This is a true story of a little boy growing up in rural Florida 75 years ago and of his

endurance of poverty, abandonment and abuse until he finds a way out in the military service. From age four on, he realizes that if he is to survive, he must cope with repeated abuse. Yet his intelligence and good humor guide him through his troubles and we

celebrate with him as he enters adulthood and achieves success. It is an inspirational story of the strength of the human spirit and should be read by all who face hard times.


He survived brutal physical and emotional abuse from the age of three. That was in 1939, when times were different, but not so different from today for some readers. You will see him abandoned by family members who no longer would or could care for him. You will see him hunt and kill alligators at age 10, shoot and kill squirrels and rabbits to put food on the table. You will see him struggle to please his step father, doing the chores before going to school. You will see him catch raccoons and other animals and sell them to farm laborers for money. And you will see that he wasn't allowed to keep the little money he earned.


He joined the Army at age 17 and later, the Navy, which led him to a fine and honorable life of many adventures and successes