Arts & Entertainment
Meet My Inspiration: WWII Veteran "Papa John"
Author J Robert Gould discusses his classic book, The Last of the Greatest Generation
The Greatest Generation refers to those born between 1901 to 1927. They are commonly referred to as the World War II generation who lived through the Great Depression and were the men and women who enlisted in World War II.
My late father-in-law, John Abplanalp, also known as "Papa John", was one of the most incredible men I've ever met. My close relationship with John, who served on the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga, during WWII inspired me to write my first novel, “The Last of the Greatest Generation.”
Although John passed away just a few weeks before my book was published, he did get to read most of it and was very excited. He was so humble about his time in WWII, and never thought about his service beyond something he felt he had to do. "Papa John" epitomized the last of the greatest generation!
The Greatest Generation lived in a time when the entire nation was engaged in one mission, to win the war. Citizens banded together to do what was necessary to help the nation succeed. Families planted gardens to help with food shortages, women helped in factories to produce the necessary military equipment for our armed forces, and served in medical positions throughout Europe and the Pacific. Everyone was joined together for a common purpose.
This generation was one of honor, duty, resilience, and sacrifice. As then President Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said in 1943; "We have faith that future generations will know here, in the middle of the twentieth century, there came a time when men of good will found a way to unite, and produce, and fight to destroy the forces of ignorance, and intolerance, and slavery, and war."
Readers say that my book - a mystery - will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story of an alcoholic reporter trying to block out his tragic past engages with the oldest living WWII veteran, who is hiding secrets too painful to share with loved ones. A beautiful granddaughter turned caretaker, hoping her grandfather can tell his true story, falls in love with the investigator sent to find out the old hero’s past.
I hope you are inspired to pick up. a copy.
Best,
J Robert Gould
Author of The Last of the Greatest Generation
Click here to purchase the novel, The Last of the Greatest Generation
