Title: GI Jews : how World War II changed a generation /
Authors: Moore, Deborah Dash, 1946-
Publisher: Belknap Press,
Year: 2004
Subjects: Jews United States History; World War, 1939-1945 Participation, Jewish.; Jewish soldiers United States.; World War, 1939-1945 Influence.; United States Ethnic relations.
Abstract: Over half a million Jews entered the U.S. Armed Forces during the Second World War. They joined every branch of the military and saw action on all fronts. Author Moore describes the struggles these GI Jews faced, having to battle not only the enemy but also the prejudices of their fellow soldiers. Through memoirs, oral histories, and letters, Moore charts the lives of fifteen young Jewish men as they faced military service and tried to make sense of its demands. From confronting pork chops to enduring front-line combat, from the temporary solace of Jewish worship to harrowing encounters with death camp survivors, we come to understand how these soldiers wrestled with what it meant to be an American and a Jew. These men challenged perceptions of Jews as simply victims of the war, and encouraged Jews throughout the diaspora to fight for what was right.--From publisher description.
Contents: War and identity -- Joining up -- Eating ham for Uncle Sam -- Crossing over -- Worshipping together -- Under fire -- Liberation and revelation -- Coming home.