orlie meskimen

A soldier's World War II story told through letters written to his loving parents in small town Iowa.

Orlie Meskimen's story begins with basic training at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, in March of 1941.  A member of the 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th division, Orlie was among the first American soldiers to set foot on European soil in January 1942.  Engaging the enemy in Africa and Italy, readers will follow along as the small town Iowa boy faces the enemy in numerous battles, maturing into a man and a leader along the way.  These historic, heartfelt letters describe the day to day routines of his division, the camaraderie of the men, and the danger and challenges being faced, all captured through the eyes of the writer.