Cox, Rachel S.

Into Dust and Fire: Five Young Americans Who Went First to Fight the Nazi Army

New York, NY: Penguin Books, 2012. First Edition. Hardcover. Signed by Rachel S. Cox. "In the spring of 1941, with Europe consumed by war and occupation, Britain stood alone against the Nazi menace. The United States remained wary of joining an increasingly costly and destructive conflict. But for five extraordinary young Americans, the global threat of fascism was too great to ignore. Six months before Pearl Harbor, these courageous idealists left their Ivy League schools and promising futures to cross the Atlantic and join the beleaguered British Army. Fighting as foreigners, they were shipped out to the North American front, where the Desert Rats, the 7th Armoured Division of the British Eighth Army, were battling Erwin Rommel's panzer divisions. The Yanks would lead antitank and machine-gun platoons into combat at the Second Battle of El Alamein, the twelve-day epic of tank warfare that would ultimately turn the tide for the allies. 'Into Dust and Fire' is a gripping true tale of idealism, courage, camaraderie, sacrifice, and heroism." (from Front Flap). The story of these five great Americans is what fans of Creedence Clearwater Revival might call a "Reverse 'Fortunate Son,'" -- as these young men were destined (by the nature-&-stature of their educational ties) for moneyed futures among America's Elite Class. To risk it all--life & limb, and the opportunities waiting on the other side of an Ivy League degree (when they could have easily shirked the duties of conscience that guided them) makes them truly remarkable. Hardcover in unclipped dust-jacket: First Edition of April 2012, as stated on copyright page; First Printing, as stated by number sequence thereon. This copy is additionally signed by the author on title page. Signature in thin, black pen ink reads: "Rachel S. Cox." A 'must-have' addition to all World War II-inclusive collections or libraries. [ISBN: 978-0-451-23475-9]. Book in very fine condition, virtually as new & evidently unread by previous owner. Dust-jacket in similarly very fine condition with only slightest shelf-wear to fine-edges & corners of front, back covers & spine. Very Fine / Very Fine. [Item #4905]

Price: $35.00