Dr. Loren Leslie Publishes New Book
Dr. Loren Leslie, Board of Regents member, recently published his book, So the War Goes On. The book is a series of letters between Leslie's uncle and grandmother during WWII before his uncle was killed in action.
The book synopsis, as described on Amazon.com, describes the book as such: Lieutenant Richard Francis Souhrada wasn't an acclaimed war hero, at least to anyone other than his family. He was simply one of 2.4 million young men who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. His story, no doubt, is similar to a multitude of others who left their boyhood homes, earned their wings and eventually saw combat in the South Pacific. Richard's story, however, is retold by his family more than sixty years later with the discovery of an old shoebox containing all of his wartime letters home to his mother and family. His letters detail not only his flying experiences, but also the emotions, impressions, fears, personal relationships and the intimate thoughts a son would share only with his mother. This is the story of one of 2.4 million heroes, told in his own words.
"Dr. Leslie's book brings the real life and turmoil associated with the soldier leaving for war in the 1940's," said Concordia professor Dr. Eric E. LaMott. "The letters between son and mother provide a unique frame of reference on the experiences of Lieutenant Richard Francis Souhrada as he moves from a small upper Midwest farm to the vast travels and training that the Army would bring to him." LaMott concludes, "This was an excellent book that any student of life should read. We owe a great debt to those who have and do serve our nation."
Literary critic John L. Zenor also had a chance to read and comment about the book, often comparing the stories to that of his own ancestors. "So the War Goes On is the well-crafted and poignant story of a Midwest farm boy's physical and psychological journey to becoming a fighter pilot in World War II," Zenor states, "and I highly recommend it."
Dr. Leslie's book, So the War Goes On, can be purchased online at Amazon.com, or at various booksellers around the country.
