Charles P. Vaughn was born in Ottumwa, Iowa in 1950 where he, along with his two brothers, were raised by their parents. Upon graduation from high school in 1969, he entered the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway during the Vietnam conflict. Upon the completion of his service, he married his wife, Denice Pass, from Casa Grande, Arizona, and together they raised two daughters, Meredith and Maggie. He graduated from the Ottumwa Heights community college in 1977 receiving his associates degree in Liberal Arts. Later he would join the Iowa National Guard, accepting a full-time position and serving in both Iowa and Arizona. He retired from active service as a Sergeant First Class in September 1996 and, along with his family, still resides in Gilbert, Arizona. His decision to write this book cores from the compelling need he had to tell the story of a common family who went through the struggle of World War II. It is a story that needs to be told so the next generation can understand the sacrifices that were made so they could live, prosper, and grow in this country we call America.