The greatest guy from the greatest generation. That’s how I remember my grandfather Jack Shanker.

During the final days of his life in 2013, Jack's daughter rediscovered a box letters that he had sent to his wife Ida from the front lines of World War Two. This book is a compilation of all of those letters. They are transcribed and in sequential order to allow the reader to properly follow his experience. This is a story of survival, loyalty and honor. It is also a sentimental treasure to our family.

In the summer of 1944, Jack Shanker, a young father, husband and business owner reported for Army active duty training at Fort Sheridan, IL and Camp Blanding, FL. During that time and over the next year, Private First Class Shanker mailed hundreds of letters to his wife while fighting in Europe. These letters transport the reader to a different era to tell the story of a man who terribly misses his wife and son (my Dad) while fighting for his country a half a world away. Times were difficult and there was a high level of uncertainty. Jack’s intention through these letters was to inform, comfort and assure his wife from the battlefield.

Jack entered the theater of war on the shores of France. From the end of 1944 through March 1945, he fought through both the Maginot line in France and the Siegfried line in Germany. In April 1945, Jack and fellow allied troops liberated the concentration camp at Dachau.

While Jack was engaged in combat during the war, there was also much down time. When reading his letters it is apparent he is often bored, frustrated and much more concerned with the affairs at home.

Jack's letters provide first hand perspective of a formidable time in our nation's history.

There are no profits on book sales. Pricing is the base cost to produce a book. For each book sold, the author will donate $20 to either Yad Vashem (Israel’s official memorial to victims of the Holocaust) or Wounded Warrior project - to be determined by purchaser.