Faced with the prospect of years away from his family and considering the dangers of entering World War II as a Soldier in the United States Army, John "Jack" Anderson decided to keep a diary to provide his parents with a view into his experiences from his training in the United States through his overseas service in North Africa, Italy, France, Belgium and Germany. He journaled the events of almost every day of his service from 1942 to 1945. Years after his death, his grandson, Jason Grom felt like his grandfather's story needed to be shared with others, first to ensure the first hand account of Soldiers like Jack Anderson could be passed on to future generations and second, to honor a man who he and so many others adored for his gentle spirit, welcoming demeanor, and a voice and musical talent that made for memorable sing-a-longs and beautiful music that lives on in so many people's hearts to this day.