Another Side of World War II: A Coast Guard Lieutenant in the South Pacific (Paperback)

~ (Author), Juliana Fern Patten (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Lieutenant Fern’s warm and personable letters, spanning two years at sea in the South Pacific, offer an alternative view of life aboard ship during World War II. Seizing every opportunity for an adventure, he muses upon his assignment living at sea and its inherent challenges. His varied duties aboard three different ships afford Fern numerous vantage points regarding his unique war experiences. Lieutenant Fern’s letters are descriptive, intriguing, and amusing, often evoking smiles and laughter from the reader as he reveals his quick adjustment to life at sea, the camaraderie he readily establishes with his fellow officers and crewmates, and his opportune ventures to the surrounding islands. He embraces every situation with an eagerness for novelty and excitement.

Fern’s gift for language, marked not only by scholarliness but lightheartedness as well, is a refreshing blend of fluency and vitality. His appreciation and extensive knowledge of nature enhance his eloquent descriptions of the islands, the sky, and the sea. His narrative is enticing and entertaining while at the same time informative and educational.

These letters present a stimulating view of the events of WWII constructed by a person who lived them during his assignment in the South Pacific. They speak to us across time, offering a personal perspective of living history. One need not be a military buff to appreciate this first-person war story. Another Side of World War II will hold the attention of a wide audience.

About the Author

Juliana Fern Patten is a graduate of the University of Denver and holds a Master’s in English from the University of New Hampshire. She lives in Maine with her husband and son. After her father’s death, she discovered a box filled with letters, photos, and documents still in their postmarked envelopes that he had sent to this mother during his war assignment. These letters inspired Another Side of World War II: A Coast Guard Lieutenant in the South Pacific.

Product Details

• Paperback: 170 pages
• Publisher: Burd Street Press (December 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572493771
• ISBN-13: 978-1572493773
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,324,883 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An intimate and vivid detailing of events from the perspective of someone deeply involved with the progression of the war, April 5, 2006

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Another Side Of World War II: A Coast Guard Lieutenant In The South Pacific by Juliana Fern Patten is the engaging personal story of one man's experiences of World War II in the South Pacific Theatre. Compiled from letters, logs, and photographs of the time, Another Side Of World War II provides readers with an intimate and vivid detailing of events from the perspective of someone deeply involved with the progression of the war. A welcome contribution to the growing library of World War II military memoirs an and biographies, Another Side Of World War II is very highly recommended to all readers with an interest in first-hand accounts, as well as those in search of a better understanding of World War II and America's participation in the South Pacific combat zones.

5.0 out of 5 stars coast guard wwII, October 24, 2009

By	SHansen "shy1" (So Calif.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

I got this for my "coastie" dad for fathers day. he is still reading it and likes it very much.