World War II Woman

Ordinary Heroes

Last month, I was pleased to have a book signing at the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania at the annual World War II weekend. Featured was an authentic recreation of both Allied and German army camps, complete with original World War II vehicles. Over 100 living history enthusiasts portrayed military personnel from the European Theater in 1944. Volunteers presented programs on World War II medical services, weapons and equipment, communications, military vehicles, and the life of the common G.I. This event is held every September.

Sitting across from me in the bookstore was Sharon Wells Wagner and her son Steve Wagner, who had just recently released their book Ordinary Heroes. Sharon had earlier published a book about her father, Red Wells.

Told through the eyes of its participants, Ordinary Heroes, is the result of more than sixty interviews. It is a collection of true stories woven into one single narrative spanning the entire years of World War II. The book begins with the attack on Pearl Harbor, takes us through the many battles in the Pacific Theater and on to the final days in Europe.

These men survived many hardships and, at times, almost certain death. Two of the men were killed in action – one when his B-29 crashed off Saipan; the other on D-Day on Omaha Beach. A number of the men were wounded and others were taken as prisoners of war.

With Sharon and Steve, and participating in the book signing, were many of these “ordinary heroes.” Among them was Frank Lashinsky with his wife Dorothy who had been at the table next to mine for the three days of the World War II weekend in Reading, Pennsylvania earlier this year. It was good to see them again.

Also in the book are two women about whom I will write shortly. One was an Army nurse; the other a Navy nurse.

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