Description:
This unique and important collection of narratives and paintings by the well-known New Jersey artist Francis McGinley memorializes events associated with the Holocaust and World War II. As the witnesses of those times slowly fade literally and figuratively from our collective memory, it is more important that ever to record their stories in a meaningful way for future generations. This book is Mr. McGinley's long-awaited and impressive contribution toward that effort.Presented in chronological format, the artist's work depicts the initial panic of Krirstallnacht , the horrors of Auschwitz and the Warsaw Ghetto, and the uncertainty and horror of the voyage of the SS St. Louis. As the war intensifies after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Pacific Theatre is portrayed in images and accounts of the battles of Midway and Guadalcanal, and the invasion of the Philippines. The struggle for Monte Cassino, the gallantry of D-Day and the invasion of France follow, all intermingled with images of submarine warfare and various ships and aircraft employed throughout the war.Personal, in-depth stories, are interspersed throughout the book, including those of Simon Wiesenthal, St. Maximilian Kolbe, PFC Marcelino A. Ortiz, Sergeant William H. Fisher, Dina Gabel, Colonel James H. Doolittle, pilot Edgar McElroy, the Four Chaplains, Captain Ben L. Salomon, Major Thomas B. McGuire, waist gunner Joe O'Donnell, the men of the Bertie Lee, Colonel Mickey Marcus, Corporal “Duke” Lenard, Lieutenant Raymond Zussman, Platoon Sergeant Frank Olsen, PFC Edwin Kolodziej, 2nd Lieutenant “Bud” Lomell, Raoul Wallenburg, PFC Francis S. Currey, Corporal Horace M. Thorne, Staff Sergeant Isadore S. Jackman, 2nd Lieutenant Audie Leon Murphy, PFC Frank J. Bernhardt, Airman George Watson, and Libel Sanik.The stories continue, focusing on the Battle of the Bulge, the annihilation of Dresden, and the bombing of Hiroshima by the Enola Gay. As the destruction and mayhem of war finally come to a close, we view the liberation of Dachau, and the signing of the peace treaty onboard the USS Missouri as it lies in Tokyo Bay. Mr. McGinley intersperses the book with illustrations of individuals, ships, and units that made up the war, complete with moving recollections by actual participants.American History Press and author Frank McGinley are proud to present this book to the current generation, doing our part to preserve the heritage of this time period in hopes that the horrors, pain, and destruction of such a war will never be repeated again.
