NO TRUMPETS

About the Book

About the Author

RICHARD SCHWIER (rhymes with deer) grew up in Chicago during the Depression. After leaving school, he went to work in the steel mills. Then he joined the Army in 1942, later serving with Patton in France in 1944, while his father, a US Navy Seabee, built bases in the Pacific. Richard's Division led the Third Army at the onset of the fierce battle for the Fortress City of Metz, where a German artillery shell abruptly ended his participation in the war. After months of hospitalization, he returned home and got a job as a bricklayer. He met and married Dolores, and they became the parents of Cindi, Richard, Phil and Gail. Richard, the oldest son, served two tours of duty in Viet Nam, where he was decorated for valor under fire, and also received the Purple Heart. Richard, Sr. had a long career supervising the construction of many large buildings throughout the Chicago area. Now he and Dolores enjoy their retirement by dining out and traveling. Because of health problems he was forced to give up his beloved hobby of flying. Seeking to find a fresh creative outlet, he became associated with the Downers Grove Writer's Workshop where he found the encouragement to fulfill his long-held desire to tell the story of World War II from the point-of-view of a young soldier.