Abstract:
The year is 1944. The United States has finally done what it must—throw its full weight into the fight against evil then known as the Axis Powers. Gordon Brainerd is but 16 years old, too young to join the regular forces, but just old enough for the Merchant Marines. Dropping out of high school and leaving his small hometown for the first time, this is his coming-of-age story, wherein from the streets of New York City to the ports of South America and the Philippines, Gordon maintains his small town values while learning to become a man. His own man.