Publisher Description

On October 24, 1944, more than two hundred American soldiers realized they were surrounded by German infantry deep in the mountain forest of eastern France. As their dwindling food, ammunition, and medical supplies ran out, the American commanding officer turned to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team to achieve what other units had failed to do. Honor Before Glory is the story of the 442nd, a segregated unit of Japanese American citizens, commanded by white officers, that finally rescued the "lost battalion." Their unmatched courage and sacrifice under fire became legend- all the more remarkable because many of the soldiers had volunteered from prison-like "internment" camps where sentries watched their mothers and fathers from the barbed-wire perimeter.In seven campaigns, these young Japanese American men earned more than 9,000 Purple Hearts, 6,000 Bronze and Silver Stars, and nearly two dozen Medals of Honor. The 442nd became the most decorated unit of its size in World War II: its soldiers earned 18,100 awards and decorations, more than one for every man. Honor Before Glory is their story- a story of a young generation's fight against both the enemy and American prejudice- a story of heroism, sacrifice, and the best America has to offer.

Notes

The true story of the American 442nd Regiment Combat Team, a segregated unit of Japanese-American soldiers, who went on a rescue mission in 1944 to help more than 200 American soldiers who were surrounded by the Germans in eastern France.

Author Biography

Scott McGaugh is the marketing director of the USS Midway Museum and a spokesman for Midway University, the museum's education program. A veteran journalist, he has published numerous books on the Midway and has discussed the topic on such media outlets as the History Channel and the Discovery Channel. McGaugh is a member of the Public Relations Society of America's Counselors Academy and has received their highest national award, the Silver Anvil. In addition to studying international relations at Uppsala University in Sweden, he earned a B.S. in political science from Arizona State Universit

Review

Praise for Honor Before Glory "The legendary courage and tenacity of the Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team made it the most highly decorated unit in the history of the United States Army. The sacrifice of these young Japanese American volunteer soldiers also gave poignant new meaning and irony to America's understanding of patriotism. McGaugh's accurate account will put a lump in our throat."--Pete Wilson, former governor of California "Well-researched and riveting, Honor Before Glory is a stirring tale of how Japanese American soldiers disregarded hatred, distrust, and overt racism to serve the nation with courage, dignity, and distinction. A page-turner with both depth and emotional punch."--Stephen Harding, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Battle "On these beautifully written pages, the desperation, terror, and trauma of the infantry soldier's wold comes to life, as does the famous story of the 'Lost Battalion' and the remarkable men of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. A true page-turner--I could not put it down."--John C. McManus, author of The Dead and Those about to Die "The little-known story of a segregated Japanese American unit that rescued a surrounded battalion during World War II...McGaugh captures the horror and humanity of this slog through mud, forest and unrelenting German resistance."?Shelf Awareness for Readers (starred review), 10/28/16 "Highly recommended, especially for both personal and public library American History collections." ?Midwest Book Review "This unit is the most decorated unit for its size in American warfare history...These men are honored by this book and deserve the appreciation of this nation." ?Portland Book Review "Follows members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team from the United States to Europe, focusing on their rescue of the 'Lost Battalion,' the 1st Battalion of the 141st Infantry. What emerges is a crisp, hyper-focused narrative that profiles the tenacity of both groups of soldiers and their commanding officers against the brutal conditions of war in Europe...[McGaugh] writes intimately about the soldiers of the 44nd...An engrossing read. Through focusing on the 442nd and one particular rescue, McGaugh crafts a deeply personal take that highlights the personal sacrifices and brings to light one of the Japanese American wartime experiences. It reflects their legacy in the best ways." ?Japan Society of Greater Philadelphia

Long Description

On October 24, 1944, more than two hundred American soldiers realized they were surrounded by German infantry deep in the mountain forest of eastern France. As their dwindling food, ammunition, and medical supplies ran out, the American commanding officer turned to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team to achieve what other units had failed to do. Honor Before Glory is the story of the 442nd, a segregated unit of Japanese American citizens, commanded by white officers, that finally rescued the "lost battalion." Their unmatched courage and sacrifice under fire became legend-all the more remarkable because many of the soldiers had volunteered from prison-like "internment" camps where sentries watched their mothers and fathers from the barbed-wire perimeter. In seven campaigns, these young Japanese American men earned more than 9,000 Purple Hearts, 6,000 Bronze and Silver Stars, and nearly two dozen Medals of Honor. The 442nd became the most decorated unit of its size in World War II: its soldiers earned 18,100 awards and decorations, more than one for every man. Honor Before Glory is their story-a story of a young generation's fight against both the enemy and American prejudice-a story of heroism, sacrifice, and the best America has to offer.

Review Quote

"This unit is the most decorated unit for its size in American warfare history...These men are honored by this book and deserve the appreciation of this nation." -- Portland Book Review

Promotional "Headline"

The riveting, gritty, and inspiring story of the Japanese-American "GO FOR BROKE" unit that rescued- against all odds- a trapped American battalion and went on to become the most decorated unit of its size in World War II.

Description for Sales People

Riveting story of an "against all odds" rescue-In the tradition of Hampton Sides' Ghost Soldiers, this book has all the elements of a "made for the movies" story: A battle weary unit comprised of Japanese-Americans, who volunteered from internment camps to join the army that then used them like cannon fodder, is called on to rescue- after other units have tried and failed- a trapped American unit surrounded by Germans in a dense mountain forest. With unmatched courage and extraordinary heroism, they succeeded.The most decorated unit of its size in World War II-The men of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the famous "GO FOR BROKE" unit, have been awarded an unprecedented number of medals: 21 Medals of Honor, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars, 4,000 Bronze Stars, and over 9,000 Purple Hearts. Yet many of the men of the unit, who had served with honor, had to wait decades before receiving their rightfully earned "glory"- it was not until the Clinton and Obama administrations that many of the Medals of Honor were finally awarded.Daniel Inouye, a well-known and respected politician from the unit-Daniel Inouye served in the 442nd and was awarded a Medal of Honor for his service. He went on to become a United States Senator for Hawaii from 1963 until his death in 2012 and was President pro tempore of the Senate from 2010 until 2012, making him the highest-ranking Asian-American politician in US history.Active veterans of the unit-Many of the veterans of this storied unit continued to meet decades after the war and their sons and daughters continue to meet and promulgate the heroic deeds of the "Go for Broke" men of the 442nd. It is one of the most active WWII veteran organizations.Asian-American heroes-the story of the 442nd has immediate appeal to Asian-American groups and the book will receive wide media coverage with this audience.Author has impressive platform-Scott McGaugh is marketing director of one of America's top 10 most-visited museums- the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. He is a relentless and indefatigable promoter with impressive media contacts and experience.

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