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Follow the story of Russian Jewish immigrants who sent five sons off to World War II and the Occupation Forces. Four returned. Sadly, their middle son, Army Staff Sergeant David Rosie Rosenkrantz, an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper–who served heroically in Sicily, Italy, and Holland–went missing during a German counterattack at the end of Operation Market Garden.
This well documented and timely story chronicles the 73-year journey to find Dave and bring him home. This book is special and unique because of the bizarre journey that finally led to identifying his remains in 2018 and richness of dozens of surviving letters he wrote home. Inspired by the movie Saving Private Ryan, Dave’s nephew, Phil Rosenkrantz, began a 20-year quest to find out what happened to his uncle. Although he never knew his Uncle Dave personally, Phil got to know him through the letters and conversations with people who knew him. The journey included many trips to Europe to visit the places where his uncle fought and died…and becoming friends with a young Dutchman and others who searched for 35 years to locate Dave’s remains.
Through 49 surviving letters, you will get to know Dave and enjoy his engaging personality and sense of humor. You will learn about World War II through Dave’s story and his family’s struggles. This book is more than just a chronicle of war-see how the many dimensions of war intertwine:
Using many of his own words, follow the story of a highly regarded paratrooper who served his country heroically.
Learn how paratroopers are specially trained and prepared for airborne combat. Learn why Dave and his fellow paratroopers of the 504 Parachute Infantry Regiment earned the name those Devils in Baggy Pants.
Follow the mystery of what happened to S/Sgt David Rosenkrantz as it unfolded over many decades.
Appreciate the impact of grief, loss, and the agonizing search for closure when someone is MIA. Appreciate the rich legacy of the American paratrooper in World War II as they established a new kind of soldier-someone who jumps out of a plane at night into the unknown–and to quote one of Dave’s letters:
…we are prepared for anything and afraid of nothing.
The story is supported by 49 letters, 106 photos/maps/documents, a timeline, references, endnotes, glossary, index, and several appendices.
