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The Medic's Wife: A dual-timeline WWII novel. Hidden letters, buried secrets, and true-life heroism
How far would you go to protect the one you love? Based on a true story.
1944. During the chaos of WWII, a powerful love story unfolds. Meet a courageous young combat medic, Staff Sergeant Edmund Kruszynski, whose dedication to saving lives takes him to the front lines of battle. He leads a platoon of brave medics onto the blood-soaked beaches of Normandy, across Europe, and into the heart of Nazi Germany. Amid the horrors of the Holocaust, he finds love in the most unexpected Buchenwald.
Ed survives, saving lives while bearing the weight of seeing close friends perish. He returns home adorned with medals, yet a relentless battle rages within.
Stateside, Mary works tirelessly supporting the war effort, finding strength in her love for Ed. But when an invisible war endangers her life and threatens their once unbreakable bond, she delivers an ultimatum. Ed must face his demons while Mary vows to protect their secrets at all costs.
She nearly succeeds…
Ideal for fans of Stephen Ambrose’s The Band of Brothers and Kristin Hannah’s The Women.
A powerful reminder that the freedoms we cherish were won, defended, and preserved by the brave veterans who have “borne the battle” and the families who sacrificed along with them. —Robert A. McDonald, West Point Distinguished Graduate and Chairman of the Board of the West Point Association of Graduates; Retired Chairman, President & CEO of the Procter & Gamble Company; 8th Secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs.
A must-read for anyone who has ever loved someone in uniform and for those who want to be inspired by the indomitable spirit of military spouses and their families. —Mrs. Ann Yingling, Former U.S. Army Wounded Warriors Advocate Wife of Maj. General John A. Yingling U.S. Army (Ret) Mother of Maj. Scott Yingling, currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Army.
Scroll up and click Read Now or Buy Now to experience the camaraderie and courage that defined a generation.
1944. During the chaos of WWII, a powerful love story unfolds. Meet a courageous young combat medic, Staff Sergeant Edmund Kruszynski, whose dedication to saving lives takes him to the front lines of battle. He leads a platoon of brave medics onto the blood-soaked beaches of Normandy, across Europe, and into the heart of Nazi Germany. Amid the horrors of the Holocaust, he finds love in the most unexpected Buchenwald.
Ed survives, saving lives while bearing the weight of seeing close friends perish. He returns home adorned with medals, yet a relentless battle rages within.
Stateside, Mary works tirelessly supporting the war effort, finding strength in her love for Ed. But when an invisible war endangers her life and threatens their once unbreakable bond, she delivers an ultimatum. Ed must face his demons while Mary vows to protect their secrets at all costs.
She nearly succeeds…
Ideal for fans of Stephen Ambrose’s The Band of Brothers and Kristin Hannah’s The Women.
A powerful reminder that the freedoms we cherish were won, defended, and preserved by the brave veterans who have “borne the battle” and the families who sacrificed along with them. —Robert A. McDonald, West Point Distinguished Graduate and Chairman of the Board of the West Point Association of Graduates; Retired Chairman, President & CEO of the Procter & Gamble Company; 8th Secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs.
A must-read for anyone who has ever loved someone in uniform and for those who want to be inspired by the indomitable spirit of military spouses and their families. —Mrs. Ann Yingling, Former U.S. Army Wounded Warriors Advocate Wife of Maj. General John A. Yingling U.S. Army (Ret) Mother of Maj. Scott Yingling, currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Army.
Scroll up and click Read Now or Buy Now to experience the camaraderie and courage that defined a generation.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2023
803 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Edmumd A. Kruszynski
2 books8 followers Edmund Kruszynski, aka Ed was born in Cleveland, Ohio to second-generation Polish immigrants. He became the second college graduate in his family and spent thirty-two years in corporate America. Ed had always been curious about his father's WWII service but after his father's death he assumed those stories would remain untold.
That was until a box was unearthed containing priceless war-time correspondences between his father and mother during the war years. At first Ed thought he would create a nice family narrative. But while working on the project he discovered that his father, a WWII combat medic, witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust first-hand and 'The Medic's Wife' was born.
Married with two sons, two grandchildren, and a golden retriever named Lovey, Ed occasionally enjoys a glass of fine Kentucky Bourbon, which came in handy when he experienced a few creative lulls while working on this story.
The Medic's Wife
Available on Amazon and kindle unlimited
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHG8T2WG
That was until a box was unearthed containing priceless war-time correspondences between his father and mother during the war years. At first Ed thought he would create a nice family narrative. But while working on the project he discovered that his father, a WWII combat medic, witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust first-hand and 'The Medic's Wife' was born.
Married with two sons, two grandchildren, and a golden retriever named Lovey, Ed occasionally enjoys a glass of fine Kentucky Bourbon, which came in handy when he experienced a few creative lulls while working on this story.
The Medic's Wife
Available on Amazon and kindle unlimited
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHG8T2WG
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 2, 2023
Great historical fiction, although mostly historical.......... the author recreates his father's time in WWII thru journals, letters and his mothers recollections........ and his father saw a-lot of the European theatre. Gives you a renewed appreciation for the Greatest Generation and the sacrifices they made.
December 26, 2023
Such a good character study!
As a daughter of someone born in 1927, I am in awe of "The Greatest Generation." They banded together to fight evil and won. My other parent came along in 1937, so they both remembered the war years and told me snippets of stories that made me intensely interested in the rest of the story. Amazingly candid, this is a "memoir" that you can't miss
As a daughter of someone born in 1927, I am in awe of "The Greatest Generation." They banded together to fight evil and won. My other parent came along in 1937, so they both remembered the war years and told me snippets of stories that made me intensely interested in the rest of the story. Amazingly candid, this is a "memoir" that you can't miss
March 9, 2025
Excellent Story
My husband served U.S. Army 34 years. Experienced Vietnam and Gulf Wars. Some of the details of Krow's experience mirror my husband...especially the part about nightmare. My husband always told me never touch him when he was in throes of night mare as he feared harming me. Thank you for sharing a very precious and meaningful account of the horrors of war
My husband served U.S. Army 34 years. Experienced Vietnam and Gulf Wars. Some of the details of Krow's experience mirror my husband...especially the part about nightmare. My husband always told me never touch him when he was in throes of night mare as he feared harming me. Thank you for sharing a very precious and meaningful account of the horrors of war
March 17, 2025
This book was amazing. What a wonderful man Mr. Krow was. I especially loved hearing about Ft. Oglethorpe, GA as I live about 2 miles from the polo grounds where he trained. The barracks are still there although they are now apartments. Thank you Mr. Kruszynski for a beautifully written account of your father's time in the war.
June 22, 2025
I picked up this book to read as my Uncle served as a Medic during WWII in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. He returned home haunted by what he saw and experienced as a Medic. He never married as he said that he would never want anyone that he knew to suffer as so many did in the war. He helped rescue Jews and other captives in Concentration camp and could not believe what he saw . Those experiences haunted till his death. Kruszynski has written a story that resonates with what I heard from my uncle as he came to live with us as he developed inherited Huntington’s Disease.
November 19, 2025
Powerful
The book captivated readers with its exquisite prose, demonstrating remarkable literary craftsmanship that seamlessly wove intricate narratives and compelling characters into a truly memorable reading experience. The author's skillful writing style, elegant language, and profound storytelling techniques created an immersive journey that resonated deeply with readers, leaving a lasting impression of literary excellence.
The book captivated readers with its exquisite prose, demonstrating remarkable literary craftsmanship that seamlessly wove intricate narratives and compelling characters into a truly memorable reading experience. The author's skillful writing style, elegant language, and profound storytelling techniques created an immersive journey that resonated deeply with readers, leaving a lasting impression of literary excellence.
July 9, 2024
a true love story
Amazing true story written by the son of a brave WW11 army medic and his mother the Medic’s wife. Thanks to the medic who kept journals of his war experience and to his wife who didn’t destroy them she he asked her to. A testament to the PTSD that combat soldiers at that time did not receive help for or acknowledgement that it even existed.
Amazing true story written by the son of a brave WW11 army medic and his mother the Medic’s wife. Thanks to the medic who kept journals of his war experience and to his wife who didn’t destroy them she he asked her to. A testament to the PTSD that combat soldiers at that time did not receive help for or acknowledgement that it even existed.
September 13, 2024
wonderful True Story
What a great book, I laughed and cried. Sat on the edge of my seat many times. I am soon to be 86 and so much of this story were memories to me. Oh how I would have loved to meet Mary and Ed and the men in his platoon.
Very well written….thanks so much..
What a great book, I laughed and cried. Sat on the edge of my seat many times. I am soon to be 86 and so much of this story were memories to me. Oh how I would have loved to meet Mary and Ed and the men in his platoon.
Very well written….thanks so much..
October 5, 2024
Military Wife
This true story depicts life of a Medic during World War Two. We get to see every day the horrors of war on a medic and his family.
We also get a peak of the feelings of a man who gets out of the war physically but mentally relives the horrors of the Hitler’s regime. Today this is called PTSD.
This true story depicts life of a Medic during World War Two. We get to see every day the horrors of war on a medic and his family.
We also get a peak of the feelings of a man who gets out of the war physically but mentally relives the horrors of the Hitler’s regime. Today this is called PTSD.
March 8, 2025
The medics wife
Outstanding book. I was born 1942 in Germany and remember my parents stories. I lived through the after war episodes. I need to point out that my parents were hiding a Jewish family until they were able to catch a plane to Chicago. We stayed in touch with them for many years . They came back to Freiburg to visit us several times. This
Renate Mousseux
Outstanding book. I was born 1942 in Germany and remember my parents stories. I lived through the after war episodes. I need to point out that my parents were hiding a Jewish family until they were able to catch a plane to Chicago. We stayed in touch with them for many years . They came back to Freiburg to visit us several times. This
Renate Mousseux
April 7, 2025
A Honest Look at Life for WW ll Soldier
I'm read lots of books about WWll, and The Medic's Wife is one of the best. It gave a very clear view of what life was like for a soldier in the war, including all of the horrible things that happened. This nbook is well worth reading if you want a first hand account of the war.
I'm read lots of books about WWll, and The Medic's Wife is one of the best. It gave a very clear view of what life was like for a soldier in the war, including all of the horrible things that happened. This nbook is well worth reading if you want a first hand account of the war.
June 7, 2025
Reality of War Through WWII Soldier's Eyes
A very detailed and interesting account of one man's service as an army medic in WWII as told by his wife. Ed wrote a journal for himself and many letters to his wife, which were saved and used as a reference for this book. It's an invaluable record of the reality of war and it's effect on soldiers and the family they leave behind.
A very detailed and interesting account of one man's service as an army medic in WWII as told by his wife. Ed wrote a journal for himself and many letters to his wife, which were saved and used as a reference for this book. It's an invaluable record of the reality of war and it's effect on soldiers and the family they leave behind.
August 4, 2025
Very good book
I know there were veterans that couldn't talk about their experiences in WWII. This is a wonderful journal of Ed's experiences in the war. The fact that Mary kept his journal when Ed said to get rid of it is wonderful for history sake. Truly a family treasure. Ok
I know there were veterans that couldn't talk about their experiences in WWII. This is a wonderful journal of Ed's experiences in the war. The fact that Mary kept his journal when Ed said to get rid of it is wonderful for history sake. Truly a family treasure. Ok
November 1, 2025
Unarmed Soldier
Spellbinding account of ordinary young American men doing extraordinary tasks. The true account of the finest generation struggling to make sense of and enduring the mental and physical challenges of WW II. This account of two people, in love, separated by war, will stay with you long after you finish reading their life story. Highly recommended!
Spellbinding account of ordinary young American men doing extraordinary tasks. The true account of the finest generation struggling to make sense of and enduring the mental and physical challenges of WW II. This account of two people, in love, separated by war, will stay with you long after you finish reading their life story. Highly recommended!
December 15, 2025
Great Book
Really brings home what we owe these men and women fighting to keep our world free. It also makes me sad that I didn’t know and appreciate my father’s struggles mentally and physically after being a machine gunner in the pacific. This book and these people gave so much free without a Dictator and now it scares me how our government is pushing toward that.
Really brings home what we owe these men and women fighting to keep our world free. It also makes me sad that I didn’t know and appreciate my father’s struggles mentally and physically after being a machine gunner in the pacific. This book and these people gave so much free without a Dictator and now it scares me how our government is pushing toward that.
October 14, 2023
An incredible, engaging, heartfelt, and moving book that captures your interest from the very start! A true love story at its heart, with gripping and detailed WWII accounts. A book that will transport you back in time and pull at your heartstrings. Highly recommend!!
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February 29, 2024A very readable account of a World War 2 Medic
The narrative of the battles gave humanity to the story. The fictionalized portion put home relationships in perspective. A great read!
The narrative of the battles gave humanity to the story. The fictionalized portion put home relationships in perspective. A great read!
January 5, 2025
I wanted to read this book because the main characters lived near where my husband and I grew up and currently live. Both of our fathers were in WWII and I wish I knew more of what they had experienced. Thank you to the author and his parents who did such a wonderful job of bringing their experiences to life. I felt like I could envision and actually knew every person described.
February 19, 2025
Wonderful rendition of a time we must never forget.
This book was riveting. My dad served in many of these locations as an infantry Sgt. Some stories overlap. All touch the heart.
This book was riveting. My dad served in many of these locations as an infantry Sgt. Some stories overlap. All touch the heart.
February 22, 2025
A true hero of WWII! What an incredible story of a medic, his brave platoon, and loving wife. The pictures and letters bring to life the intense sacrifice and courage Ed and his friends faced during war and afterwards. This will stay with me for a long time.
March 9, 2025
Well wrote, and with heart. My Dad was also in the Army during WW2. My mother followed him to Astoria Oregon, so this book was very close to my heart. Alot of what was written was familiar to things My parents had talked about, including coming back to Ohio when his time in service was done.
May 16, 2025
One of the best I’ve ever read! Reading this made me feel closer to my great grandfather who was also a medic and helped liberate Buchenwald. Stories like this must never be forgotten. We must keep the conversation going about this time in history.
June 11, 2025
Excellent book!!!
A true account of the war experiences of a medic/soldier.
If WW2 interest you this book is a MUST read! Absolutely loved it, made me cry at times but also laugh at others
A true account of the war experiences of a medic/soldier.
If WW2 interest you this book is a MUST read! Absolutely loved it, made me cry at times but also laugh at others
June 15, 2025
A story that needs to be shared…..
A nonstop read! Remarkable story and so very glad she was able to share it so we never forget those that sacrificed to free Europe and Asia from the terror of war.
A nonstop read! Remarkable story and so very glad she was able to share it so we never forget those that sacrificed to free Europe and Asia from the terror of war.
August 9, 2025
personal story
You could tell the writing in this story was personal, specific to the writers parents. The language is basic but the overall story arc is good. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it.
You could tell the writing in this story was personal, specific to the writers parents. The language is basic but the overall story arc is good. It was a quick read and I enjoyed it.
February 24, 2026
Interesting WW2 account from a medic’s perspective
This was a bookclub read and probably more of a 3.5 for me. The account of D-day from the perspective of a medic was the best part of the book for me. The portrayal seemed very realistic.
This was a bookclub read and probably more of a 3.5 for me. The account of D-day from the perspective of a medic was the best part of the book for me. The portrayal seemed very realistic.
March 13, 2026
Ed and Mary a battle of Love and War
I'd recommend this book all history and love buffs. I'd also recommend this book to all High School history classes,and to all young men and women thinking of enlisting in the service.
I'd recommend this book all history and love buffs. I'd also recommend this book to all High School history classes,and to all young men and women thinking of enlisting in the service.
March 23, 2024
Excellent read!
May 11, 2024
So moving and heartfelt! Incredible story
May 19, 2024
excellent read
This book was a Heartbreaking and heartwarming read. Thank you for your service Mr. K. And thank you Mary for sharing his story.
This book was a Heartbreaking and heartwarming read. Thank you for your service Mr. K. And thank you Mary for sharing his story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews