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This is the cover of Robert Wheeler’s new book about his imprisonment in a Japanese internment camp during World War II.
The Stephens County Historical Society will host its annual book signing on Friday, Oct. 4, from 1-4 p.m.
Several authors with an array of stories about World War II and other wars will be in Toccoa for the event.
The historical society is excited to welcome author and speaker Robert (Bob) Wheeler from Vancouver, Wash., with his book A Child’s Life – Interrupted by the Imperial Japanese Army, said Currahee Military Museum director Brenda Carlan.
Wheeler was a child internee in the Los Banos Internment Camp in the Philippine Islands during World War II.
Wheeler, only 8 years old at the time of his family’s captivity, will share his experiences, including the story of how they with the other 2,142 prisoners were rescued by the 11th Airborne which included paratroopers of the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment that trained at Camp Toccoa during the war.
Cynthia Sandor, author of Through Innocent Eyes: The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth, will also be a part of the book signing event.
Sandor’s book is based on the original journal of her mother and is anchored in historical facts.
The book tells the story about the young girls chosen by The National Socialistic upbringing in the League of German Girls and how it used paramilitary-like disciplinary measures to build their loyalty and moral character.
Sandor has provided proof of an unbiased view of that of a child growing up during that time of world turmoil.
Author Ken Peck will be in Toccoa promoting his newly-released book, American Airborne Ads of the 20s Through the 50s.
This book is a source of information for anyone interested in World War II paratroopers, the home front, as well as equipment, supplies used by the military.
Co-Authors Lynn Vincent and veteran Roger Hill have worked together to present Dog Company: A True Story of American Soldiers Abandoned by Their High Command. Hill, served as Commander of Dog Company 1/506th in Afghanistan, and gives insight to what happens when the politics of appeasement are allowed onto the front lines of combat.
Returning this year are authors and speakers Ed Devos, Family of Warriors and Pete Mecca Veterans-Stories from America’s Best.
Both of these writers have visited over the years in Toccoa.
Books will be available with the authors and most are in the museum gift shop.
The book signing will be held in the Mitchell Allen Reception Hall at the museum and is open to the public.