Growing Up Through the Depression and During the War

About the Book

The book "Growing up through the Depression and During the War" was written by myself, Tony Fiorentino, to give you an idea of how a young boy, along with his family, survived The Depression between 1929 and 1938.

My mother passed away when I was seven (7) years old and from that point on I had to, more or less, depend on my own wits and knowledge and become a young man who went into the Naval service during the World War.

I spent most of my time on submarines fighting the Germans and Italians in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico patrolling and training other future Submariners.

After almost being sunk three (3) or four (4) times, two (2) of which were with the assistance of our own Coast Guard, I decided to transfer to surface ships. I fought the Japanese through many of the campaigns in the South Pacific .

There are a lot of horrible stories of war experiences witnessed and told by me in this book.

Following the Japan surrender, I was discharged at Lido Beach of Long Island, NY on Dec. 15th in 1945. I returned home to New Jersey and my family and took advantage of the GI Bill of right´s, which entitled me to learn how to fly. There are stories about flying, boating, motorcycles and women.

I tried to catch up on all the things I´d missed, in the four (4) years of service duty. I kicked around in New Jersey for the next couple of years and finally moved to Brooklyn, NY. While there, I belonged to a gang and was getting into quite a bit of trouble, being young and wild.

I eventually joined the Merchant Marine where I served from 1949 to 1953 and then sailed with the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey during the Korean War, to ports in Texas and South America.

After a few bad experiences and ending up in jail in Baytown, Texas, I decided I had had enough of the Merchant Marines.

I once again returned home to New Jersey in 1953 and went back to work for the Construction Union. Having bounced around with my motorcycle, flying and following the recovery from a horrible crash on my Harley, I joined the Moose Club and thought more seriously about my future. While bartending there I met a girl and decided I would settle down and get married, again, at 28 years old.

I feel sure that when you start reading this book, you will find many interesting stories and chapters:

Welcome to my Archived Guest Book!

Dave Clemmer - 02/25/00 13:28:32 Enjoyed your writings and your web site. I am also a pilot and share your love for that endeavor. I´m also friends with Marylin who constructed it for you. Thanks for sharing this with us all.

Anthony - 02/08/00 05:54:52
Tony I really enjoyed reading the short stories very much. They were very entertaining, interesting and exciting. Thanks and good luck.

Dave Rushlow - 01/22/02 11:27:53 Hey Tony - Nice Web Site. Hope to see ya at the Airport!!

Randy - 12/19/99 05:17:06
Tony held my interest all through the book, GREAT reading!

Marilyn 0 12/12/99 15:10:07
Tony, I enjoyed your pictures and stories. You have had many interesting experiences and you tell them well.

First Name: Diane Comment: Hi Tony, Followed links from the writers corner and found this. Nice job. Dianelub

Subj: Re: My new Book By Tony Fiorentino
Tony, I am so excited for you!!! I will of course promote the book to all the Ferinde´s here and New Jersey and all of my friends. Hugs and prayers, Pam.


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About the Author

You asked who I am? I am a World War II veteran who wrote a book about his life growing up in New Jersey. It also shows how we all endured the same situations during the Depression from 1929 to 1938. I served honorably while in the Navy in World War II, and was decorated for my service. I also served in the Merchant Marine during the Korean War. That book title is “Growing up through the Depression and During the War” This 2nd edition is called “Life After the Depression and World War II” in this book you will find a lot of stories about Love, Marriages, Young fun, Flying, Boating, Motorcycle, Stock Car racing, life in New Jersey, Florida, California, Georgia and life in between. This third book is called “Come Ride My Dream.” Here you will read about the stories of my flying experiences. Most have been very enjoyable flights, those you don`t remember too well, but the ones that stay in your mind the most are the ones that were a little hairy and gave you a chance to use all your flying skills that you had learned through the years. God bless us all Tony Fiorentino.