Product Description
"Most fort histories end when the military lowers the flag for the last time and the soldiers march out. In contrast, Fort Robinson - occupied and used for more than fifty years since its abandonment by the U.S. army - has taken on new roles. This book recounts the story of this famous northwestern Nebraska army post as it underwent remarkable transformation in the first half of the twentieth century.""In the early 1900s, Fort Robinson hosted the last of the African American buffalo soldiers to serve in Nebraska. In the 1920s and 1930s the fort procured and issued thousands of horses for the U.S. army's largest remount depot, earning for itself the popular designation as the "Country Club of the Army." During World War II, Fort Robinson housed the army's primary war dog training center and served as a major internment camp for German prisoners of war. After 1948, Fort Robinson became a beef research center and is now the state's premier part." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good Information
The book was bought as a gift for my friend who lived at Fort Robinson at a young age.His father's position at the fort was to purchase horses and mules for training.The details in the book gives great insight as to the function of the fort and the people involved.There was a great buildup of calvary officers prior to WWI and WWII and the horses and mules who were an integral part of warfare of that time period.My friend was thrilled by receiving the book and actually recognized some of names of men who were mentioned.As a civilian who loves history, I found the book interesting.The book covers little known facts regarding the history of the clavary and training done at the fort.

Definitive Book on Fort Robinson
As a writer, I found this volume to be an amazing resource packed with the details that make the 20th Century at Fort Robinson, NE, come to life. I could not have written Sandhill Dreams with any authenticity without this book. It is a treasure trove of information that makes the time and place come to life. While the print's small, the impact and value of the book is huge! ... Read more

Product Description
The exciting adventures of Black cowboys, pioneers, soldiers, and other frontiersmen join the celebrated folklore of the wild West in the Reflections of a Black Cowboy series. Through colorful, masterfully crafted vignettes that rival tall tales of the old frontier, author Robert H. Miller shares stories of important real life heroes - men and women whose bravery and adventurous spirits helped make the American West possible.Mountain Men spotlights Essteban, who came to America from Morocco as a slave aand was the first African to land in New Mexico and Arizona territory; Jean Baptiste Point duSable, founder of the city of Chicago; James Beckwourth, who discovered a shorter path (which bares his name) over the mountains to California; George McJunkin, whose discover of the Folsom Site in New Mexico proved Native Americans presence in North America dated back 10,000 years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

TheKirkus Review up above is incorrect
This is book #4, not book #3. The format is the same - an old black cowboy is telling stories to his old dog about Blacks in the early history of the United States - a long-ignored area of history. This series sheds some much-needed light and avoids being preachy.

The information is solid and written in an active style - aimed at and just about perfect for 6-9th grade boys. It is written in a historical fiction style, rather than a biographical style. The average story is about 20 pages long. Each story has a picture.

Book #4 features Mountain Men:
-'Esteban and the Seven Cities of Gold'
-Jean Baptiste Du Sable: Founder of Chicago
-Jim Beckwourth: Mountain Man and Indian Chief
-George McJunkin: Scholar and Cowboy

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Buffalo Soldiers
This is a beautifully illustrated book about the role of the Buffalo Soldier in the "taming of the west".Contains facinating details about the daily life of the black soldier and historic information concerning battles with the Apaches and Victorio. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Al Gowan - a great storyteller
Al Gowan's novel - Santiago Rag - starts on June 1897, an year preceding the beginning of the Spanish-Cuban-American war.

The reader is introduced to this historical period through the knotty relationship of the fictional characters who build and sustain a continuous action of the Romantic period of American history.

In a very visual and vivid narrative Gowan presents and brings fictional characters into life in interactions with historical characters.

The makings of the war, personal interests, strategies are depicted in front of our eyes. Battlefield narratives contain the rhythm of a real battle and transport the reader into the action. The narrative's dynamic rhythm suggests the possibility of a screenplay.

A reading that helps to better understand the period of Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders.

This novel drove me to read his earlier "Zamora`s Tattoo" and his short stories in "Fort Momma" which, published in Portuguese, have been receiving attention in Brazil.

Seen from Europe
I enjoyed Santiago Rag. As a European I had little knowledge of the American-Cuban-Spanish war and found this story an interesting blend of fiction and fact. Based around the experiences of a young male, we are taken on a series of adventures into the formation and action fighting of Roosevelt's Rough Riders (I had heard about them previously!). As seen mostly through the eyes of our naïve hero we experience the shock and horror of war. But we also have the insights into the broader political issues as might have been contemplated by Teddy Roosevelt. I know purists who don't accept fiction mixed with the facts, but they miss the point of this kind of thoroughly researched story-documentary. Authors like Al Gowan are able to enrich the facts and put the flesh on the bones of historical events. It may not be exactly what happened but an author's insights and imaginative narratives can increase our understanding of history. Set against his personally observed localities, the author creates a fast moving story and an atmosphere that is convincing.

It's vivid, well-paced, meaty descriptions, great story.
Just to say I'm enjoying SANTIAGO RAG. The pacing is dynamic, the vignettes vivid the descriptions meaty.I like this p. 39, "The Indian's eyes flashed, anger Gabriel had not yet seen. He tood the daguerreotype and replaced it in the pouch. An ember from the dying fire exploded

Santiago Rag is an engrossing novel of hardship and battle
History buffs and everyday readers alike will find Santiago Rag an engrossing novel profiling the men who fought in Cuba and at the battle of San Juan Hill. Al Gowan uses information passed down from his grandfatherand written accounts of participants to weave a compelling story of thehardships in those days and the battle against the enemy and disease.Included are photographs he took recently in Cuba of locations described inthe book. As we celebrate the anniversary of the Spanish-American War,Santiago Rag is a great way to experience what those times were like. JimArmstrong, Publisher and Editor, MILITARY RETIREE NEWS, Tampa, Florida

Enjoyable read dispite historical inaccuracies
This was an enjoyable read dispite some inaccuracies until i reached theEpilogue.The errors here cast doubt on the entire book.He has thebook's hero composing the "Santiago Rag" for Roosevelt's 1906inagural ball.Roosevelt was elected in 1904 and his ball held in 1905. The hero is discharged from Camp Wickoff instead of Camp Wikoff. SinceWickoff appears more than once, it does not appear to be a typo.Insuccessive sentences he has Roosevelt becoming President in 1901 and"reelected" in 1906.Roosevelt was ELECTED (not reelected)President in 1904.When did the President's term become 5 years? Wood didnot go to the Philippines until 1903 when the rebellion had already beenput down. These are errors that are obvious and detract from the book. ... Read more

Product Description
This book tells of the lives of several famous men who had a large part in exploring and opening the American wild west in the late 1700's and most of the 1800's. Such men as Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clarke, Davey Crockett, Buffalo Bill, and Wild Bill Hickok. Their lives, their life and death fights, and how some got their nicknames.

In battles in the East with the French and Indians, to fights with the Seminole Indians of Florida, to battles with Santa Anna at the Alamo and then on out west with Comanches, Black Feet, and Apaches, these men became American Heroes.

So with these heroes of the plains. Irresistibly drawn on by that strange, magnetic call of the wild, they searched for their El Dorados, and brought back truth. They returned with tales of a glorious, unpeopled country; of herds of game; strange tribes of red-skinned people; of clear rivers, and sage-covered wastes of alkali. And these tales--stirring the imaginations of
their fellows--led to that great, sweeping emigration of the white pioneers to the land of the setting sun. These men were, perhaps, of uncouth manners and untutored brains; but they
made history.

In the far West it was no uncommon sight to meet the pioneer with his wife, his herds and his family, as they push into the unsettled wastes, always in search of "something better than they left behind."

These men were often restless, roving blades. They continually looked into the beyond; if they did not do so, they were not satisfied with the quiet life, but had to be in the maelstrom of action. The perpetual boy was in them. ... Read more

Product Description
The first novel in an ambitious new series, a fictional history of the west as seen through the eyes of runaway slave Nate Gordon.He has returned to Louisiana as Sergeant Major Nate Gordon of the Tenth United States Cavalry.His job, to recruit and form the second US colored cavalry, the Ninth Negro.Three years have passed since Nate left Louisiana and his life as a slave, to join the Union Army. The war is now over, and it is clear that the South has paid a heavy toll.Nate's former home is a tattered collection of dilapidated buildings and ruined plantations.

Where once opulence and order ruled, poverty corruption and crime now thrive.Resentful and disgruntled white Southerners want nothing to do with Nate and his stripes. Racist Union officers and noncoms only make his task more difficult.Nate struggles to quell dissent from the ranks and to keep outside forces at bay as the Ninth Cavalry moves from the docks of Louisiana to the wide open West. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Buffalo Gordon On The Plains
Bravo! I did not want this book to end!
I laughed out loud and at times was so deeply moved, I cried.

While I cheered the romance between Nate and Cara, I found the descriptive encounters between Nate and the Plains Indians, captivating.Rich in historical detail, this is an engaging and thought provoking book.

The author has certainly left this reader anxiously awaiting the next installment of this powerful saga.
Cheers to J. P. Lewis!

Grand entertainment and important history as well
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, fast-paced historical adventure.Lewis is a good storyteller, as well as a careful historian.The book, which tells the story of Nate Gordon, an African-American "buffalo soldier" on the western frontier, is well-plotted, action-packed, and very atmospheric, really putting you there on the ground with Nate.Lewis is also very attentive to historical detail, perhaps a bit too much so for some readers who may not want to know all of the technical and historical detail, but this is a minor quibble.More importantly, Buffalo Gordon provides us with an African-American hero of the "wild west," reminding us that it was not only the stereotypical "Marlboro (white) Man" who populated America's western frontier.Nate is a bit one-dimensional in the sense of being perhaps too perfect (he never behaves badly, always does the right thing), but that is largely what heroes are about.Lewis's writing style is not perfect - this is apparently his first novel, and he is still finding and perfecting his voice - but he is a fine storyteller, the writing is perfectly serviceable, and as the series continues, I imagine he will further hone his narrative skills.Overall, I give it five stars because I wholly enjoyed it (raced through it actually), and look forward to Nate's further adventures.

Buffalo Gordon
I read this book expecting to find a well written, entertaining and historically accurate piece of fiction based on the cover blurbs. The book may have been researched, concerning McClellan saddles and post-Civil War uniforms and some battles on the northern plains. Some of the characters even ring true to their historical reputation. However, the great number of spelling errors and factual inaccuracies leave me distrustful of all the "facts" portrayed in the book. Most glaring of errors was the rising sun in the West on page 179 of the hard cover edition, followed a few pages later by the mention of "crape myrtle." The author's attempt at slave dialect left me totally cold.Perhaps I could be mistaken about the rank of Sergeant Major, but prior to June 1, 1958 the title of Sergeant Major was the designation of a position and not a rank. The designation was given to the senior noncommisioned officer of a regiment who was also the senior noncommissioned administrator of the regiment. What could have been a great book was ruined by the lack of an editor. Hopefully the next book in the series will be edited prior to printing. The steamy sex scenes added little if any to the over all effort and could have been somewhat less explicit. After reading other reviews of this book, I believe that those reviewers read a different edition.

A Fresh Perspective about the American Frontier
For readers who enjoy fast-paced, historical fiction, I highly recommend Buffalo Gordon.Even though the post-Civil War, American frontier does not rank high on my list of interesting historical eras, I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about it through the exciting adventures of Nate Gordon.Mr. Lewis has provided a well-researched account of this period with a fresh and dramatic fictional perspective.The book also is timely and in step with recent publications about African American military history, including Gail Buckley's AMERICAN PATRIOT. I recommend an earlier review of Buffalo Gordon by Celia DuBose on this site. She succinctly summarizes the book and provides an excellent critique of the book that is "spot on" in my opinion.I look forward to reading Mr. Lewis' sequel to Buffalo Gordon.

Review of Buffalo Gordon
J.P. Sinclair Lewis offers his readers a kaleidoscopic peak into post-Civil War social relations as experienced by runaway slave Nate Gordon, who stays in the U.S. Army to fight in the Indian Wars as a Buffalo Soldier.

At turns grisly, moving, and altogether unexpected, the story never fails to entertain with bodaciously colorful bits of history both real and imagined. Characters like General Custer, Wild Bill Hickock, Cougar Eyes, and Roman Nose come so vividly into view that the reader might scratch her nose at the tickle of feathers or reach out to touch those dandy duds.

Nate, from the beginning, is such an appealing character that the reader just sighs to learn how elegantly he handles the contradictions of his alliance with the white man against the indigenous population-then smiles to read that in the end, whether he knows it or not, Nate has found love, and we will be treated to a sequel.

This reader hopes that in the next adventure the author tames some of his awkward action sentences and that we get to meet a woman who hasn't either been raped or forced to work as a prostitute (i.e. raped). And next time Nate and Cara make love I want to know less about what's happening with Nate's pelvis and more about what's happening with his heart.

Can't wait to find out. ... Read more

Product Description
This memoir is unique. It is not only a first-person account of the French and Indian War, a scarce commodity, but it is also the work of a common soldier, rarer still. Charles Bonin's story reads as if the reader were sharing wine with the old veteran in ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Enjoyable, good effort from editor, poor printing quality
As stated in the title, this book is about a French and Indian War Soldier.In this case it is a French soldier, which is different in that one usually doesn't get an account of military actions unless it is from an officer, nor does one usually get to hear things from the French side; usually we only can gather information from those presenting accounts from the British point of view.
The memoir covers the years 1751 through 1761.The soldier in question was with the French at George Washington's defeat at Fort Necessity, and at Braddock's defeat--along with other military action.The soldier, Jolicoeur Charles Bonin, gives us many tales of military actions and also a chapter on his views of Indian lives and customs.All of this is very interesting.There is also a bibliography of the sources used by the editor for the memoirs and for his notes.There is also an index which is always useful to those using the book for reference.
As stated by the editor of this edition of the book (published by Heritage), this account was first published by Abee Casgrain, then by the Pennsylvania Historical Commission, and finally by the present editor, Andrew Gallup.The good thing about this is that the present editor of this edition uses all the explanatory notes from all editions to explain what Bonin is talking about when things get confusing.Also, since Bonin didn't write his memoirs until about 50 years after the fact, he makes a lot of mistakes.For instance, he places Braddock's defeat in 1756, when in fact it was in 1755.However, Gallup in his notes straightens things out when errors such as this occur.
While most of history of the time has been covered by others, it is still enjoyable to read an account from the French point of view and from a common soldier.Every once in a while, however, Bonin sheds some light on a dark situation.For example, during the Battle of Braddock's Defeat, I have read many authors trying to figure out whether the French and Indians "flanked" the British on an early command or whether this happened later at the command of another, or whether the Indians just took it upon themselves.Bonin writes that it was the French plan to flank the British right from the beginning (of course, none of this makes any sense if one doesn't have a knowledge of Braddock's Defeat in 1755).Anyway, it is information like this that make the book interesting.
However, since Bonin writes nearly 50 years after he took part in all this action, and he makes so many mistakes, it also makes one wonder how much he has just plain forgotten and is wrong about.But, in any case, the memoirs are enjoyable and informative to read.
The production of the book, however, is poor.I have read many books published by Heritage Books, Inc. before and they were good quality publications, but his one is just bad.It looks like they simply took the editor's original typed pages, copied them and shrunk them down to size to fit in the book.The type is bad.If one remembers back when typewriters used to have "ribbons," and one remembers what it looked liked when someone kept typing when the ribbon was going bad, then you can visualize what the type looks like in this book.Besides that, the text isn't even "justified."That is, the right margin of the text is not even-the lines of test end at various points just like when one types a letter on an old typewriter.This raggedy appearance along with the poor type doesn't make this a pretty looking book. This books selling price puts it in the hardback price range, but it is only a softback book, and with bad type besides.
This is an entertaining and enjoyable book to read, and the editor of the book did a good job on his part, but the book costs too much for a softback book with the quality of the printing this one exhibits.I rated this book low only because of the price and the poor quality of the book-makers work.Note, however, that this is not a condemnation of Heritage books in general, as every other book I have seen of theirs is of good quality.I just wonder what happened to this one.And in the end, if Heritage hadn't published it again, then we couldn't read it to begin with, so I guess one just as to take the good with the bad. ... Read more

Product Description
Autobiography of Lieut. Henry Ossian Flipper,
First Graduate of Color from the U.S. Military Academy

PREFACE.

THE following pages were written by request. They claim to give an accurate and impartial narrative of my four years' life while a cadet at West Point, as well as a general idea of the institution there. They are almost an exact transcription of notes taken at various times during those four years. Any inconsistencies, real or apparent, in my opinions or in the impressions made upon me, are due to the fact that they were made at different times at a place where the feelings of all were constantly undergoing material change.

They do not pretend to merit. Neither are they written for the purpose of criticising the Military Academy or those in any way connected with it.

My "notes" have been seen and read. If I please those who requested me to publish them I shall be content, as I have no other object in putting them before the public.

H. O. F.
FORT SILL, INDIAN TER., 1878. ... Read more

Product Description
Reading Will and Dena
Discover:
• Will, the woodsman and baseball star
• Dena, the brilliant and beautiful co-ed
• What happens when their love is forbidden
• The havoc introduced by the KKK
• Will, the American solider
• Will's and soldier-friends' reaction to General Almond:
o “…I don’t want you, I didn’t send for you…”
o “…I’ll see that you suffer your share of casualties.”
• WW II winter combat in Italy’s Tuscany
• Will's and friends' relationships with Italian Partisans
• If Will's and Dena’s dreams survive the KKK and WW II

Readers will find Will and Dena both a beautiful love story as well as a walk through the times of World War II.It is also a reminder of the prejudice that Afro-Americans have faced in our country, even when serving in our military.Will, the main character is a lumberjack and an amateur baseball player.Dena, the girl that he falls in love with, has struggles with her own mother, in that she doesn’t feel like Will is an appropriate choice in a boyfriend.

In the spring of 1943, Hitler and Mussolini were near the apex of their powers.While a world war rages, their dreams are threatened, first by classism when Will is declared “not good enough” to be a suitor for Dena’s hand.Meanwhile, a group of powerful businessmen have designs to exploit his extraordinary baseball skills for their financial gain until the Ku Klux Klan intervenes.

Will finds refuge in the US Army’s 366th Infantry Regiment and the famed Buffalo Soldiers of the 92nd Infantry Division fighting Hitler’s Wehrmacht in Italy.He bonds with three members of his infantry platoon.Their leader called them the Four Musketeers.Their generation has been called America’s greatest.

Together, the friends become a tight-knit family, at times fighting among themselves, and at other times, uniting to take on all-comers – other American servicemen, perverse use of courts-martial, and the Wehrmacht.They pool their skills to make the best of army life while continuously evolving their own unique reasons why they should fight the Germans.Then, they discover a second enemy – an American general.They meet and embrace Italian partisans in their homes and side by side on the battlefield against the Germans.

In the face of hardships and death, Will is challenged with finding purpose for his life. During Italy’s harsh Tuscany winter in the middle of a war, can Will find his path to the life he and Dena dreamed?
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

heroism in the midst of adversity
In Will and Dena we witness the evolution of a remarkable man.L'il Will is a gentle, polite, somewhat awkward and unlettered country boy who is armed with a phenomenal baseball talent.Under the tutelage of a wise and caring father, and the steadfast love of a beautiful girl, he emerges to become a brilliant soldier and a solid figure of a man.Will's journey toward manhood and the fruition of his great talent, along with his chance for happiness in love, are plagued at every turn by the ever-present evil of racism.

Bob Rogers' story is peppered with memories of days in the old south during the forties: hog butchering, chicken feeding, cooking on wood burning stoves and making do.The theme of baseball runs throughout and the successes of the Black players and their camaraderie with some of their white teammates are heartwarming and often humorous.Great dialogue makes the characters believable.Descriptive passages flow beautifully and captivate.The story is convincingly told through a series of conflicts that widens as new ones emerge.The love story is tender and appeals to the romantic in all of us.Hope for Will's survival at home and in the military, and for his reunion with Dena propels us through the book.A great read.

Barbara P. Grainger, Retired English Teacher

Hitting the Curveballs of Life
Will & Dena: Love and Life in World War II by Bob Rogers tells a story that until recently was mostly only whispered about, or at least was not known outside of a limited community of people. It is a coming-of-age story that begins in the North Carolina Central Piedmont region in the spring of 1943. The United States is in the midst of a World War fighting to free countries from tyranny, but in this small corner of western North Carolina, freedom is not available to everyone. The reader is introduced to Will Wallace, who wants nothing more than to work with his father as a lumberjack, play baseball on one of the local "colored" teams, and plans his life with the Lena Horne look-a-like Dena Miller. But, just as curveballs are pitches designed to disrupt the batter's timing, Will will be thrown some curveballs that will disrupt his life in ways he never imagined.

While drafting the review, I thought about how timely this book is in light of some recent current events and how these events relate to the story of Will & Dena. There are several states that are looking to change the way African-American history is presented, and bullying is a growing concern in our schools. As we watch Will mature into a man, it will be several bullying incidents that will change the path of his life, and this story is rich in the history of the contributions of the African-Americans soldiers in WW II and the battles that were fought not only against the foreign enemy but another enemy - Jim Crow. And while, in recent years, we have learned more about the role of African-American soldiers in Europe, I enjoyed reading about the 366th Infantry Regiment involvement in Italy, and hope more of these stories will come to light.

I enjoyed this storyline and really appreciated how Will's father out negotiated the white power brokers because they thought he would not understand the value of what he was getting. Despite being a sports enthusiast, the detailed inning by inning plays at the beginning of the book slowed the story down, but the story quickly picked back up. I also wish the book had a better title as I feel male readers, and some female readers, will hesitate to pick up the book because of the title.

This would be a wonderful book for young black males to read and discuss as there are lessons in growing up that they can relate to. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading stories about the WWII era and learning about more about the complex history of the United States.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Reviewed by Beverly
APOOO BookClub

A Love Story within a War Story
Readers will find Will and Dena both a beautiful love story as well as a walk through the times of World War II.It is also a reminder of the prejudice that Afro-Americans have faced in our country, even when serving in our military.Will, the main character is a lumberjack and an amateur baseball player.Dena, the girl that he falls in love with, has struggles with her own mother, in that she doesn't feel like Will is an appropriate choice in a boyfriend.After all, Will has no plans to go to college and that is the direction Dena is heading.So even within his race, Will faces those that feel he just doesn't match what they think he should be.

A group of businessmen in his area decide that they would like to bring in this "colored" baseball player to help make a name for their town and to bring financial gain to their businesses.Readers will discover how the Ku Klux Klan affects Will and his family.Will ends up having to run for his life and finds refuge in the U.S. Army in the 366th Infantry Regiment and the famed Buffalo Soldiers of the 92nd Infantry Division which ends up fighting Hitler in Italy.(Will and Dena is dedicated to LT John Fox from the 366th and to Italian Partisans.)During his army days, Will becomes friends with three members of his infantry platoon and they become known as the Four Musketeers.

Personally, I loved the way that Bob Rogers wove the works of Langston Hughes into this book.Dena sends articles to Will from the Chicago Defender and the reading that Will does brings him out of his "small world" in North Carolina and eventually helps him to find his mission in life.He realizes the "war" that is going on in his home country while also fighting a war abroad for his country.One line that shows this realization for Will is: "The deal for us in this war has to be a Double Victory - abroad and at home." He makes a vow to do his best to make his stay in the army count for something."Maybe my little bit added to that of all the colored soldiers will help strike a blow for Mr. Roosevelt's Four Freedoms.I hope I remember what they are.He rolled his eyes upward, `Freedom of speech and worship, and freedom from want and fear.'"Will wants his fighting in WW II to help colored soldiers to be able to take away the fears from their families of being beaten or killed.This would make everything he had experienced worth it to him.

Author Bob Rogers had done a beautiful job of weaving a love story within a war story.Readers will be captivated by Will and feel his struggles as he proceeds through life and the many decisions he has to make as he determines his personal mission in life, while serving the mission his country has called him to do in World War II.

Good Reflections
A nice story of growing up in the south and a piece of history during WWII. Worth reading for the perspective it brings.

Historical
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/09)

"Will & Dena: Love and Life in World War II" is a work of fiction based on the heroism of real people. Although the names of the primary characters have been changed, with the exception of Oakton and Cardinal County the references to historic men and women, the organizations, events, and places, are real.

During the years of the economic tyranny of the great depression, of lynching, and of the growth of Fascism, Lil' Will struggles as a lumberjack working with his father.He falls in love with Dena, the local pastor's daughter. Early conflict reflects the prevalence of class distinction even within families when Dena's mother aspires to link her daughter with a more affluent young man in the community.

Young Will excels as an amateur baseball player.A group of influential white businessmen have a devised plan to exploit Will's incredible intuitive baseball skills for financial profit by breaking "unwritten laws" of no black athletes on white teams. Their plan is foiled when the Ku Klux Klan counters with extreme measures of scare tactics and murder.

Will is forced to flee for his life, is aided by the local judge to change his identity and to enlist in the army. Will and Dena are secretly married. They are representative of millions of other young couples caught in the depredation of World War II. Will is assigned to the US Army's 366th Infantry Regiment and the 92nd Infantry Division fighting Hitler s Wehrmacht in Tuscany, Italy.

Will becomes bonded with three members of his infantry platoon. They become friends, like a tight-knit family. Together they experience the hateful use of court-martial and the war crimes of Wehrmacht.Facing the hardships of ongoing prejudice and both physical and verbal abuse, the four friends try to make the best of army life.They have an ongoing debate among themselves, defending their own unique reasons why they should fight the Germans and the fight to over turn the injustice and hatred behind the Jim Crow laws.

Rogers, a former army captain, Vietnam War veteran, and a charter member of Baltimore, MD's 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association is an avid baseball fan. He is well qualified to author this timely and thought-provoking novel.

Rogers' careful attention to dialog consistent with the time, culture, and geographical setting, his strong word choices, and excellent characterizations, and story transitions give life to his complex plot.

"Will & Dena: Love and Life in World War II" is historical fiction at its best. Bob Rogers skillfully conveys the irony of a country that combats racism abroad while simultaneously promoting a most menacing form of racism within its own borders. Rogers uses the platform of fiction to communicate a valuable message relevant to today's reader.

... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Arthur Hamilton Lee (1868-1947) British captain in the Royal Artillery; as military attaché to the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., he served as a foreign observer with the U.S. Army’s 5th Corps during its campaign at Santiago, Cuba during the Spanish-American War. He was present at the battle of El Caney on 1 July 1898, and wrote this article about the battle. It was published in Scribner’s Magazine in October 1898. ... Read more

Product Description
This novel is a work of historical fiction that is based on the true story of Pvt. Dock Burton of the U.S. 24th Infantry regiment, and who was in fact the true first soldier to the top of San Juan Hill in the Spanish American war.

The rich blackness of the night covered everything except a few flickering campfires dotting the landscape near San Juan Heights in Cuba. Private Dock Burton of the United States 24th Infantry Company D sat in front of his tent, an old Bible sitting open on his lap. A young man of mixed racial heritage, nearly six feet tall and muscular, his light, caramelcolored complexion glowed against the embers of the campfire. He ran his fingers through soft sandy curls as his warm brown eyes poured over the book of Psalms. Fluent in Spanish, the young soldier had completed an arduous day of translating conversations between officers and Cuban rebel leaders.

Ominous storm clouds hovered overhead, their rolling thunder seemed to announce a great storm, though nothing was materialized. There was no rain of any kind, only winds that teased the camp blowing strong, then withdrawing as if pausing to inhale, and then letting go again. The breezes blew sweet fragrances of citrus blossoms around him, calming, but leaving him aware that he was far away from home. He paused from his reading to think of tomorrow’s battle. The soldiers would surely begin their advance toward the twin peaks of San Juan. His regiment had landed on the eastern side of the island and was destined to engage heavily entrenched Spanish forces. It was June 1898, and the beginning of the war against Spain. Months earlier the battleship U.S.S. Maine had exploded, sending the U.S. army off to land in Cuba to fight against the monarchy of Spain. Many of the men who were with Dock in this camp would soon see their last day. Some would suffer serious, life-threatening wounds, causing them eternal pain and suffering. Walking to his tent he saw some men nervous, scared, shivering, even though the temperature was in the high 80s.

Dock did not feel their fear, instead he felt extreme excitement. He had faced death a few times before and never was one to back down from a fight. Fighting gave him an adrenalin rush, spurring him on. He was determined to see this fight through to the end. With his last breath, he’d make sure these Spanish remembered battling this colored boy from Stanford, Kentucky. As an interpreter, he was privy to battle plans arranged by the U.S. generals and their rebel partners. He had seen the great Teddy Roosevelt with his own eyes and could hardly wait for morning muster. He trimmed his lamp and laid down on his cot. He listened to the strong beat of his heart as it pounded persistently in his chest. Tomorrow would come soon enough and Private Dock Burton would be ready for it.

When morning came, the soldiers rushed to the ready. Aligned in their companies and regiments, the army cast a formidable image. The group marched toward their historic destiny with guns in hand, facing an enemy who had superior firepower and knowledge of the terrain. Early in the battle, the forces were pinned down and unable to advance against the entrenched Spanish forces.

The U.S. commanders had planned a great charge of the twin peaks of San Juan the night before. Half the group would scale the hill called Kettle, while the other half would attack San Juan peak. Private Dock Burton and the 24th Infantry Regiment along with the dismounted 10th Cavalry were going up San Juan Hill. Sweat ran the length of his fingers as he gripped his gun tightly. It was the moment he’d been waiting for his entire life. Dock looked to his left; his comrades spoke of dying and death, their own deaths. The soldiers to his right talked of ways to avoid the gunfire from the Gatling guns and Swedish Mausers. Spanish shooters and their German advisors were entrenched in blockhouses surrounded by barbed wire. Dock Burton peered ahead into the trees.

To be continued... ... Read more