A 'Yankee' in the 'Texas Army'

by Dennis A. Connole

Overview

Dennis 'Joe' Connole was an ordinary soldier. He spent four years, three months, and seventeen days in the U.S. Army during World War II. From March 1942, until December 1943, he was a member of the 26th 'Yankee' Division on Coast Patrol duty in Maine. In early 1944, Joe Connole shipped out to the European Theater of Operations (ETO), where he joined the 36th 'Texas' Division as a replacement: thus, a 'Yankee' in the 'Texas Army.' In June 1944, he received a Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds inflicted in Italy. On August 25, 1944, in France, Joe Connole became a battle-fatigue casualty. After several weeks in a hospital, he recovered and returned to his unit to finish out the war. Unbeknownst to family members, he suffered from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for many years after the war. This book details how men who experience the brutal horrors of combat are forever changed. Memories of traumatic experiences in battle left deep psychological scars, resulting in years of emotional pain and suffering. The healing process for many veterans was a gradual one.Through in-depth historical research of several years, Dennis A. Connole recaptures his father's military experiences in order to understand his dad as a father and as a person, and how he became the man he was after the war.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761839835
Publisher:	Hamilton Books
Publication date:	04/30/2008
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Dennis A. Connole is a retired High School Library Media Specialist living in Worcester Massachusetts. He is the author of Indians of the Nipmuck Country in Southern New England, 1630D1750 and The 26th 'Yankee' Division on Coast Patrol Duty, 1942D1943.

Table of Contents

Part 1 List of Maps Part 2 Preface Part 3 Acknowledgements Chapter 4 Introduction Chapter 5 The War Souvenirs Chapter 6 26th "Yankee" Division, 1941–1943 Chapter 7 Overseas Chapter 8 Replacements Join the 36th "Texas" Division Chapter 9 The "Stovepipe Platoon" Chapter 10 The Stalled Italian Campaign Resumes, May 1944 Chapter 11 Entry into Battle Chapter 12 Baptism of Fire Chapter 13 Monte Artemisio Chapter 14 The Battle for Velletri—Walker's Masterpiece Chapter 15 The Race for Rome—Clearing the Alban Hills Chapter 16 The Eternal City Chapter 17 Pursuit of the Germans North of Rome Chapter 18 The Battle of Nunziatella—June 10-12, 1944 Chapter 19 Preparation and Planning for the Invasion of Southern France Chapter 20 D-day—August 15, 1944, Southern France Chapter 21 Truscott's Plan Chapter 22 Setting the Trap Chapter 23 The Battle of Montelimar Begins Chapter 24 German Forces Succeed in Driving the 36th Division from the Montelimar Ridge (August 24-25, 1944) Chapter 25 The Night of August 24-25, 1944 Chapter 26 Buddies Chapter 27 Changes Chapter 28 Home Again Chapter 29 Wounds of the Mind Part 30 Bibliography