A Doctor's War

Peggy Ludwick’s background is in microbiology and public health; her research has appeared in several medical journals. Her work includes supervising hospital clinical labs and gender equity work in the Yakima, Washington, public school system. She has taught in a variety of educational settings. Discovering her father’s 265 eloquent letters home as a young medical officer during World War II was a revelation, and a gift she felt compelled to share. She lives in Wenatchee, Washington.

Table of Contents


Acknowledgments

Preface

Introduction

Prologue

1. Camp Claiborne, Louisiana: 34th Infantry Division

Training, February 1941–December 31, 1941

2. Northern Ireland: First U.S. Troops to Europe,

January 26–December 20, 1942

3. North Africa: Operation TORCH and Meeting

the Desert Fox, January 3–September 22, 1943

4. Italy: Battle Hardened, September 21, 1943–May 5, 1944

5. Winding Down: Anzio and Headed Home, March–April 1944

6. Chronology of Military Service and Major 34th Infantry

Division Events: December 2, 1940–November 12, 1951

7. Walking Wounded

8. Epilogue: Return and Readjustment

9. Behind the Lines: A Daughter’s Reflections

Appendices

A: Silver Star Commendation

B: German Treatment of American POWs

C: Capt./Baron Rudolph Charles von Ripper and His “San Pietro,

Italy, 1943” Etching

D: John “Jack” Vail Hoyer

E: 34th Infantry Division Buddies

Bibliography

Index