Synopses & Reviews
In 1944, the U.S. government feared the flood of returning World War II soldiers as much as it looked forward to peace. To avoid economic catastrophe, FDR, the American Legion, William Randolph Hearst, and others began crafting the Servicemens Readjustment Act of 1944. It would be the single most transformative bill of the twentieth century. Spun as the G.I. Bill of Rights, this program for vets included home loans, health care, educational funds, and career counseling. The effects were immediate and enduringthe suburbs, the middle class, Americas ever-increasing number of college graduates, the lunar landingall are tied to the G.I. Bill. The Greatest Generation would not exist without it: Norman Mailer, Bob Dole, John F. Kennedy, Paul Newman, Jimmy Carter, Clint Eastwood, and many others benefited from its provisions. Here are the stories of some of these men and women, how their lives changed because of the bill and how this country changed because of them.
Review
"Careful and colorful reporting. [A]s inspiring as those recounting its survival of the Depression and triumph in war." --Kirkus
(Kirkus)
Review
"Humes has a wonderful knack for finding a big story in the little stories of everyday life." (D.J. Waldie)
Review
"Over Here -- the great untold story that needs to be told all the younger generations."(Lawrence Ferlinghetti)
Review
"An immensely readable account of one of the smartest, most workable projects our government ever thought up." (Caroylyn See)
About the Author
Edward Humes is a veteran journalist, contributing to the Los Angeles Times Sunday Magazine, and has written numerous books including Baby E. R. and the bestselling Mississippi Mud, Mean Justice, and No Matter How Loud I Shout. A graduate of Hampshire College and a Pulitzer Prize winner, he lives in Southern California with his family.
Table of Contents
Contents
PROLOGUE
Troop Movement Unlike Any Other
CHAPTER 1
The Greatest Regeneration:
The Accidental Remaking of America
CHAPTER 2
Cold Wars, Hot Rockets, a New American Dream
CHAPTER 3
Investing in the Future:
Bill Thomas and the Rise of Suburbia
CHAPTER 4
Bill and Vivian Kingsley:
G.I. Tech
CHAPTER 5
Out of the Blue:
Medical Miracles
CHAPTER 6
Nixon and Kennedy, Bonnie and Clyde:
The G.I. Bill and the Arts
CHAPTER 7
Gunnery Mates and Other Invisible Veterans:
Women and the G.I. Bill that Wasnt
CHAPTER 8
Monte Poseys War:
Race and the G.I. Bill
CHAPTER 9
Whats inside?
Leaders and the G.I. Bill
EPILOGUE
Kilroys Not Here:
The Future and the G.I. Bill
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A NOTE ON SOURCES
INDEX