Finding Phil: Lost in War and Silence

by Paul Levy

Paul Levy was a year old when his Uncle Phil was killed in World War II, and his family, like many, faced their grief with silence. Upon retirement, and seventy years after his uncle’s death, he set out to discover what might still be found about Phil. At every step, research led to unexpected turns, and ultimately revealed a vivid portrait of Phil’s life and, astoundingly, of his death. In the process, the author also gained insights into war, antisemitism, family silences, and heroism, and encountered intriguing and sometimes famous characters who had touched Phil’s life.

Table of Contents

The Sound of Silence
MY SEARCH BEGINS
The Package
Into the Vosges
YOUTH
Introducing Phil
The Choice
Barbara
WAR
Aboard the Dunera
Did Galula Make It Through?
Into Combat
At the Front
Mystery at the Border
To the End
And Beyond
Nuremberg, Zoepf, and Voss
GIVING MEANING
Louis
Nathan
Mark
Return to Petit Wingen
Return to Wingen-sur-Moder
Stories and Silences
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Map and Photograph Credits
Acknowledgments

224 pages, Paperback

Published July 5, 2016

Reviews

[Sheryl Branscombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book written by a gentleman looking into his uncle's life prior to and death during world war II. This type of story underscores how much is lost and how far the effects go in the aftermath of war. As the author retraces the path that Phil took during the war you get in depth knowledge of events that occurred through careful research on his part, yet written so that everyone can be engaged throughout.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking and moving factual account of a search for details about the author's uncle who was killed in action in France during WW II, while serving with the US Army. Well-written; despite the fact that his family never talked about Phil, the soldier who died, the author was successful in discovering the circumstances of Phil's death down to the exact spot he died.