MWSA Book Review

I'm One of the Luck Ones

Authors: Raymond C. Heimbuch

Publisher:  Dageforde Publishing, Inc.

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

Two Brothers Become POWS – Great True Story of WWII

The book’s front cover has this innocent and charming photo of a young looking WWII Army sergeant that seems to portray so well the innocence of young warriors. Raymond Heimbuch writes a personal memoir about what he went through at the hands of Japanese when he was captured at the beginning of WWII in the Philippines. His book entitled “I’m One of the Lucky Ones – I Came Home Alive” tells this humble man’s experiences in extraordinary times.

It is told in a simple almost conversational way as if your own grandfather, or father, were telling you about his war experiences. He understates some of the tragic events and does not seek out pity or sympathy as he shares what it was like for himself and his brother in the POW camps. The hunger, the death, the terrible physical conditions and even the fears come across strongly even though he underplays them as his story unfolds. It is captivating stuff and will keep you glued to this short book (146 pages) until you finish the last page.

This book captures a piece of history. When these men of the Greatest Generation leave us this will be all that is left for us to understand what price that they paid for our nation’s freedom. I highly recommend reading this book.