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by T. Gregory Lynch (Author)
The Sole Surviving Son documents the January, 1943, to October, 1945, wartime experiences of Thomas P. Lynch with the U.S. Army's 167th Antiaircraft Gun Battalion as a radar operator, instructor and military policeman through his journal, photographs and letters home to his parents. Recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and four Bronze Battle Stars, Tom served protecting Allied naval ports and ships, military airports and aircraft, and supply lines in Africa, Italy and France. From an action standpoint, his battalion encountered 66 alerts over a 550-day span, firing a total of 9,224 90MM rounds, recording the definitive destruction of 10 enemy aircraft, 10 probable/possible kills, and one plane crippled.
Action is, however, not the entire focus of this documentary; action is minimal compared to that of many other WWII units and their stories. Rather, this book is a tale of human interest. It reveals how a successful, unofficially engaged, 31-year-old business owner adapts to life's curveballs.
A key theme is the "sole surviving son" status of Thomas, which is explained through family tragedy This loss, along with Thomas's brushes with death during the war and illness, underscores the resilience and adversity faced by him.
While the reader is exposed to the ravages of war, its death and destruction, s/he also shares in the awe and beauty of the undamaged landscapes and landmarks while learning of the lives of the native people living in the various regions where his battalion is posted. The book also delves into the family's roots in Sussex County, Delaware, and their experiences through the Great Depression, painting a vivid picture of American life in the early 20th century. It offers both a personal and historical perspective on World War II and its impact on one person and his family.
