Bill Shrout 

Presents

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280 Pages - Soft Cover - 9" X 6"
$16.95
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AFTER the MUD

Stories of the U.S. Navy and World War II

by Bill Shrout

"Americans that lived during World War II exhibited Patriotism that has not since manifested itself in equal merit."

When Bill Shrout graduated from Akron High, he left his Indiana farm home to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  His attention to detail is peerless as he tells of memories of boot camp and then into harm’s way in the Pacific with the crew of the small amphibious support ship, LCS (L)(3) 73. 

In an early review by Commander Louis J. Mullineaux, USNR(ret.)

Notable quotes are: 

“Bill was just 17 when he entered the Navy, a small-town boy who had strong family ties and whose mother taught him his values and moral side of life.” 

“At Boot Camp he was thrown together with recruits from all over, from small towns and large cities, and he began to learn and make friends with those of vastly different life styles than his.” 

“It was a revelation to once again travel through Boot Camp and relive those events of so long ago. The Author tells the tale in a most interesting and revealing way--it was good to take the trip with him, reminisce and recall the good old boys who became our Shipmates and many our lifelong friends.” 

“His account of the commissioning, provisioning, training and sea trials of the 73  takes one through the evolution of a seaman  and into the harrowing experience of warfare at sea.  It is an exciting trip and we are fortunate he shared it with us.”

 Writing critics comments include:

“Precise in accuracy, yet poignantly fresh and endearing--the story tugs at your heart and won’t let go until it is finished.” 

“Superbly crafted, transporting the reader from innocence to manhood through the eyes of a young man turned sailor during our world's biggest war.” 

“The story is a timeless work of art, a contribution to history, yet told in witty narrative style that equals the best in literature for colloquial voice.”

 

Point of interest to USS Pennsylvania website viewers: 

The author's ship was assigned to screen and run interference for the Pennsy on the fateful night of August 12, 1945. The aerial torpedo that hit the Pennsy was set a little shallow. It first scrapped the hull of the author’s small ship without detonation and then continued on to do its devastation to the mighty Pennsylvania.

 

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