The Greatest GenerationThe instant classic that changed the way we saw World War II and an entire generation of Americans, from the beloved journalist whose own iconic career has lasted more than fifty years. In this magnificent testament to a nation and her people, Tom Brokaw brings to life the extraordinary stories of a generation that gave new meaning to courage, sacrifice, and honor. From military heroes to community leaders to ordinary citizens, he profiles men and women who served their country with valor, then came home and transformed it: Senator Daniel Inouye, decorated at the front, fighting prejudice at home; Martha Settle Putney, one of the first black women to serve in the newly formed WACs; Charles Van Gorder, a doctor who set up a MASH-like medical facility in the middle of battle, then opened a small clinic in his hometown; Navy pilot and future president George H. W. Bush, assigned to read the mail of the enlisted men under him, who says that in doing so he “learned about life”; and many other laudable Americans. To this generation that gave so much and asked so little, Brokaw offers eloquent tribute in true stories of everyday heroes in extraordinary times. Praise for The Greatest Generation “Moving . . . a tribute to the members of the World War II generation to whom we Americans and the world owe so much.”—The New York Times Book Review “Full of wonderful, wrenching tales of a generation of heroes. Tom Brokaw reminds us what we are capable of as a people. An inspiring read for those who wish their spirits lifted.”—Colin L. Powell “Offers welcome inspiration . . . It is impossible to read even a few of these accounts and not be touched by the book’s overarching message: We who followed this generation have lived in the midst of greatness.”—The Washington Times “Entirely compelling.”—The Wall Street Journal |
Contents
3 | |
17 | |
WESLEY KO | 37 |
REV HARRY REGINALD REG HAMMOND | 55 |
GORDON LARSEN | 69 |
The ROMEO ClubRetired Old Men Eating | 77 |
CHARLES BRISCOE | 89 |
DOROTHY HAENER | 96 |
MARTHA SETTLE PUTNEY | 185 |
LUIS ARMIJO | 203 |
LOVE MARRIAGE AND COMMITMENT | 229 |
GAYLORD AND CARRIE LEE NELSON | 251 |
GEORGE BUSH | 273 |
BEN BRADLEE | 281 |
JULIA CHILD | 299 |
AL NEUHARTH | 319 |
BOB BUSH | 105 |
JOE FOSS | 115 |
LEONARD BUD LOMELL | 125 |
COLONEL MARY HALLAREN | 139 |
Three Women and How They Served | 151 |
MARGARET RAY RINGENBERG | 163 |
MARK HATFIELD | 333 |
DANIEL INOUYE | 349 |
LLOYD CUTLER | 365 |
ARTHUR SCHLESINGER | 369 |
INDEX | 391 |
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Common terms and phrases
Al Neuharth American Andy Rooney Armijo Art Buchwald asked assigned battle became began Bob Bush Bob Dole boys Bradlee Briscoe Broderick Brokaw Buchwald California called camp career Carrie Lee combat common Corps COURTESY D-Day Daniel Inouye Daphne Dole experience father fighting Foss friends Gaylord German going Gorder Haener Hatfield high school Holmes Honor hospital husband Inouye Japanese Jeanette Jeanne Holm Joe Foss John kids Kilmer knew later learned lessons lives Lloyd Lomell Marine Mark Hatfield married Martha Mary Hallaren Mary Louise Medal military Mineta mother nation Navy Neuharth never nurse officer pilot plane political president remembers Republican returned Rooney says Senate shipped Smith soldiers South Dakota Star stayed talk thought told TOM BROKAW took U.S. Army United veterans Vietnam wanted wartime portrait Washington Weinberger woman women World World War II wounded young