An American Boyhood: Growing Up in the Shadow of World War II

Robert W. Smith was seven years old when the United States entered World War II. He lived with his family in a small town in Iowa, and like most Americans, his life was turned upside down by the war.

In his memoir, An American Boyhood, Smith vividly recounts his childhood experiences, from the excitement of VE Day to the somber realization of the Holocaust. He also writes about the impact of the war on his family and friends, and on the American home front in general.

A Soldier's Son: An American Boyhood During World War II

by Hourly History

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2382 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	329 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

An American Boyhood is a moving and evocative memoir of a pivotal era in American history. It is a deeply personal and insightful account of the challenges and triumphs of growing up in the shadow of World War II.

The Early Years

Robert W. Smith was born in 1934 in a small town in Iowa. His father was a farmer, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Smith had two older sisters and a younger brother.

Smith's early childhood was idyllic. He spent his days playing with his friends, exploring the woods near his home, and helping out on the family farm. He was also an avid reader, and he loved spending time at the local library.

However, Smith's childhood was not without its challenges. His father was a strict disciplinarian, and Smith often felt like he could not live up to his expectations. Smith also struggled with his weight, and he was often teased by his classmates.

The War Years

The United States entered World War II in December 1941, when Smith was seven years old. The war had a profound impact on Smith's life. His father was called up to serve in the military, and Smith's mother had to take on a full-time job to support the family.

Smith and his siblings were left to fend for themselves, and they often had to make do with very little. They lived on a strict budget, and they had to ration their food and clothing.

Despite the challenges, Smith also found joy and excitement during the war years. He loved listening to the radio broadcasts of the war news, and he collected stamps and coins from all over the world.

Smith also became involved in the war effort. He helped to collect scrap metal and rubber, and he volunteered at the local USO.

The Post-War Years

The war ended in 1945, when Smith was eleven years old. He was overjoyed to see his father return home from the war, and he was eager to start a new chapter in his life.

Smith continued to do well in school, and he went on to college and graduate school. He became a successful businessman, and he raised a family of his own.

Legacy

Robert W. Smith is a proud American who is grateful for the opportunities that he has been given. He believes that his childhood experiences during World War II helped to shape him into the man he is today.

Smith's memoir, An American Boyhood, is a valuable contribution to the historical record. It is a moving and evocative account of a pivotal era in American history, and it offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of growing up in the shadow of war.

A Soldier's Son: An American Boyhood During World War II

by Hourly History

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2382 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	329 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE