Unintended Hero

by Becky Van Vleet

How Can You Be A Hero When Everything Inside Says You Can’t?

When the first bomb drops on Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1941, Walter Troyan is a skinny seventeen-year-old California kid chock full of fear. But down deep he knows he must join the fight, so he drops out of high school and enlists.

Almost overnight, Walter is submerged into a brutal training regime and schedule. He’s homesick. Outmatched by all the other newbies. Knows he’ll never live up to his heroic brothers.

And his soul shudders every time an officer shouts, “What are you made of!” Because Walter knows.

But then? Hope. He performs well on an aptitude test which sends him to Gunner’s Mate School. Upon graduation, Walter is sent to the USS Denver, docked in Philadelphia. He makes friends, gains a shred of courage.

Then his ship enters the Pacific Theater and Walter enters the crucible of his life. His body, spirit, and soul are forced to fight against emotions and circumstances he’s never encountered, and he’s faced with choices that will bring life or death to men he’s come to love as brothers.

Don’t miss this epic tale—inspired by a true story—of a boy facing head on, the courage it takes to become a man.

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2022

Reviews

[Bonnie Engstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unintended Hero is an amazing WWII story told from the perspective of one "hero." VanVleet is a gifted author who personalized each character so I felt as if I was among them all on that Navy ship. I felt all the men's emotions, cried with them, ate with them, even took part in their dreams. Walter, the main character, is sensitive and thoughtful and develops from boy to man during his three year war journey. This story is not just for men. It's personal history, and as a woman I was captivated. I hope many others will read it to learn and understand what our men and country went through and appreciate being American.

[Peggy Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Unintended Hero, Becky Van Vleet gives us a view of Navy life in World War II through the memories of her father who, like many teenagers, left school and joined the Navy. I especially appreciate his memories because they give me an insight into my then 17-year-old brother’s life during his 33 months of service in the Pacific Theater. I’m pleased Walter was able to discuss his military life. So many service men, my brother included, could not. In this era when World War II fiction is dominant in the publishing world, Unintended Hero is one to be savored as only first-hand accounts can satisfy. I received Unintended Hero as a gift with no restrictions. These words are my own. Peggy Lovelace Ellis, Challenges on the Home Front, World War II.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and getting a first hand picture of the bravery of young men fighting for our country in WW II. Thanks to the author for sharing her dad's story.