Santa Catalina Island Goes To WAR: World War II 1941-1945

This captivating historic book tells about the significant role the Santa Catalina Island played from 1941 to 1945 during the wartime events. From interviews with many people who lived on the island during World War II to first-hand accounts from those who served in the military at the time, Mr. White has put together an extraordinary collection of information and photographs illustrating life on the island during those unsettling times. "In writing my first book about the island and its people, I kept running across fascinating details and great memories from people who were part of that catastrophic time. I knew these deserved a book of their own." - William Sanford White. There are 190 rare photographs, many of which have never been published. Many of the photographs highlight the wartime activities of the USO, hollywood stars, and the big bands who entertained our troops. This book recalls how the military secured the West Coast, how troops stationed on Catalina, acted at the first line of defense against Japanese submarines, and how the US Merchant Marine set up a training center on Catalina. Never-before-published photographs and personal memories make this stunning book an important addition to any collection about World War II history.