Mickey & America's Journey Before, During & After WWII: Pacific Theater (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780692081310)

This book follows a chronology from the late 1920's and 1930's when Americans suffered through the depression, unemployment (hitting historic highs of 25% in 1933), and the dust bowl cycling for six years in the 1930's affecting almost 80% of America. We follow Germany's rise to power and Japan's rise to power with the eventual bombing of Pearl Harbor which led to America's triggering matters of incarceration and rationing at home. Shown are America's ingenuity, technological advances, manufacturing might, productivity gains, logistical solutions and the cohesiveness of the American spirit which were collectively decisive to the Allied victory in World War II.

Mickey's journey (my Dad) started with his parents moving five times during the early years looking for work and a place they could raise their family. I have you follow America's challenges at home during the 1930's, the Allies progression of battles and victories against Japan, including my Dad's path, in the Pacific islands with the eventual surrender of Japan. The Japanese strategy turned into a defensive posture as they attempted to delay the Allied advance to Japan as long as possible from north of Australia zigzagging and fighting throughout the Pacific to the Land of the Rising Sun.

After the war, soldiers head home to a normalcy that takes some longer than others to adjust. Some never do adjust.

This book is much more than dates, locations, and body counts. Merlin has chronologically included: The Before; depression, unemployment, dust bowl, food shortages, technological advances. The During; incarceration and rationing in America, effects on island natives, Americans coming together for the war effort, manufacturing ingenuity, unbearable climate and disease overseas, shell shock, island terrain, strategies and battles of both Allies and Japanese in the air, on the water, and on land. The After; the changing global and U.S. economy, coming home and reestablishing a person's roots, starting and enjoying family, determining where to live and work.