Author: Stephanie Sammartino McPherson

Less than a decade after the end of World War II, Angelo Joseph Sammartino faced combat in the Korean War. Once again, his faith and his belief that all people are children of God saw him through the conflict. Angelo went on to many military assignments stateside, traveling from coast to coast with his family. After retiring from the Marine Corps as a major, Angelo launched a second career as a high school teacher of U.S. history. Students appreciated his talent for making all aspects of history come to life. Almost seventy years after World War II, the events described in this book remained vivid in his mind. Angelo’s quiet courage and faith, his keen intellect, and his youthful view of life inspired his children and grandchildren. His very young great grandchildren were also touched by his playfulness and boundless love. Angelo passed away quietly, surrounded by his family, on April 14, 2014. An award-winning educator, Marion Rita Sammartino taught English, drama, and social studies in junior high school. Besides inspiring a generation of students to do their best and to love learning, she left an impressive legacy in her writing and art. For many years, Marion wrote a popular newspaper column on educational issues called School Days. Her husband Angelo was always her first and best editor. Marion was an enthusiastic artist, developing a new technique that blended abstract and representational imagery, a genre she dubbed “cosmic art.” Marion’s wisdom and sense of humor, her willingness to stand up for her beliefs, and her strong, musical voice are cherished by all who knew her. She passed away on February 11, 2013. When Stephanie Sammartino Mc Pherson heard her father share his experiences in World War II with his grandchildren, she knew the story deserved a wider audience. Collaborating with her parents, she helped them recreate the real-life conversation that forms the basis of this book. Stephanie has written numerous newspaper and magazine stories as well as over thirty nonfiction and biography titles for children. Her recent book, Arctic Thaw: Climate Change and the Global Race for Energy Resources was a Junior Library Guild Selection for the fall of 2014. Stephanie and her husband Richard live in Virginia but also call California home. Born in Cooperstown, New York, cartoonist and illustrator Gerald L. Morrison received his degree in Advertising Art and Design from Penn State. He served in the Air Force and is a Vietnam veteran. He is retired from the Virginia state government and has lived in the Richmond area for forty-four years. This is his first book.