The Lucky Ones

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the narrative follows Norbert Gerling, a young man from Henley, Missouri, who is drafted just before Pearl Harbor and compelled to serve longer than expected. The book details his training at Fort Bragg and his deployment with the 609th Tank Destroyer Battalion, highlighting his journey across war-torn Europe as a gunner in an M-18 Hellcat. It captures key moments, including the Battle of the Bulge and his receipt of a Bronze Star, offering an intimate look at the experiences of a soldier during this tumultuous period.