WWII memoir blends drama, humor, history
—Photo courtesy DAVID MUNDELL Robert F. Mundell, left, and a man named Morris sit together in front of a Washington State University dorm — their quarters while they attended radio school, c. 1942.
—Photo courtesy DAVID F. MUNDELLThe author, Dave Mundell, retired from his career as an airline pilot several years ago, choosing Sandpoint as his new home. He recently wrote a book, “Time to Get Out”, based on his father’s experiences in World War II.
SANDPOINT -- Some families create time capsules to preserve their memories; others deem it best to let their history die with them. Author David F. Mundell chose to put his family's story in writing, both to honor his father and to entertain others. The result is "Time to Get Out," a transcription of his father's war stories plus historic photos and more.
Mundell is a retired commercial pilot who has lived in Sandpoint for several years. Thursday, June 16, he will be signing copies of his work for the public at Keokee Books, 405 Church St., from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
"I worked on it from 1990 to 1994, when I printed a (first edition) and gave it to a few relatives," Mundell said. “A couple years ago, I decided I would rewrite portions of it, add some photos and a follow-up after meeting some of the guys he fought with."
The first section of the book is Robert F. Mundell's story, as told to his son.
"This account of my father's experiences during World War II begins on Dec. 7, 1941, and ends with his discharge from the Army Oct. 31, 1945," writes the author in the prologue. "It is based on his recollections, declassified military records, and various books about the B-24 bomber and the Eighth Army Air Force."
It is an action thriller with a generous splash of humor and an historic cachet. Written from a first-person point of view, Mundell skillfully captures the personality of his father via style, word choice and a friendly, just-between-you-and-me voice.
"One of the first things you learn in the Army: keep your mouth shut and never volunteer for anything. One day a lieutenant asked if any of us could paint. No one said a word ... Just to make sure they didn't pick me, I said, 'I sure as hell can't paint.' They had their man. 'You -- come with me!'"
Over the course of the memoir, Mundell senior, a B-24 radio operator, was shot down over Europe, spent time in an Italian POW camp and became an escaped prisoner. Once he finally returned stateside, he waited out the end of the war teaching Morse code to combat crews headed to Europe, and then resumed his civilian life as a cattle rancher.
Robert F. Mundell died in 1995, but not before he had the chance to see his adventures in print.
“I had a rough draft of the story itself printed, and I let him read it Christmas of 1994. I’m just thankful that he was able to read what I had written ... He was amazed that it had all the details right," said the author.
He later supplemented his manuscript with new information and photos, and had it published by Keokee Co. Publishers Inc. of Sandpoint. Copies are available locally at Vanderford's and the Corner Book Store, plus online at amazon.com and keokeebooks.com. They will also be available for purchase at the June 16 book signing.