Answering the Call describes Allen Wilson's World War II service. The book chronicles his college years in ROTC, his stateside assignments before "shipping out" to Algeria, his experiences in combat as a platoon leader and forward observer in Italy, and his post-war duties as a member of the American occupation forces in Austria. His wife Barbara's life as a young mother on the "home front" is also recounted. Photographs, maps and cartoons accompany the narrative. Based primarily on letters Allen wrote between 1943 and 1945, military records and histories, and interviews with Barbara and Allen, this book provides an in-depth, personal account of the challenges and triumphs that occurred when a young soldier "answered the call." Answering the Call is a Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards finalist in the War & Military (Adult Nonfiction) category. It is also highlighted in an article titled "Son of 91st Div. vet writes book on dad's service" in Fir Tree: 91st Division Magazine . Midwest Book Review Synopsis: "Answering the Call: With the 91st Infantry Division in the Italian Campaign During World War II' is the personal story of South Dakotan Allen Wilson's training in the U.S. and military duty served in Algeria, Italy, and Austria. Wilson served as an officer and forward observer with the 362nd Regiment's Cannon Company. "Answering the Call" is also the story of Wilson's wife Barbara's . . . experiences as a young mother during his deployment. Critique: Enhanced with the inclusion of some 60 period photographs and illustrations, 6 maps, notes, and a bibliography, "Answering the Call: With the 91st Infantry Division in the Italian Campaign During World War II" is impressively informatiove, exceptionally well written, and an invaluable addition to the growing library of World War II memoirs and biographies. While very highly recommended for both community and academic library World War II and American Biography collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Answering the Call" is now available in a paperback edition[.] John L. Peschel, Professor of Law Emeritus, New York University I found the book to be absolutely absorbing, indeed I read it within a single 48-hour period. It's an interesting story, well told . . . [The] fine writing style is aided by the high quality sources (Allen's letters and then Allen/Barbara interviews). I believe that the central strength of the book is the required scope limitation to the Italian campaign[.] Some readers might be put off by the amount of detail, and repetition of certain subjects. In contrast, I found the details to have critical cumulative impact. Important conclusions flowed from the evidence, rather than a simple declaration. The repetitive talk about card games [and] movies highlights the element of tedium and time-filling in combat operations. Discussion of weapon details, forward sites for locating targets, illustrates the role of precision in successful battles. American ingenuity was manifested in the changes in quality of food packages and clothing. The blunt pragmatism of making Liberty boats smaller to reduce the scope of personnel losses in the event one ship in sunk is not intuitive. The capacity for delivery of mail and packages was amazing[.] * * * Congratulations . . . to. . . all of the participants in a highly successful book. Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite (5-star review) Answering the Call: With the 91st Infantry Division in the Italian Campaign During World War II is a military biography written by Stephen L. Wilson. His father, Allen Wilson, was just entering college as a freshman when word came that Hitler had invaded Poland. He had planned to major in Ecomonics, but had switched to Government after attending an introductory course taught by Dr. William Farber, who became both a friend and a mentor. At that time, the University of South Dakota required that all male freshmen participate in two years of basic ROTC training, with an additional two-year Advanced Course being voluntary. Allen participated in both courses and was also active in several honorary military societies. He also became a teaching assistant for Farber and the house manager for his fraternity. When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Allen knew he wanted to serve as an officer in the U.S. Army. Advanced Course cadets in their junior year of college were advised to accelerate their coursework in order to allow them to graduate after their fall semester. Allen was one of them. He would serve his country on the field of battle and then as a Reserves officer until 1954, when he left with the rank of Captain. Stephen L. Wilson's Answering the Call: With the 91st Infantry Division in the Italian Campaign During World War II follows the exploits of the Cannon Company of the 91st Infantry and sheds light on an aspect of the Allied efforts that is often overlooked. While I've read a number of excellent memoirs and biographical accounts of