The US Review of Books

“The assistant gunner and I stayed awake all night, waiting and watching and thinking, what if? Fortunately, no contact was made. I realized then that the DMZ was a very dangerous place.”

Anyone can tell the facts behind a story, but those who have lived it can share insights no secondhand history can match. With this in mind, the author has taken the firsthand accounts and personal stories of sixty veterans and incorporated them into a cohesive collection of memories that covers half a dozen wars or periods of conflict. From the horrors of World War II to the end of the Cold War, Graser offers an illuminating chronicle of what a soldier’s life is really like.

Graser spent almost eight years conducting interviews and gathering information.  His method, which weaves the veterans’ own stories into an historical overview of a specific conflict, is extremely effective. For example, when describing the Battle of Okinawa during World War II, he begins with a synopsis before letting two soldiers who fought in the battle speak for themselves. The soldiers’ accounts go well beyond the war’s scorecard and reveal some of the actual fears and experiences of the participants.

As a veteran himself, the author is obviously very close to this work, and it shows not only in his passion for his subject, but also in his attention to detail. Five appendices supplement his narrative and includes images of the ribbons and medals the veterans included in the book had earned (which he personally ordered for them and had presented to them in a special ceremony in 2007), a helpful list of acronyms and abbreviations, etc.  The result of his efforts is a book that is a useful addition to the history of war.

RECOMMENDED by The US Review of Books.

 

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Governor of New Hampshire book review for Veterans’ Reflections.

Dear Sergeant Graser,

What an honor to receive your wonderful book – by preserving and telling these stories you are ensuring that current and future generations will have a better understanding of and appreciation for our men and women who served – and will realize what a diverse and heroic group of people it is.

I am reminded of my Dad, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Thank you for your service too – for your devotion to freedom and to making sure none of us take it for granted.

With very good wishes,
Maggie

 

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Margaret Wood Hassan
Governor of New Hampshire

May 23, 2016

Note from the author: The Battle of the Bulge took place in Belgium beginning on December 16, 1944. Through January 1945, American troops, often wading through deep snow drifts, attacked German forces until they had restored the front and set the stage for the final victory over Nazi Germany.

 

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Library book review for Veterans’ Reflections.

On behalf of the Board of Library Trustees, I would like to thank you for donating Veterans’ Reflections: History Preserved to the library.  Your book is fascinating and I am confident that the community of Londonderry will enjoy it.

Barbara J. Ostertag-Holtkamp
Library Director
May 2, 2016

 

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Goodreads book reviews for Veterans’ Reflections.

I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway. I really enjoyed this book. The author does a wonderful job giving the history of each war period prior to recounting the veterans’ reflection of that time period. I liked the way Graser added his own personal memories to the reflections and added personal memories that the reader could connect to. I recommend this book to anyone who loves history, military history, or military families.

Stacy, July 9, 2016

I was pleased to have won this book in a recent Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

An excellent book any time, but especially on Memorial Day weekend! I learned more about modern American history reading this book than I did taking any American history class. The history lessons on the wars themselves, what led up to them, all the important events, we’re all there in a nice concise, but unbiased way. But most important, gut-wrenching, heart-touching are the first person accounts. Those are why you can’t pull yourself away. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was amazing!

Teresa Jillard, May 28 to 29, 2016

Interesting stories by Veterans during several Wars, including World War II, Vietnam, Korea and more. Now on loan to my son-in-law who has been patiently waiting to read this book when I finished. Recommended

Jeanette, May 22, 2016

 

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Amazon book review for Veterans’ Reflections.

Great book. Every American needs to read it. I can’t wait for the author’s next book!

Wayne L. Parsons, February 22, 2016

 

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AVeterans’ Reflections: History Preserved by William R. Graser

Michelle’s review, June 18, 2016
Read from June 12 to June 18, 2016.
I won a copy of Veterans’ Reflections from Goodreads. It was amazing! 5 Stars