If you read my blog you know the huge influence my father had on my life. And if you know anything about my Dad, you know the influence that his time in the Merchant Marine during World War II had on him. Like most men of his age, he never talked much about those years.

That’s why Merchant Marine War Diary 1944 by Henry Kasper is so interesting to me. Kasper and my father may have crossed paths several times during the war because they sailed the same shipping lanes, supplied the same battles, and attended the same military academy. They were exactly the same age and were both based in the San Francisco area.

That’s why Kasper’s diary is so interesting to me. He kept day by day details of his experiences. For instance, he describes Peleliu after the invasion (I remember seeing photos my Dad had of that island after the invasion). Kasper captures the boredom of waiting that all soldiers talk of, and he captures the excitement of battle (though in his case, seen from afar).

This is not a great book. It’s simple, written in plain english and without a lot of style. But it sure makes me think of my Dad. And all the others who fought that war. Thanks to my brother Geoff for coming across this little gem.