Amazon.com: Struggles, Service & Smiles: The Autobiography of a Depression Era Kid (9781432774332): Robert B Wiley Lt Col USAF Ret: Books
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Struggles, Service & Smiles: The Autobiography of a Depression Era Kid
 
 
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Struggles, Service & Smiles: The Autobiography of a Depression Era Kid [Paperback]

Robert B Wiley Lt Col USAF Ret (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)

Price: $13.95 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
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Book Description

August 30, 2011


FATHERLESS KID TO WWII OFFICER

The author, a decorated World War II Veteran, was born in a small eastern Colorado town, on the eve of the Great Depression. He lost his father when he was nine and grew up with his widowed mother in Sioux City, Iowa.

After one year at Iowa State Teacher's College, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. After completing his combat tour in the Pacific, as a Navigator on B-24s, he went through pilot training and elected to serve his Country as a career military office, retiring in 1964.

As this book chronicles Colonel Wiley's life story, he is confident that WWII veterans and other vets, will be reminded of the days of their youth and early manhood; the trying times as well as the pleasures and friendships.

Children and grandchildren of these vets may gain some insight as to what their parents and grandparents encountered and endured but of which was never related. And all women will get a glimpse at the vital role of military wives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

By today's standards, his life experiences are especially relevant for today's youth as Wiley is 87. Struggles, Service & Smiles is an uplifting autobiography. It demonstrates satisfaction for all things life has to offer is a choice. Wiley inspires all...he empowers each of us to proclaim "Life is good!" Reader Views (excerpts)

Product Details

  • Paperback: 190 pages
  • Publisher: Outskirts Press (August 30, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1432774336
  • ISBN-13: 978-1432774332
  • Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #495,931 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert B. Wiley ("Bob"), a decorated WWII veteran, was born in a small eastern Colorado town on the brink of the Great Depression. He lost his father when he was nine and grew up with his widowed mother in Sioux City, Iowa.

After one year at Iowa State Teachers College, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. After completing his combat tour in the Pacific, as a navigator on a B-24, he went through pilot training and elected to continue serving his country as a career military officer, retiring in 1964.

In September 1945, he married Maxine Anderson, who he called "Mickey," and with whom he had attended church since they were sub-teens. They raised four children: Diana, born in Texas; Debi, in Washington; Dennis, in Colorado; and Dan, in Massachusetts. They have five grandchildren.

Sadly, after 62½ years of marriage, Mickey passed away in 2008, and she never got to know her two great-grandsons, both of whom are fourth generation native-born Colorado Wiley males.

Bob, who is blessed with good health, jokes that he still has all his original "equipment' except his tonsils, one wisdom tooth and about 12 centimeters of his colon. He is thankful that his body does not have "implants," neither metal nor plastic.

He enjoys independent living at Garden Plaza, a beautiful retirement residence in Aurora, Colorado.

 

Customer Reviews

7 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting and enjoyable book, November 6, 2011
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This review is from: Struggles, Service & Smiles: The Autobiography of a Depression Era Kid (Paperback)
Bob Wiley is a long-time friend of mine so my opinion of his book is likely influenced by that fact. That said, the book is an interesting look at life during the Depression, service during World War II, and the life of a man who fits the mold of a member of "The Greatest Generation."

Bob's honesty and integrity, something I saw in him personally many times, comes through in many incidents recorded in the book. The country needs more men and women with his values and love of country.

A thoroughly enjoyable book.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!, October 29, 2011
By 
Comic Actor "Dan" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Struggles, Service & Smiles: The Autobiography of a Depression Era Kid (Paperback)
My 87-year-old dad wrote this so my review is biased. It's a great read! The subject matter was interesting, the stories were well told and the imagery was powerful at times. I can't imagine growing up without plumbing or flying planes around the world so the perspective alone is worth the time. It provoked emotions and enriched my understanding of lives in a different generation. I love this book. Buy it.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Struggle, service & Smiles, December 17, 2011
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This review is from: Struggles, Service & Smiles: The Autobiography of a Depression Era Kid (Paperback)
Enjoyable, quick-moving well-written read with valuable information about pre-WWII and thereafter. Keeps your interest and you wonder what "Bob" will do next. Lets young people and other know what life was like in the 20s, 30s and 40s and more.Brings many memories back for those who lived through it. A must read. INTERESTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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