Chappie: World War II Diary of a Combat Chaplain.

Chappie: World War II Diary of a Combat Chaplain 

Alton E. Carpenter & A. Anne Eiland

Mead Publishing

Norman Mead & Russell Mead

610 West McLellan Road, Mesa, AZ 85201

9781606435076 $18.50 www.meadpublishing.com www.chappiediary.com 480-964-0167

This awesome diary of Combat Chaplain Alton E. Carpenter, lovingly transcribed by his daughter A. Anne Eiland follows "Chappie" from the landing at November 8th 1942 in French Morocco in North Africa, through the landing at Sicily July 10th 1943 and finally the D-Day landing on Omaha Beach in France, June 6th 1944.

The Diary begins June 4th 1942, with Chaplain Carpenter's entry into the military and continues on to August 16th 1945 as he left Europe for home.

The diary is very personal with opinions, not always in agreement with "official reports." "Chappie" comments on George Patton, Dwight Eisenhower and a myriad of World War II personalities

This diary, along with Ms Eiland's additional biography of her father, cries out to be read. It is a fascinating daily account of World War II Africa and Europe, up front and personal, the way :Chappie" saw it, more than sixty years ago.

The original 9x 6 notebook-diary on which this book is based, is carefully preserved by his family.

The many photographs were candid shots taken by "Chappie" and give the feel of the times. It seems like only yesterday.

For all who have interest in World War II history, to those who like to read diaries, and anyone else who enjoys a good read, I recommend this book.

Richard N. Larsen

Reviewer