Men and women across our nation charged into battle to do their service when the United States entered World War II. In the new 2019 niche history book, World War II Akron, author Tim Carroll describes the roles of Akron’s men and women. He describes the jobs they performed on the homefront and overseas and how they contributed to the fight for freedom.

The cover of World War II Akron (seen here) features stories and photos of people, places, and events. Well known people pictured include Bob Hope, Helen Waterhouse (Akron Beacon Journal reporter), John S. Knight, Paul Brown and the Swensons. Places of interest mentioned are Fulton Airport, the Rubber Bowl, Wingfoot Lake and Hower Vocational School. A few of the many historical events covered are Pearl Harbor, D-Day and General Patton’s top-secret mission involving Akron. Over 100 photographs are included in the book.

It was the cover photo of a U.S. Navy blimp hovering over a captured Nazi sub that captured my attention. Airships were, and still are, a sight to behold. Their role throughout history is fascinating to say the least. In my possession is an antique airship pin (seen here) that was handed down to me. It was most likely worn by my grandfather as a symbol of American pride and ingenuity.

World War II Akron is clearly an authoritative resource. Tim Carroll consulted the archives of The University of Akron, Akron Summit County Public Library, the Beacon Journal, Goodyear and many other northeast Ohio repositories in order to tell this story.

To read the complete description of this book, determine its availability, and place a hold on this item (if it is currently checked out to another patron), click on the book title above which is hyperlinked to the library’s online catalog.

  ~Stephanie Livengood, Librarian