SONS AND SOLDIERS : THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE JEWS WHO ESCAPED THE NAZIS AND RETURNED WITH THE U.S. ARMY TO FIGHT HITLER
by Bruce Henderson 

When Adolph Hitler became Germany's chancellor in 1933, the Jewish citizens were doomed. All of their basic rights were torn from them. If they thought that maybe things could get better that idea was quashed in 1938 because of Kristallnacht ("Night of Broken Glass"). Nazis destroyed their homes, businesses, and synagogues. Many Jews were killed and thousands of them were shuttled off to concentration camps where they perished. The ones that were left knew that they had to get out as soon as possible. The big problem was the U.S. immigration quotas which limited how many could come. Also, it was very difficult for an entire family to leave. So it was decided that the eldest sons would go to live with either relatives or foster families. In a few years, these young men had become Americanized loving democracy and freedom. They joined the U.S. Army so that they could return to Europe to fight Hitler's persecution against them. The military soon realized that they had a goldmine with these German Jews. They spoke the language, knew the culture, and the psychological makeup of the enemy. In 1942, they were molded into a top secret force. For the next eight weeks, extensive training was taught at Camp Ritchie in Maryland. Close to 2,000 of these young men were instructed to interrogate POWs. They were sent overseas with all the combat units to fight the Germans, which for the Ritchie Boys (as they came to be known) was entirely personal. By collecting tactical intelligence on troop movements, enemy strength, and defensive positions, the Ritchie Boys were able to save thousands of American lives and helped win the war.
Sons and Soldiers is one incredible story. There's so many books out on World War II and yet here comes one where the subject matter is virtually unknown. Author Bruce Henderson writes about six of these Ritchie Boys from their childhood days in Germany to their flight to America, their incredible exploits during the war, and then their return to Europe to find out what happened to their families. Through extensive research and interviews with four of the six Ritchie Boys who were written about here and are still living plus many others, Henderson has crafted a terrific read of courage, heroism, and patriotism that is not to be missed.
Highly recommended.