Let Us Never Forget
Stories and Paintings of World War II
Francis J. McGinley
This unique and important collection of narratives and paintings by the well-known New Jersey artist Francis McGinley memorializes events associated with the Holocaust and World War II. As the witnesses of those times slowly fade literally and figuratively from our collective memory, it is more important that ever to record their stories in a meaningful way for future generations. This book is Mr. McGinley’s long-awaited and impressive contribution toward that effort.
Presented in chronological format, the artist’s work depicts the initial panic of Krirstallnacht , the horrors of Auschwitz and the Warsaw Ghetto, and the uncertainty and horror of the voyage of the SS St. Louis. As the war intensifies after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Pacific Theatre is portrayed in images and accounts of the battles of Midway and Guadalcanal, and the invasion of the Philippines. The struggle for Monte Cassino, the gallantry of D-Day and the invasion of France follow, all intermingled with images of submarine warfare and various ships and aircraft employed throughout the war.
Personal, in-depth stories, are interspersed throughout the book, including those of Simon Wiesenthal, St. Maximilian Kolbe, PFC Marcelino A. Ortiz, Sergeant William H. Fisher, Dina Gabel, Colonel James H. Doolittle, pilot Edgar McElroy, the Four Chaplains, Captain Ben L. Salomon, Major Thomas B. McGuire, waist gunner Joe O’Donnell, the men of the Bertie Lee, Colonel Mickey Marcus, Corporal “Duke” Lenard, Lieutenant Raymond Zussman, Platoon Sergeant Frank Olsen, PFC Edwin Kolodziej, 2nd Lieutenant “Bud” Lomell, Raoul Wallenburg, PFC Francis S. Currey, Corporal Horace M. Thorne, Staff Sergeant Isadore S. Jackman, 2nd Lieutenant Audie Leon Murphy, PFC Frank J. Bernhardt, Airman George Watson, and Libel Sanik.
The stories continue, focusing on the Battle of the Bulge, the annihilation of Dresden, and the bombing of Hiroshima by the Enola Gay. As the destruction and mayhem of war finally come to a close, we view the liberation of Dachau, and the signing of the peace treaty onboard the USS Missouri as it lies in Tokyo Bay. Mr. McGinley intersperses the book with illustrations of individuals, ships, and units that made up the war, complete with moving recollections by actual participants.
American History Press and author Frank McGinley are proud to present this book to the current generation, doing our part to preserve the heritage of this time period in hopes that the horrors, pain, and destruction of such a war will never be repeated again.
Specifications
Format: 9" x 12" perfect-bound paperback with French fold and color interior, printed in the United States of America on acid-free heavy stock white paper
Pages: 172, including Contents, List of stories and paintings, a Preface by the author, and a Foreword by Thomas F. Kelaher (current Mayor of Toms River Township, New Jersey and a former Marine)
Illustrations: 94 paintings of various scenes from the Holocaust and World War II by the author, actual photos of World War II scenes, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the POW/MIA flag.
ISBN 10: 0-9830827-5-8
ISBN 13: 978-0-9830827-5-0
LCCN: 2012940551
Price: $25.00 - Bulk orders can be purchased at a discount.
About the Author and Artist
Francis J. McGinley has enjoyed painting for many years, from the time when he won his first art award at the age of thirteen. After he completed his schooling, he started working in the banking industry, but was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army when the Korean War broke out. After his discharge he reentered the business world and eventually returned to painting by offering his artwork for various fund raisings by local organizations such as the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. He credits his success to early instruction from Raymond Carter, Chuck Miller and Col. Charles Waterhouse.
After Frank retired from banking he was able to devote much more time to his artwork. To this day he still helps an assortment of organizations in their funding efforts. He has produced paintings for the U.S. Air Force, and examples of his work are displayed at the Pentagon, West Point, McGuire Air Force Base, and the British War Museum, among countless other venues. He has received numerous art awards, participated in many individual shows, and served as a judge for several exhibitions.
Let Us Never Forget is the first time that a full range of Mr. McGinley’s work has been collected and shared with the general public. His love of American history inspired the series of paintings that are reproduced in this book. They illustrate an assortment of topics from World War II and the Holocaust, and show the scope and extent of the artist’s talents. Together with descriptions of the circumstances that surround each painting, it is hoped that this book will serve as a testament for future generations.
This product was added to our catalog on Monday 23 July, 2012.
