Answering the Call

Praise for Answering the Call

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“I have about a dozen books written by people about WWII experiences, and this one is the one I now like the best . . . everyone in our company liked Allen Wilson as a commissioned officer very much.” Willis Diercks, gunner in Allen Wilson’s platoon during the Italian Campaign

"I found the book to be absolutely absorbing, indeed I read it within a single 48-hour period. It's an interesting story, well-told. . . . [The] fine writing style is aided by the high quality sources (Allen's letters and the Allen/Barbara interviews). . . . I believe that a central strength of the book is the required scope limitation to the Italian campaign. John L. Peschel, Professor of Law Emeritus, NYU

“I am especially fascinated with World War II. Of the many books I have read, my favorite is Answering the Call by Steve Wilson. . . . I recommend this book to anyone interested in sharing in the story of a brave man from our country’s aptly titled 'greatest generation.'” Maureen McKamey, college student

“A great piece of work that really highlights a generation of Americans that I don’t think are fully appreciated for what they did for the USA.” Robert S. Perkins, former Navy pilot and General Counsel to USAID's Inspector General

“I just finished the book last night—it was a great read and very informative about WWII. . . . The writing style is superb!" Sheila J. Nielsen, administrative assistant at a law firm

"The book is the very personal story of a junior officer who served in the cannon company of the 362nd Inf. Rgt. of the 91st [Division]. It is an excellent example of a firsthand account of activities at that level, both during preparation and combat. . . . As a bonus, the work gives a good story of a war bride with child on the homefront. Curtis Hooper O'Sullivan, Brigadier General USA (ret.)

To read a portion of the book, click here.

Lawyer "Answers the Call" with WWII Tribute

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MINNEAPOLIS – While people in most professions would love an offer of more vacation time, apparently lawyers are a rare breed. That is what Kyle Mansfield and Steve Foley of Foley & Mansfield discovered when they tried to encourage their partners to take sabbaticals from the Twin Cities law firm. When offered a three-month sabbatical from law practice, all of the litigators turned down or postponed the opportunity. All, that is, except for Steve Wilson, a man who by all accounts is a rare breed of lawyer.

Foley and Mansfield designed its revolutionary sabbatical program with the intention of giving its employees a break from the stresses of lawyer life. Anticipating a lack of enthusiasm from their dedicated partners, the founders did something even more revolutionary; they made the sabbaticals mandatory. “We know some of our lawyers, and lawyers in general, have a tendency to be workaholics. We felt making sabbaticals mandatory would solve the problem of the workaholic lawyers never signing up. I think that all of us 'burn out' either temporarily or permanently. The sabbatical program is a concrete attempt to get our partners rejuvenated for this demanding practice," explained Mansfield.

Steve Wilson, who had been practicing law for 27 years in 2005 when the program was initially implemented, was the first partner to take advantage of it. He spent his three months hiking in the Black Hills, teaching English in Lima, Peru, and taking family trips to Las Vegas and Georgia. Oh, and he got a good start on writing a book, too. When not traveling, Wilson interviewed his father and mother about their WWII experiences. Allen Wilson, Steve’s father, fought in the 91st Infantry Division in the war’s Italian campaign. The book draws heavily from the interviews and letters Allen wrote to his wife Barbara during the conflict. It also includes photos, maps, cartoons and other illustrations. The story chronicles Allen’s college years in ROTC, his experiences in the 91st Division and the U.S. Occupational Forces Austria, his wife’s challenges as a young mother on “the home front,” and his post-army careers after the conclusion of WWII.

Merriam Press published Wilson’s book, titled Answering the Call, in September of 2007. It has since received high praise, including accolades from members of Allen’s platoon. Lawyer Steve Wilson, who can now add teacher, hiker, and published author to his professional titles, has since returned to Foley & Mansfield. If his coworkers were at first wary of taking a three-month sabbatical, they are now intrigued by the success Wilson gleaned from his. Apparently lawyers are a competitive bunch.

Answering the Call is a must-read. Wilson’s account of his father’s WWII adventures is fascinating. History buffs will love the bonus maps and photos included in the middle section, but anyone with even a slight interest in the trials and tribulations of our country’s “greatest generation” will be hooked as well. The literary world owes much to Foley & Mansfield’s sabbatical program (and of course, to the program’s guinea pig, Steve Wilson). The book is available from the publisher’s website: http://www.merriam-press.com/. It can also be obtained by calling (802) 447-0313 or writing to Merriam Press, 133 Elm Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

Aimée Bissonette, author, lawyer, and college professor

Interview with Author and Parents

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On January 2, 2009, Steve and his parents, Barbara and Allen, sat down with interviewer Maureen McKamey to talk about Answering the Call. You may listen to segments of the interview by clicking on the title of the segment.

Introduction
Steve's Background
Why was the Book Written
Barbara on Keeping Letters
Steve's Writing Process
Using Interviews and Letters
Censorship of Letters

Maggie's Drawers
The Ship from Newport News to Algeria
Excerpt and Comments: Aboard the Troop Train
Excerpt and Comments: Friendly Fire
Cartoons
Photographs
Closing

Interview on Public Radio

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On April 7, 2010, Steve was interviewed about the book on South Dakota Public Radio. To listen to this interview, click here.