RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - The Show-Me State's enduring military heritage is reflected in "Missouri at War," the latest book by Russellville author Jeremy Amick.
The book uses postcards to tell the story of decades of Missouri military service, from pre-statehood through the present.
The book description reads: "Missouri has molded many notable military leaders, such as Gen. John J. Pershing, the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. It has been the site of a Spanish fort, built in the area that is now downtown St. Louis, and serves as the home of the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City. These people and memorials continue to generate reminders to its citizens of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have fought on behalf of the state and nation."
This is one of a series of books telling the story of Missouri's military history by Amick, a former Missouri National Guardsman and current military historian/public affairs officer with the Silver Star Families of America.
For example, the Sedalia Army Air Field is featured on a black and white postcard. The base, originally named the Sedalia Glider Base when activated in August 1942, was a training site for glider tactics and paratroopers, Amick said.
After closing following World War II, it reopened in 1951 as part of the strategic air command in 1955 and was renamed Whiteman Air Force Base in honor of Lt. George A. Whiteman, a Sedalia native who became Missouri's first casualty of WWII when he was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Another postcard features Crowder Hall, built on the University of Missouri campus in 1938 and named for Maj. Gen. Enoch Crowder, a Missourian best known for implementing the Selective Service Act during World War I. The hall continues to serve as the military science and leadership department for the school's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.
"The postcards in this book are from my personal collection," Amick said. "Postcards themselves are historical documents that demonstrate specific moments, places, etc., in our state's military history, and it was quite enjoyable to piece them together into this book.
"Many of the places featured no longer exist but remain a part of our state's military legacy that should not be forgotten."
"Missouri At War," a 128-page paperback, retails for $21.99 and will be released Monday. As with all of Amick's books, a portion of the profits will be donated to the Silver Star Families of America.
It will be available at retail locations statewide, including Samuel's Tuxedos and Gifts and Downtown Book and Toy in Jefferson City. A book signing is planned at Samuel's on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
For more information, visit missouriatwar.com.