An American Family in World War II

According to the description of An American Family in World War II, “On the morning of December 7, 1941, life for families across America was forever changed by events over which they had no control, but were to witness and play a part. An American Family in WWII is the moving story of one of those families — told largely in their own words. When Ralph “Lee” Minker Jr. entered Army Air Cadet training in 1943, he began a correspondence with his parents and two teenage sisters; letters that describe the rigors of pilot training and ultimately his life at “this air base I call home,” as he flew 37 missions over Nazi Germany. The letters from the family members to Lee bring a vibrant reality to the home front; rationing, bond drives, and the daily tension of war. Woven together with commentary by the editors, this is an intensely personal and richly detailed account of life in America during the harrowing days of WWII.” Captain Ralph Minker, USA “was 18 when he entered Army Air Cadet training on his way to becoming a B-17 pilot. He exchanged letters with his parents and two sisters throughout the war. After completing combat in 1945, he returned to Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1947. Ordained a Methodist Minister in 1952, Reverend Minker served 8 churches in the Delaware and Maryland Conference of the United Methodist Church before retiring in 1990. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 1995, Minker was active in planning the book and proud when it was published. He passed away from complications of the disease on 8/5/08.” Sandra O'Connell & Ralph Minker were married in March 1980. Reading the Minker family correspondence and a meeting in 2000 with WW II historian, Harry Butowsky, led to An American Family in WWII. She was the lead researcher and writer on Ralph’s missions and the home front issues. Prior writing experience includes 9 years as technology editor for HR Magazine. Sandra has a Ph.D. from New York University.