Robert WCongratulations to ninety-six-year-old Bob von der Osten for writing the story of his military experience during World War II. Bob kept journals of his boot camp, training, ship-time, liberty, and war-time experiences after joining the United States Navy in January 1942. He supplemented these entries with additional material and memories to turn his journal into a fascinating book.

In his dedication, Bob states that his story “is not only a sailor’s story but the history of a great landing craft and her dedicated crew.” Bob served most of his hitch on the USS LST-388, a tank landing ship in the European theater, which participated in the invasion of Normandy in June 1944.

Barbara & Her Dad
Barb and Bob

Bob’s daughter, Barb von der Osten, helped him organize his material and photographs and pull it all together. Now, I have the great privilege of editing and publishing Bob’s story, Journal to War—From Boot Camp to Normandy: Memories of World War II and the Story of the LST-388.

Bob and Earline
Bob and Earlene

By Bob’s side, supporting him to publish his story, is his lovely wife of fifty-three years, Earlene.

Thank you, Bob, for your service to our country and for giving me the honor of helping you preserve your amazing story.

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