On March 22, 2016, the World War II Book Project reached its goal. This project, first proposed by Jack Campbell, provided copies of two WWII-themed books to every high school in 18 Nebraska towns and cities. The 18 towns which received the books were once home to Nebraska sailors who have been entombed aboard the USS Arizona since it sank in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

The books – The Men of the USS Arizona and The Men of the USS Utah – tell the tale of two ships which sank during the attacks on Pearl Harbor. The author of these books – T.J. Cooper – generously provided the Foundation with a 50 percent discount to assist with the project. Funds for the books, packaging and shipping were raised by generous donors to the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.

These books provide Nebraska students with a motivation to learn more about Nebraskans’ contributions to the war effort and as a research tool for the essay required for the Foundation’s college scholarships, which you can learn more about here.

The books were a gift from the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation. It is a reminder of the sacrifices by America men and women who defended our country during World War II. This commemoration was made possible by these donors:

  • Dee Adams – Merna, NE
  • Jack and Sally Campbell – Lincoln, NE
  • Mike and Therese Campbell – Gretna, NE
  • Betsy Deiterman – Grapevine, TX
  • Carli Israelson – Dorchester, NE
  • Kirk and Trula Jamison – Lincoln, NE
  • Kay Kimberly – Big Springs, NE
  • Janice Lipovsky – Lincoln, NE
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars – Nebraska – Lincoln, NE