The German Helmet on the Basement Shelf: Sgt. Brunner's War (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798313444253)

At the end of World War II, the family of John Burns' father Buddy welcomed into their home Frank Brunner, a decorated returning Army veteran who had been corresponding with Buddy's oldest sister during his service in North Africa, Sicily and Europe. Buddy and Frank were roommates in the den of the Burnses' flat until Buddy left for school at Boston University in the fall of 1947. Buddy's freshman year at BU is the subject of John's 2024 book, One Dollar (American) Tutor.

Despite Frank's best efforts to establish himself in a steady line of work, the readjustment to civilian life proved overwhelming. His stay with the Burnses came to an abrupt conclusion when he was taken out of the house by the Worcester, Massachusetts police, apparently facing charges relating to bad checks. The Burnses were heartbroken.

With the exception of one letter received by Betty, it was the last time the family ever heard from Frank Brunner.

But Frank left behind an extraordinary piece of war memorabilia that he had brought back with him from Europe.

Frank's painted German war helmet remained in the care of John's grandfather until he died in 1962, and then in the care of John's father until he died in 2022.

Then it was passed on to John.

Eighty years after Frank stormed the beaches at Normandy, John's quest to find a permanent home for Frank's German war helmet has taken him on a remarkable journey.

The German Helmet on the Basement Shelf is a true, compelling story about the War, the Holocaust and survival, that was destined for obscurity before it fell into John's lap.

Author: Jeffrey Brunner, Joanne Brunner, Franklin III Brunner
ISBN-13: 9798313444253
Publisher: Independently Published
Language: English
Published: 03/08/2025
Pages: 236
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.71lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.50d