Swaby: Letters from WWI

The author’s grandfather, Jules Schwalb, went to war in 1917 at the age of 24 years old as a corporal in the Machine Gun Company of the 4th Ohio Infantry. This company made history by becoming a part of the famous and decorated 42nd Rainbow Division. He fought on the front lines in France and Germany, and later in the war, because of his fluent German, acted as interpreter to the Town Major at the American Regimental Headquarters in Germany. During his enlistment, from training Camp, to shipboard during transit, to fighting on the front lines, he wrote home faithfully. Although he tried to make his experiences sound like a picnic, so as not to distress his family, the truth was far from the picture he painted. Life was difficult and frightening and, as with all men that go to war, life changing. This book is a collection of his letters. The author has used historical documents to put the letters in context with the actual events of the time. It is a compelling look at how a simple life changed as his country helped fight tyranny. Skip Diamond has always published things that are close to her heart. She has published a Braille Alphabet Book and a number of articles on Braille and Bobbin Lace making. She currently lives in Breckenridge, Colorado with her husband Peter and her Welsh corgi, Oliver. This book continues her tradition of writing about things she loves.