Waiting for the "Word": Recollections of my life in the United States Navy from January 25, 1943 to November 6, 1945

 Author's Summary

Even though the Navy provided considerable shelter for its young recruits and certainly didn't encourage individual behavior over that of the group, it expected responsible compliance with its rules and regulations whether individually or otherwise. And so it was at the age of eighteen years, three months, I entered the maze of activities designed not only to produce an able seaman, but would most certainly turn "boy" into "man." The events and accompanying experiences that occurred during the several levels of training and more than seven months of combat duty contributed to the growth of technical as well as social skills, which in the long view, might have been of much greater importance. It was the interaction with other people that created the most emorable events that are described here. The military deeds were necessary, but it was the men who supported my efforts to do my share who remain forever in the shadows of my memory.

MWSA Review

I really enjoyed WWII Navy veteran Ulmon Bray's short memoir of his days in the U.S. Navy Waiting For The Word. It was much more than I thought it was going to be. It also provided a little in-depth look at life during those war years. His book is truly a coming of age tale. He doesn't dwell on all the air combat that he eventually faced in the Pacific with the Japanese but allows you to get to know his youth self first. 

The book is a look backwards in time at a period of life that this current generation might never fully understand or appreciate. It captures a time when life seemed much more innocent despite the world being at war. The author reveals his "youthful" heart and soul as he recreates his personal history. His experiences are entertaining, insightful, funny and at times both sad and tragic. His airborne combat missions seem to be very much under played - showing a rare humility that is seldom seen in personal war memoirs. He doesn't try to create a heroic image of himself - but it comes through in spite of it.

I strongly recommend this book to all ages of readers. It will provide a history lesson on a very personal level where it can be better understood. It is an easy to read story that will hold your fullest attention. It is about a hero who doesn't brag but tells it from his heart! It doesn't get much better! 

Reviewed by: Bill McDonald (2010)