Bedford Goes to War: The Heroic Story of a Small Virginia Community in World War II by James W Morrison (2004, Book, Illustrated): The Heroic Story of a Small Virginia Community in World War II

Bedford County, Virginia, is a small, rural community at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwestern Virginia. It is picturesque, with mountains and rolling hills and the quaint county seat of Bedford. Its people are friendly, hardy, and patriotic. World War II, more than any war since the Civil War, would test the community's patriotism and mettle. Bedford would more than pass muster, both on the battlefield and on the home front. This is the story of how the 30,000 people of Bedford County sent forth approximately 10 percent of its citizenry to serve in America's armed forces. It is the story of many of those who served, those who fought, those who were wounded, and those who would not return. It is also the story of how those citizens who remained on the home front in Bedford aided their country - with their labor, their voluntary efforts, their treasure, and their love, support, prayers, and memorials for those in the service. Bedford's story is unique, but is reflects what happened across all of American during the war.