Before The Veterans Die

About the Book

“A bittersweet memory of one soldier that all Americans should ponder.” Alice Claudel, editor, The New Laurel Review “I have read them all with awe, sadness and great respect.” Jim Bush, decorated combat veteran of World War II “The poems reflect harsh reality couched in terms of thought- provoking poetry.” C. Lenton Sartain, 82nd Airborne Division “Read BTVD for a primer on what leadership looks like. . .” Major Merritt P. Drucker, United States Army, retired

About the Author

Dale Carver was a native of Kansas. He served as a platoon leader in the 424th Infantry of the 106th Division in Europe during World War II. The 106th Division was badly mauled during the initial stages of the Battle of the Bulge. Two of its regiments, the 422nd and the 423rd, were encircled and captured. The 424th fought on until the Allies had the situation under control. During the final stages of the war in Europe, Carver’s battalion was assigned the task of running a POW camp at Bretzenheim, Germany. Carver was awarded the Silver Star medal, the Bronze Star medal, and a battlefield promotion to 1st Lieutenant. After the War, he was a professor of engineering mechanics at Louisiana State University for 28 years. He died on October 14, 2001, at the age of 78.