Lost in the Victory: Reflections of American War Orphans of World War II (Hardcover)

~ Calvin L. Chistman (Editor), Ann Bennett Mix (Editor), Susan J. Hadler (Editor) "Vincent C. Papke was an infantryman, serving in the 276th Regiment, 70th Division, in France..." (more)
Key Phrases: orphans network, war orphans, World War, New York, Betty Lou (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Ann Mix founded the American WWII Orphans Network (AWON) after searching for information about her father, who was killed in the war. Like most children who lost their fathers in that conflict, she had almost no information about him; few even have any memories. With Susan Hadler, a psychologist and war orphan herself, Mix conducted interviews of these war orphans and compiled their stories, which were edited for this book by military historian Christman. One of the most striking things about these narratives is the conspiracy of silence. Most told of growing up feeling ashamed and embarrassed that they had no father. Often, their mothers and other family members were unwilling or unable to talk about the fallen soldiers. Comparatively little attention has been paid to the war's effects on these children, recommending this as a useful addition to collections with a general interest in the history of World War II.?Roseanne Castellino, Lucas Varity, Inc., Buffalo, N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

After searching for her own father killed in World War II, Ann Mix founded the American WWII Orphans Network. The voices in this book belong to sons and daughters who for half a century have seldom spoken of their fathers or of their own lives after the deaths of their fathers. Memories revealed through interviews, letters, family histories and remembrances are remarkable for their honesty and quiet courage. 60 photos.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 251 pages
• Publisher: University of North Texas Press; 1st edition (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574410334
• ISBN-13: 978-1574410334
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,869,005 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all from the World War II generation., January 13, 2000

By A Customer

As one who lost my father in WWII, this was a difficult book to read because it triggered a flood of emotions that had been suppressed for many years. It should be required reading for all military officers and world leaders. Those of us labeled war babies or war orphans will be forever grateful to Ann Mix for bringing us together and our stories to light.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful discovery of a hidden cost of war., April 27, 1998

By	Dan Milliorn ([e-mail]) (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

So few members of my generation, born in the 1960's, have been introduced to the full depth of a war's reach. Often our understanding is derived generally from the broadest high school or college survey class; or worse, Hollywood. So it is quite sobering that a member of the "me" generation receives the sharpest of slaps across the face.
As a collection of essays and interviews of American World War Two orphans, LOST IN THE VICTORY paints a broad and intense picture of a narrow and lonely subject. With each chapter, the sense of loss grows; not just the loss of a fine American to battle, but the loss of a child's identity.


However, the range of emotions is broad. While sad and desperate at times, the book also brims with pride and faith.


For a Memorial Day tribute, there could be no better slap of reality than LOST IN THE VICTORY.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very emotional side of WWII never before told., May 14, 1998

By A Customer

Because I lost my father in WWII, Lost in the Victory, had a very personal meaning for me. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. The personal stories of what happened to several of the orphans once the war ended brought back memories that were buried for years. A truly touching book. Thanks Ann