The Epic World War II Story of the Japanese American GIs Who Rescued the Lost Battalion
October 1, 2016
There are endless stories of daring and heroism from World War II. Some have received greater attention than others, but as the generation who fought the war fades into history, it is imperative that those lesser-known accounts be given their due. McGaugh (Surgeon in Blue) contributes to this cause with his latest work, detailing the rescue of 200 American soldiers in the Vosges mountains in France by the 442nd Infantry Regiment. By condensing military reports and eyewitness accounts, the author creates a suspenseful narrative that carefully recounts the actions, events, and personalities involved without bogging down the flow. More importantly, McGaugh brings to light that the 442nd was made up of volunteer Japanese American soldiers, many of whom had family quarantined in internment camps back home in the United States. He discusses briefly the lives these soldiers led after the war, in particular the vile racism and discrimination they faced. These heroes served honorably to protect the freedom of even those who dishonored them. VERDICT World War II buffs will find this book to be a satisfying read and a necessary addition to the subject's literature.--Brett Rohlwing, Milwaukee P.L.
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