Dr. John H. Linner not only kept an unedited daily diary of his Navy service during WWII, but also served as photographer on two ships, the LST-6 during the Normandy invasion, and the AKA-103 at Okinawa. In this book, Normandy to Okinawa, he has combined his diary, selected photographs, and explanatory maps with a thoughtful historical overview of principal aspects of the war gleaned from his extensive WWII bibliography. The book provides a great source of knowledge in an engaging format for young and old alike. It has received rave reviews.

This account, Normandy to Okinawa, is not a detailed, comprehensive document of this immense historical event. Rather it is a synopsis, or overview, of the critical period between the two world wars (1918 to 1938) and the principal turning points and battles of the war.

About the author

Being in good health and about halfway through the University of Minnesota Medical School at the time of Pearl Harbor, I knew that I would be drafted as a medical officer upon completion of my internship. Realizing the magnitude of this event, I determined to keep a daily diary of my experience in the war, and, if lucky enough to survive, to some day write my war memoirs for my family. After reading the diary, it occurred to me that if I were to combine my personal experience as a medical officer in the Normandy and Okinawa invasions, in the context of the war as a whole, its genesis, as well as its broad multi-focal course from 1939 to V-J Day, September 2, 1945, it might be of greater interest and value.

What's being said

”I found your writing compelling and thought provoking. The diary entries were fascinating—medical, social, Navy life, intrapersonal thoughts. It was a treasure for me to read.”
–Denny Morrow, EFCA, PhD History, Plymouth, MN

”I had no idea how spectacular this book was. It represents a lot of work. It’s also very moving. It’s a war that my era missed but should know more about. Your book, particularly maps placing sites, is very much needed, and should win some award.”
–Mervyn Deitel MD, FACN, Editor in Chief, Obesity Surgery Journal, FD-Communications, Toronto, Canada

”Thank you for the copy of your book! I have not put it down since I received it earlier this week.”–Steve Sedlock, Health Care, Carlsbad, CA