Naval historian Williams (Cogswell Polytechnical College) researches the life of her father, Major Roger Broome, who died of wounds from the fighting in Saipan while serving in the US Marine Corps during WWII. Major Broome's letters home give details on training, fighting, and friendships in the Marshall Islands, Hawaii, and the Mariana Islands. Official military records and the recollections and testimonies of Major Broome's colleagues in the Marine Corps add further context. Williams demonstrates how global events affected one American family, from Major Broome's death, to his young wife's grief, his mother's suicide, and the loss of a father. The book is illustrated with b&w historical and personal photos. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)