Safely Rest

by David P. Colley

Throughout the ages, nations and families have sought the return of their war dead. The United States began repatriating its fallen servicemen during the Spanish American War - a policy that continues to this very day. But from 1945 to 1950, it mounted an unprecedented campaign to recover, identify, and return home every American killed during World War II. This is the story of that last, massive operation of war.

Genres: Nonfiction, World War II

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 2, 2004

Reviews

[Daniel Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly about the family of the bombardier Jesse D. "Red" Franks, Jr. and there quest to learn about his death during the attack on Ploesti. It includes some details of the history of the recovery of soldiers remains which is an uncommon subject. I enjoyed it for filling in bits of WWII history that I did not know and the torment that survivors of people listed as MIA endure. I recommend this to people who are well read on the ETO as well as to people who would like a look behind the curtain of patriotic fervor and propaganda of this era.

[Mary Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reveals the processes of the military recovering the dead during war and transporting the remains back to the families (when requested) or burying them overseas. It also covers the grief of the families who's loved ones had been reported missing but their bodies were never located, or sometimes located years later.

Mixes lots of military procedures along with personal stories of several men who died during WWII and the trials of their families trying to find the remains and have them returned. Particularly covers the air raid on Ploesti.

[Tomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so sad! The central story is that of a young man killed in WWII and his father's search for the body. Using that as the base, Colley explains the methods used by the U.S. to recover remains and explains the difficulties involved. Colley pulls on your heartstrings with his writing. I enjoyed this book a lot.

[Laura Ostermeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on a part of war that most people don't read about - trying to find out what happens to MIA and also the view point of the family left behind to try and cope with their loved one's loss.