The world’s biggest box office draw went to the front lines of WWII & won a Bronze Star
History has forgotten the Morale Core soldiers, including Private Mickey Rooney, detailed to do shows — “Jeep shows” — for combat infantry in places where the USO and the Red Cross could not go.
Like Lieutenant Ronald Reagan did, Rooney could have served honorably in a motion picture unit at Hal Roach Studios, a 10-minute drive from his Beverly Hills House. But Rooney wanted to go where the action was — to do something that mattered to the men doing the real fighting. And Rooney did. And he won a Bronze Star.
Mickey Rooney stars again
The acclaimed new novel, Jeep Show — A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge, tells the fascinating story of Mickey’s squad and the enlisted entertainer caught up in the largest battle ever fought by the U.S. Army.
Critical Acclaim for Jeep Show
“A compelling glimpse into a little-known aspect of WWIl military service … His meticulous research shines through in historical details about Army life in WWII.” — Purple Heart Magazine
“Although a work of fiction, Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge brilliantly draws upon real people, places, and events drawn from the European theatre of World War II. A fun and fascinating read from start to finish, one that rises to an impressive level of literary excellence.” — Midwest Book Review
“This refreshing take on military fiction masterfully balances the gravity of war with unexpected moments of fun and camaraderie.” — BookLife Editor’s Pick
“I couldn’t put it down.” — Dale Throneberry, Veterans’ Radio Podcast
“A very entertaining read.” — Richard Killblane, U.S. Department of the Army Historian (Ret.)
“Carefully researched, punctuated by the cornball humor of the time Jeep Show puts the reader squarely in the action … It is an incredible story, well told, a must-read for historical fiction buffs.” — Will Sonnet, author, Duck Hunting in Quicksand