(8/12/2001)
Richard A. Siggelkow
Mr. Brokaw accurately reflects, through first hand accounts, how American soldiers reacted to their WW II experiences. I am proud to be a member of the "greatest generation", and served 38 months as a lst Lt. and Captain in England, North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Corsica, France, and Germany in the European theater. I recently uncovered a long lost Journal about that overseas experience in which I included negative aspects, often too easily ignored, about some of our men. While not detracting from the positive impact of our American GIs, I objectively recorded instances of drunken behavior, venereal disease rates, and unfavorable episodes in foreign countries that did not always reflect positively on American troops. I also reported about many acts of good will and kindness towards children and civilians, providing balance and perspective. We should strive for complete accuracy as we review history; truthful detail enhances -- and does not overshadow -- the role and contributions of American troops that were so vital and important to our nation and the world.