This is an interesting story about Bob Schlegel and his life experiences that follows him through growing up during the depression, enlisting in the Army, and being sent to fight during World War II in Europe. After making an amphibious landing on the beach in Anzio, Italy, he and his outfit, "The 45th Infantry - 180th Division", fought their way north into southern France. This story is a true life account of those times that led up to his capture by the Germans in southern France. It follows his time as a Prisoner of War, and everything he endured as a POW. The story continues telling about his life post WWII, dealing with what we now call PTSD, but back then wasn't talked about, and then marriage and raising his family with his wife Elsie and their 7 children. Bob ends up being a real role model for his children, and his children recount their lives and the positive impacts their parents made. Bob personally wrote the Preface to this book and the first 30 pages or more before he passed away from cancer in 2005. But, his story continues on with all of the stories and experiences he shared with his family. Later in life, for about 8 or 9 years before Bob was too ill due to cancer, he made it his mission to share his story with students at several local high schools. He would speak to history classes and sometimes during Veteran Day Assemblies. He felt it was important that the younger generations understood how an unchecked leader could turn people against one another, and how the atrocities of WW II could happen. This was important to our Dad. It is important to our family to see his story continue. This book was completed by me, his son Carl, with contributions submitted by my 6 siblings. Our mission is to continue sharing this story. My plan is to use any royalties generated from the sale of this book to help offset the costs of getting this book distributed to Junior High and High School Libraries. I am starting with the library of the school I retired from as a teacher, River Ridge High School in Lacey, WA. I think you will find it an uplifting book to read, complete with amazing stories, funny stories, and stories that show respect, compassion, morals and values thrive in this family, due to the way Bob lived his life and reached out to those around him. Hopefully, you will make a purchase so the story can go on. Thank you!