In the Service: August 1945

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 had ignited a wave of patriotism as men and women flocked to enlist in the armed forces. Men and women from La Crosse County found themselves all over the country and all over the world, courtesy of Uncle Sam. All did their duty, whether they spent the entire war stateside or took part in the fiercest combat in far-off places they had never heard of before. At home, their loved ones carried on while hoping for their safe return. More than a few families in La Crosse County received the dreaded telegram that began, “I regret to inform you . . .”

It was not unusual for families to be notified weeks, or even months, after their loved one was missing in action (MIA), wounded in action (WIA), or killed in action (KIA).

Feature Stories

by Jeff Rand, Adult Services librarian

Superfortresses Over Japan

The Bomb

Saved by a Cup of Coffee

Gathering Up the Dead