The Other Veterans of World War II: Stories from Behind the Front Lines

By: Rona Simmons

Narrated by: Jerolyn Bogear

For decades, the dramatic stories of World War II soldiers have been the stuff of memoirs, interviews, novels, documentaries, and feature films. Yet the men and women who served in less visible roles, never engaging in physical combat, have received scant attention.

Convinced that their depiction as pencil pushers, grease monkeys, or cowards was far from the truth, Rona Simmons embarked on a quest to discover the real story from the noncombat veterans themselves. She sat across from 19 veterans or their children, read their letters and journals, looked at photos, and touched their mementos: pieces of shrapnel, a Japanese sword, a porcelain tea set, a pair of wooden shoes, a marquisette wedding gown.

Compiling these veterans’ stories, Simmons follows them as they report for service, complete their training, and often ship out to stations thousands of miles from home. She shares their dreams to see combat and disappointment at receiving noncombat positions, as well as their selflessness and yearning for home. Ultimately, Simmons finds the noncombat veterans had far more in common with the front line soldiers than differences.

Simmons’s extensive research gives us a more complete picture of the war effort, bringing long-overdue appreciation for the men and women whose everyday tasks, unexpected acts of sacrifice, and faith and humor contributed mightily to the ultimate outcome of World War II.

The book is published by The Kent State University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"I am especially proud of this work.... The very purpose of it is at the heart of our greatest need—unity." (Terry Kay, author of To Dance With the White Dog)

©2020 The Kent State University Press (P)2022 Redwood Audiobooks

Riveting Stories

One listen is not going to be enough! You’re going to want to listen again and again and highlight the hard copy too! This book is well written, well researched, well read, thought provoking and informative. From the prologue to the epilogue, Simmons displays the perfect balance of what was happening in the world and what happened with these 19 heroes, who would never call themselves such. A must read for Americans of all ages. Let’s not forget these men and women who gave their lives for our country. Thank you Rona Simmons for telling us their stories.