Following GWL's Trail

“Hofen, Germany. My brightest star. I helped save the day.”

These words written secretly by George Looney, referred to his role as a field artillery observer in Hofen, Germany, during the Battle of the Bulge. Captain Looney played a vital part in altering history’s course but kept it to himself. Amazingly his family knew nothing of his role until his passing. More amazing, someone else evidently took the credit, receiving the Distinguished Service Cross for Looney’s actions. Following GWL’s Trail is a story of purpose, honor and friendship told to a great degree by journal entries and letters spanning six decades, also featuring recent testimony and investigation of the incident by Looney’s fellow members of the 196th Field Artillery Battalion. Pictures from the original negatives look as if taken yesterday.

With the recent completion of the World War II monument in Washington and the success of movies such as Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers, interest in World War II is at an all time high. Sixteen million Americans served in World War II and though veterans leave us at a rate of 1500 daily, 3.5 million remain alive today. Following GWL’s Trail will appeal to not only veterans and family members, but anyone concerned with the triumph of the human spirit.