Witness to History: Recollections of a WWII Photographer

About this book

In September 1945 President Truman awarded Harry Hopkins with the Distinguished Service Medal then the highest award the War Department could confer on a civilian. Hopkins first gained notice as the capable head of President Roosevelts Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. He later served as one of FDRs primary advisor during WWII leading such critical efforts as the Lend-Lease program the Munitions Assignment Board and the Soviet Protocol Committee. Harrys son Robert modest and unassuming enlisted in the army despite his fathers social and political position. He was treated skeptically at first by his fellow soldiers but gained their respect and admiration over time as a brave infantryman and a talented photographer. Robert maintained close ties with his father and with other prominent social and political figures during his wartime service. This book is a memorable record of those years showing a warm personal side to famous figures that in many cases has not yet been portrayed in the historical record.