Dear Captain, et al. : The Agonies and the Ecstasies of War and Memory, a Memoir from World War II [Hardcover]

Allan Wilford Howerton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 5, 2000

Dear Captain, et al. interposes a hardboiled war memoir and a tender love story. A faithful re-creation of World War II infantry combat from original source records; as powerful as a raging storm and as sensitive as a heartache. Beautifully and passionately written with a touch of irony. Scores of interesting characters. Transports readers to the war and its era with verve, yearning, humor, and strength.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Allan Wilford Howerton was a communications sergeant in a rifle company during World War II and studied at Drexel Institute of Technology in the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP). After the war he earned bachelors and masters degrees at the University of Denver. He was a career civil servant with the U.S. Civil Service Commission. After retirement he was involved in local politics and was a talk-show host and general manager of a local cable television channel. He and his wife, Joan, a registered nurse, live in Alexandria, Virginia. He is currently working on a novel, "Alger Hiss was Innocent on our ISLAND IN WASHINGTON PARK," a sequel to "Dear Captain, et al." about post-war readjustment in the Truman era, and a book about his early life in western Kentucky.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: Xlibris Corporation (September 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738818542
• ISBN-13: 978-0738818542
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,624,465 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dear Captain, et, al. is one of the best WW2 books ever written, October 25, 2006

By 

Tommy N. Thompson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dear Captain, et al. : The Agonies and the Ecstasies of War and Memory, a Memoir from World War II (Hardcover)

An absolute great work. Whether you're an historian or someone just wanting to read a good story this book has it. Mr. Howerton will take you with him, from the beginning at Camp Claiborne Louisiana where you will meet the infamous drill Sergeant Julius G. Phagan. He'll make a soldier out of your h'ass or else. You'll traverse the states by rail arriving at Camp Kilmer and then board the troop ship Stirling Castle. Once in Europe the 355th wastes little time before being thrown into action at the Seigfried line and their first major battle at Lindern Germany. The 84th infantry division played a major role in the European theater of WW2 and K Company of the 335th was in the thick of it. I highly recommend this book

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grit, Tears, Guts - War Remembrance From A Guy Who Was There, July 7, 2001

By 

Vincent J. Ryan (Poulsbo, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dear Captain, et al. : The Agonies and the Ecstasies of War and Memory, a Memoir from World War II (Hardcover)

In "Dear Captain, et al." an ex-sergeant tells us the story of his company during the final year of World War II in Northern Europe. This story of war is compelling because it is told by an eyewitness who complements his own remarkable and unflinching memory with documents from official sources, making a narrative which is by turns as intimate as a conversation with an uncle and as far ranging as a lesson from an historian.

There is no glory in the war described here. The waste, horror, madness, and despair of mankind's most desperate activity is chronicled here with the profound understanding of someone who lived it. Soldiers and civilians, all who were caught up in the past century's bloodiest war, are here portrayed by ex-sergeant Howerton with such uncommon honesty, wisdom and compassion, that the reader is left with both a renewed sense of the true tragedy of war, and a deeper repect for those who were called to sacrifice their lives.

Author Allan Wilford Howerton provides a searing, honest, and tearful portrayal which honors his comrades. He provides his readers a spell binding reminiscence which cannot be fogotten.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible memoirs of a WW2 soldier, November 17, 2005

By 

Sam Sallee (Middle Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dear Captain, et al. : The Agonies and the Ecstasies of War and Memory, a Memoir from World War II (Paperback)

I have been conducting research on my grandfather's service in Germany during World War Two and this book describes the firsthand emotions of combat, then looks back in hindsight with notes that further explain how soldiers deal with the day-to-day of battle and life.

I would highly recommend this book.