BACK from OBLIVION and into REALITY

About the Book

This is my second book. It is a sequel to my first book, Wings of the Bullet. It is called Back from Oblivion and into Reality. It is a continuation of the ongoing true story of Ralph (now I am using Rudy, my real nickname). Throughout history, teenagers like me have helped to bear the brunt of war. Many were killed. Others were wounded, some horribly. All, however, often came home to an unforgiving nation.
In past wars, the young veterans came home from war and tried to blend into their new situations as best they could. Little lasting admiration or glory was theirs to help them through these difficult times of adjustment.
Not until the end of WWII did our nation realize the dedication and sacrifice of its returning veterans. The people opened their hearts in appreciation.
The Veterans Administration (VA) and many local and state agencies passed important legislations for the returning vets. Our Congress passed the GI Bill of Rights, which educated an entire generation and made our country the great nation it is today . . .
In my second book, my sequel, I continue the ongoing true story.

Changes of Fate

During my lifetime, I have had experiences that had suddenly changed the direction of my life. I call them changes of fate.
An example of this is in my first book, Wings of the Bullet. When I was seventeen, my friend and I and another boy, who wanted to come along with us, went to enlist in the navy; but without any intention to do so, we enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Years later, when I was in college, a bottle of beer changed me from being an accountant into being a teacher. When you read this book, you will learn how this happened.
Think about your own life. Have you ever experienced a change of fate? If so, take note and think about other changes of fate you may have experienced. I began to identify more and more incidents that seemed to change the direction of my life. As you read my books, try doing the same. You may even want to make a list of them as I have started to do.
I began to wonder, are these really real experiences or just a change of luck? Or are they a matter of coincidence or maybe your imagination, or could they be an act of divine providence? What do you think?

About the Author

Rudolph (Rudy) Depaola, born Baltimore, Maryland, July 26, 1925. Enlisted U.S. Army Air Corps from high school 19 July, 1943. Basic training, Kessler Field, Biloxi, MS. Gunnery School, Harlingen, TX. Crew training, March Field, Riverside, CA, Assigned as tail gunner to Robert E. Grey crew. Picked up B-24 at Fairfield Souson, CA. Here he became gravely ill and was left behind. Finally caught up with crew several weeks later in Nabzab, New Guinea. After combat training missions assigned to 72nd Bomb Sqdn., 5th Bomb Group, 13th Air Force in November, 1944. Flew 25 missions from Moratai (in Halmaharas) against Philippines, Borneo, and other islands. After war, went to college on G.I. Bill. Became a teacher and later a principal in public, Catholic, and private schools. Retired July, 1983. Now spends summer in Baltimore and winters in Florida. Still a duffer in golf but loves it.