Comes A Soldier's Whisper: A Collection of Wartime Letters with Reflection and Hope for the Future

MWSA Review

Comes A Soldier’s Whisper is an intimate account of the letters of David Tharp, a member of the 101^st Airborne Screaming Eagles, to his sweetheart, during World War II. Written between 1943-1945, they chronicle the growth of a young man into a war-hardened veteran, without the loss of his mid-American values or love for family and friends.

It is an American story, filled with patriotism, loyalty and courage, to willingly experience that which is necessary to protect the greatness and goodness of our country and way of life. Jenny La Sala has published her father’s letters as an homage to him and those like him, who returned after doing their duty to become a part of what Tom Brokaw, called “The Greatest Generation.” 

La Sala provides enough notes throughout the book to explain military jargon; and the multitude of black-and-white photos illustrate the people and locales that provide reality to Tharp’s journey from his Midwestern home, to Normandy, and back again. “Whisper” is a first person experience of war and a love story with a happy ending. For those who relish an intimate account of one man’s hope for a future realized, Comes a Soldier’s Whisper is a nice addition to your book collection.

Reviewed by: Louis Intres (2014)

Author's Summary

The Golden Warrior and the bravest man I ever knew. When Dave and I fought together, no matter how severe the action, he would put his hand on my shoulder, and it gave me a calming effect. He was as fierce in battle as he was gentle in friendship. - Charles E. Eckman, 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles Holtwood, Pennsylvania I remember David as a kind, soft-spoken man and was intrigued that he was also Colonel Michaelis' radio operator. All of these men were larger than life! Little is known about Michealis because he was in command of the 502nd for such a short, yet important, time. - Peter J. K. Hendrikx, author of Orange is the Color of the Day Pictorial history of the 101st Airborne Liberation of Holland www.heroesatmargraten.com Madame Rolle, owner of Chateau Rolle-a castle located in Champs outside of Bastogne, Belgium, and was designated as the headquarter command post for the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment when she was a young girl-remembered our father operating his radio in her foyer, and said, He was a nice young fellow who kept talking to someone named Roger. -Madame Rolle This collection of letters, written by a young 101st Airborne paratrooper soldier to his sweetheart from 1943-1945, is so personal and matter-offact that I almost forgot that David Clinton Tharp was only one of millions of heroes made by World War II. David Tharp certainly deserves a book like this in his honor, and it deserves to be read and praised. It is a mustread for every American, and especially for veterans of war. -Palmetto Review The Golden Warrior and the bravest man I ever knew. When Dave and I fought together, no matter how severe the action, he would put his hand on my shoulder, and it gave me a calming effect. He was as fi erce in battle as he was gentle in friendship. -Charles E. Eckman, 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles Holtwood, Pennsylvania I remember David as a kind, soft-spoken man and was