Kilroy Was Here: The Best American Humor From World War Ii

Rating:
Summary: A lighter note about World War Two
Review: The book "Kilroy Was Here" is a great insight into what went on behind the scenes during World War Two. Charles Osgood has done a spectacular job collecting different stories from so many sources; it's unbelievable! I loved how he focused on the humorous aspect of the war because it really gives you a first-hand glance at the determination of these soldiers and their strong will. They always managed to see the best of everything, even in the most trying times. I really liked the Dictionary of American Military slang at the beginning of the book. There were so many words in there that i had never heard of before, and it helped to keep me on track as i read. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good laugh and who knows any history about World War Two or fought in World War Two. Some of the stories might be hard to understand if you don't have any knowledge of the war. Being able to see the optimism in our war heroes first-hand made me appreciate them even more.

Rating:
Summary: True to life military humor
Review: The book was written in the type of language that the G.I's used during that time period. I think it would be of particular interest to the enlisted service members of WW2 and Korea through Vietnam. It is characteristic of the way G.I's would take distasteful or uncomfortable circumstances surrounding details and theirliving conditions and turn them into humor. It was a well written book, I enjoyed it.

Rating:
Summary: Tepid humor edited by someone who should know better
Review: This book of humor lacked any of the bite that I would expect from veterans of the military bureaucracy so sharply satirized in "Catch-22." It's as if Osgood chose to reinforce the overblown portrayals of World War II veterans as demigods rather than as regular, vulgar, lusty, angry, scared humans. I've heard enough of Charles Osgood's work on the radio to know that he doesn't usually fear sacred cows, but he treats the vets and the war as such anyway. Hopefully, a future editor will explore a fuller range of humor from the war.

Rating:
Summary: Fun about World War II?
Review: This is a very informative book about the one side of our soldiers you wouldn't expect to see coming out of the history of World War II. This is a very humorous book and an even more enjoyable read. I am the grandson of many Second World War veterans and these stories and jokes are all very familiar to me as recounted from their memories, but it makes me feel good because I know that what Osgood is putting in here is true. Just a lot of fun.

Rating:
Summary: Fun about World War II?
Review: This is a very informative book about the one side of our soldiers you wouldn't expect to see coming out of the history of World War II. This is a very humorous book and an even more enjoyable read. I am the grandson of many Second World War veterans and these stories and jokes are all very familiar to me as recounted from their memories, but it makes me feel good because I know that what Osgood is putting in here is true. Just a lot of fun.

Rating:
Summary: High jinks, spirited comaraderie,gallant,self-effacing humor
Review: Worth it for the 11 page intro-"Dictionary of US Military Slang",*(reprinted) i.e.: "armoured cow" is canned milk, 'Meat Wagon'..ambulance, 'gashouse gang'...chemical warfare instructors,..but alternative for S.O.S. is not 'Same old Stew',all vets know that from chowline.