Just Doing My Job: Stories of Service from World War II [Hardcover]

Jonna Doolittle Hoppes (Author), General Arthur J. Lichte (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2009

Preserving the personal histories of civilians and soldiers who united to defend America during the Second World War, this oral history tells the stories of ordinary citizens who left jobs and families behind to contribute to the war effort. Chronicling the sacrifices made by otherwise average people, this keepsake features profiles and interviews with the men and women who responded to the call to action by putting their lives on hold to fight for their country at home and abroad. From soldiers and spies to factory workers and nurses, the heroes profiled in this history include Dick Hamada, a Japanese-American who became a spy with the Office of Strategic Services; Edith McClure, an army nurse stationed in England; Bobby Hite, one of the famed Doolittle Raiders, who was captured by the Japanese and endured years of torture and solitary confinement; and pilot Bob Hoover, who was shot down over enemy territory and imprisoned but managed to escape by stealing a German plane.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In this revealing oral history, Hoppes gathers personal accounts of ordinary citizens who contributed to the 1940s war effort . . . Their significant sacrifices and vivid memory make for engrossing narratives of perseverance and faith."  —

Publishers Weekly

"Doolittle Hoppes has assembled a collection of first-person narratives representing the many faces of The War, each more compelling than the last."  —

Author Magazine

About the Author

Jonna Doolittle Hoppes is the author of Calculated Risk: The Extraordinary Life of Jimmy Doolittle—Aviation Pioneer and World War II Hero. The granddaughter of General Jimmy Doolittle, she teaches at the Los Angeles Air Force Base. She lives in Huntington Beach, California. General Arthur J. Lichte, USAF, is the current Commander, Air Mobility Command based in Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Santa Monica Press (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595800425
• ISBN-13: 978-1595800428
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #718,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Personal WWII Stories, June 29, 2009

By 

Joseph Castellano "Avid reader" (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Just Doing My Job: Stories of Service from World War II (Hardcover)

This book gives a series of very interesting personal accounts of various people who lived through World War II. It includes stories based on interviews with airmen, soldiers, sailors, nurses, and Holocaust survivors. A miust read for Word War II history buffs.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Short stories for everyone, October 2, 2009

By 

Wendell Summers (Chico CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Just Doing My Job: Stories of Service from World War II (Hardcover)

Here are the experiences of a few people talking directly to us, one on one. Its like we were made privy to a unique part of their lives. You will wonder how the author "found" these people, just ordinary individuals, and recorded their unique experiences just for you and me.

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down, December 7, 2011

By 

Middle-Aged Mommy (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Just Doing My Job: Stories of Service from World War II (Hardcover)

This book was fascinating because it didn't take just the most sensational or gory accountants to tell and it didn't have any sermon or agenda except to share personal stories of those who lived through WWII. Each chapter is a personal account of one person's experience, from bomber pilots, to Pearl Harbor survivors, to "Rosie the Riveter", to POW's and more. Filled with gripping details and images. I enjoyed it because it sounded like my dad (a WWII vet)and the way he would talk about it. It gave a much fuller understanding of the various aspects to this war and our county and, as always, a deep respect for this generation of men and women. I plan on having my middle school children read it, especially on holidays honoring our military.