Decatur has a long history of patriotic service; both on and off the field of battle. Decatur volunteers participated in six major campaigns including the Black Hawk War (1832); the Mexican War (1846�1848); the Civil War (1861�1865); the Spanish-American War (1898); World War I (1917�1918); and World War II (1941�1945). Their record of distinguished service includes the presence of five generals and six Congressional Medal of Honor winners in the Civil War. The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR); the first national veterans� organization; was founded in Decatur immediately after the Civil War. In World War II; soldiers from Decatur served in North Africa; Italy; the Philippines; and Germany. Equally impressive; however; is the tradition of the Decatur Canteen; which served food to transient soldiers from the time of the Civil War onward. Local volunteers rolled bandages; collected food; and recycled bales of paper and heaps of scrap metal. Citizens planted victory gardens and bought war bonds and savings stamps. Wartime Decatur: 1832�1945 documents the vigorous wartime culture based on community involvement and a strong sense of patriotism.
#1880261 in eBooks 2000-08-28 2000-08-28File Name: B009CCTS8M
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. These books are always interested and this one is no exception.By John S.These books are always interested and this one is no exception. It was bought for my mom. who was born in Bluefield-Montcalm and she loved the old pictures.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. felt like he was back homeBy Nancy SpoonerBought for friend.felt like he was back home.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Bill Archer is a prince of a nice guy........By Robert C. Hufford.....and has created a treasure. The first time I ever met Bill. he helped me find an old. out of use. cemetery so I could look for my Confederate great-grandfathers grave. Effort for a stranger. I grew up in Bluefield. WV [born in 1947]; you would barely recognize it today...downtown is a shell of its former self. But. once upon a time. it was different. Far different.This wonderful work goes back to way before I was born; still. many of the people and places touch my own memory. Dr. John Nash. is. naturally. represented. [Him. I have never met].The book and photo reproductions are of first rate quality. So are the stories. with proper homage to the late. great. Eddie Steele. several of whose photos are used. This is a real journey in a time machine. If you happen to buy your copy there. take it to the "Daily Telegraph" office on Bluefield Ave.. and Bill will sign it for you. He is a great guy. and a treasure house of local legend.
