There are 207,621 servicemembers memorialized in our 23 overseas World War I and World War II cemeteries. Over the course of six years, I traveled to three continents to visit them all. As a former Navy officer and a professional photographer, I decided to bring my camera so everyone could join me on this journey of gratitude. Over eight trips, I traveled from Normandy to Tunisia, from Luxembourg to Manila and from Florence to France.
“Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned” includes more than 50 short biographies and more than 225 images. The foreword was written by retired Vice Adm. Doug Crowder, who was commander of the 7th Fleet. I have already sold a few hundred copies and have done several book presentations and signings. “Never Home” was also covered by a local Florida news station on Memorial Day. The book's website is www.NeverHomeHeroes.com/index.
As an American Legion member, I want to share these stories with our community. Here is one brief biography from the book:
"Prior to 1915, only enlisted personnel could receive the Medal of Honor, so John Hunter Wickersham was among the first officers to receive the award. After being wounded in four places by a high-explosive shell at the start of the St. Mihiel (France) offensive, he continued to fight. His Medal of Honor citation described his heroic actions:
'Before receiving any aid for himself, he dressed the wounds of his orderly, who was wounded at the same time. He then ordered and accompanied the further advance of his platoon, although weakened by the loss of blood. His right hand and arm being disabled by wounds, he continued to fire his revolver with his left hand until, exhausted by loss of blood, he fell and died from his wounds.'"
