The War Diaries of Simon Robert Gordon

<p>As I transcribe my dad's war diaries I am safe and warm here in my home. Over 75 years ago when my dad began writing these four journals he was leaving the safety of his family in Southern Ohio having been drafted into the U.S. Army. What follows is a journey I took with my dad as I traveled with him during those four years from 1942-45.</p><p>He was 32 years old when he left his established automotive supply business in the hands of his brothers not knowing when or if he would return to Southern Ohio. Even though he had travelled across the country during the depression to help his uncle replace auto glass in Los Angeles he had never been out of the U.S. My sisters and I heard parts of his war adventures AT THE PESACH TABLE during our childhood as he recounted the three Seders he experienced in the Middle East. As he grew older these war stories became even more vivid as he retold them many times to extended family and friends. Even strangers would be captive audiences for his war adventures.</p><p>Having been interested in the journals and photos of his time spent in the Middle East I promised my mom I would assemble them into a book for future generations. Portions of this Diary have already been shared at recent Seders by my children and grandchildren.</p><p>Please note the entire DIARY has been transcribed but for the interest of readers I have selected for this book the most interesting passages from the over 1000 entries. I added photos my dad took and letters my parents wrote to each other during the war years. The letters explain the evolution of their love and devotion for each other which endured for over 53 years of marriage.</p>