Support your local Bubbie.

I want to put in a plug for my Uncle’s book. It’s a vanity publication but I also happen to think he has a unique story to tell. My Mother and Uncle were born in the U.S. but when they were 8 and 11, the family was called back to Germany to help a relative. (We suspect Jewish.) While there my Grandmother got sick and their stay was extended. The war broke out and they couldn’t leave.

Near the end of the war, my Uncle, aged 16, was drafted into the German army and sent to the Russian Front. After the war he was on the Russian side. He escaped twice in order to make his way to the American side, declare his citizenship and return to the family. (The first time the Americans returned him to the Russians.) My Mother and Uncle eventually made their way back to the U.S.

My Uncle joined the U.S. Army and served in the Korean war. Promoted to corporal due to his “previous military service”.

He speaks of both in the book. First hand observations so a primary source document.

I don’t know if anyone is interested in reading this sort of stuff but I thought I’d promote it here. Please pass it along. The book is on amazon.com Just do a search for “Two Shades of War” by Edward Weiss and you’ll find it.

I’m getting an autographed copy from my Uncle Bubbie.

I only wish there was a book with all of the other stories; Aunt Putzi’s first bike ride into the dung heap, Eddie stuffing his mouth with new potatoes, etc. My Dad has equally amusing stories of a life during the depression and war, sneaking into movie theaters, recycling newspapers and bottles, stealing apples, etc.