I WAS A TEENAGE RIFLEMAN IN WORLD WAR II

About the Book

Reitan, a rifleman with the Third Infantry Division in World War II, has written a vivid story of four teenagers (one of them an American) who join the Resistance in France during World War II. After adventures with the Resistance, the American becomes an underage rifleman with the Third Infantry Division and participates in the battles experienced by the author. Set in the grim reality of wartime France, this dark-edged novel presents interesting characters, fast-moving action, true-to-life instances of ground combat, and a touch of bittersweet romance.

About the Author

Earl A. Reitan is professor of history (emeritus) at Illinois State University. In World War II he served with the Third Infantry Division on the Anzio beach-head, in the first wave of the landing in southern France (where he was wounded), and in the Vosges and Colmar Pocket campaigns. He is the author of The Thatcher Revolution: Margaret Thatcher, John Major, Tony Blair and the Transformation of Modern Britain, 1979?2001, and Riflemen: On the Cutting Edge of World War II (Merriam Press). He has told the story of his family and early years in Crossing the Bridge: Growing Up Norwegian-American in Depression and War, 1925?1946 (available from the author).