Code Name: Baker Catcher: The Human Side of WWII

by Jack Ellis Westbrook

There are thousands of books in the marketplace about WWII, all interesting and full of information on the most notorious war in history. So why read another? At the request of his children, Jack began to pen his memories of serving in the Anti-Tank Company, 222nd Infantry Regiment, 42nd 'Rainbow' Division, beginning with officer training school and ending with his return home to Texas after his participation in the Occupation of Austria after the end of the war. His account will fill you with stories you’ve never heard before. Sometimes you will laugh, but most of all you will be filled with awe as you experience through Jack’s eyes what life was like on the front lines. Jack wasn’t a colonel, general, or important political bigwig. He was like you. And this is his the human side of World War II.

239 pages, Paperback

Published June 14, 2023

Reviews

[Rachel Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to hear war stories from your grandpa or grandma? This is it. This book was an engaging memoir that left me giggling at times. The author embraces all the realities of war and still managed to keep it lighthearted. I felt the author’s frustration at the outset when he just couldn’t get to the front fast enough and felt trapped in Texas and then after VE Day, his impatience about returning home. The insights he gave regarding RedCross were hilariously unflattering. Makes me want to donate to Salvation Army! Jack managed to be part of some amazingly memorable historic instances which I think the reader will enjoy partaking in.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outside of popular novels and programs on the History Channel, I’ve never known an individual’s true life account of his wartime experiences. That’s what I truly found interesting about — Code Name: Baker Catcher: The Human Side of WWII.

Jack Ellis Westbrook (Baker Catcher) shared his experience with his family, and I found it fascinating. I’m thankful the Westbrook family decided to publish his story.

I think you’ll find this book interesting too — reading a young man’s account. He left college to go off to war and grew up the hard way. War is something that is difficult to read about, but something we should never forget.

[Celia Thrash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does exactly what it says it is - The Human Side of WWII. It takes you through the WWII experiences of Lt. Jack Westbrook, a small town boy who went to A&M and finds himself in the middle of combat. It doesn't read like most war books, instead, it shows the everyday life from having lice to being wounded. You feel as if his friends are your friends and his experiences read as if you were there. Don't let this one go by...... it's a good one.

[Madge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both my husband and I have read this book. We were both right there with Jack from the first page. My husband often would say “ listen to this part of the story” even though I had read it! It captured us both. Our fathers both served. How is do wish I knew more about my dads time in the war. The author has been blessed to have her dads memoirs and we are blessed to read his stories. I will say, they don’t make men like this anymore! Highly recommend

[Scott Ericksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books on WWII, and this one seemed to take on a more personal spin. Jack Westbrook is the father of a good friend of mine. I knew her dad had served during the war, and I was eager to read what he had to offer. We are fortunate soldiers like Lt Jack Wesrbrook took time to put these events on paper as they experienced. Unfortunately, our time is running out to visit these guys and document that history. This book, like others, preserve history that deserves to be told, and reinforces why these guys are true Heroes.

[Cylvia Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veterans either talk about their experience or they are silent. Reading one man's personal experience brings clarity to WWII so that the readers can experience the tension, the horror,and the bravery that every soldier dealt with on a day to day basis. A totally different WWII read.