods of isolation and boredom. Author Bil Paul has masterfully crafted a narrative history of this conflict, drawing upon the accounts of over 200 officers and enlisted men. The narrative also features the in-theater experiences of renowned writer Dashiell Hammett, as well as musicians Yehudi Menuhin and Bud Freeman. Chapters delve into the men's reactions to the harsh conditions, including subpar food and housing, as well as the absence of women. Over 50 official and personal photographs complement the narrative, providing a visual glimpse into the lives of these soldiers during the Aleutian campaign.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780764365188