The Ghosts of Hero Street - by Carlos Harrison (Paperback)

About the Book

"They came from one street, but death found them in many places--in a distant jungle, a frozen forest, and trapped in the flaming wreckage of a bomber blown from the sky ... All came from a single street in a railroad town called Silvis, Illinois, a tiny stretch of dirt barely a block-and-a-half long, with an unparalleled history. The twenty-two Mexican-American families who lived on that one street sent fifty-seven of their children to fight in World War II and Korea--more than any other place that size anywhere in the country. Eight of those children died. It's a distinction recognized by the Department of Defense, and it earned that rutted, unpaved strip a distinguished name. Today it's known as Hero Street"--

Book Synopsis

"A wonderful American story of the extraordinary sacrifices made by a group of Mexican Americans . . . A shining example of patriotism at its best."--Former U.S. Representative Tom Railsback

They came from one street, but death found them in many places. . . in a distant jungle, a frozen forest, and trapped in the flaming wreckage of a bomber blown from the sky. They all came from a single street in Silvis, Illinois, a dirt road barely a block and a half long, with an unparalleled history.

The Mexican-American families who lived on that one street sent fifty-seven of their children to fight in World War II and Korea--more than any other place that size anywhere in the country. Eight of those children died. It's a distinction recognized by the Department of Defense, one that earned that strip a distinguished name: Hero Street.

This is the story of those brave men and their families, how they fought both in battle and to be accepted in a society that remained biased against them even after they returned home as heroes. Based on interviews with relatives, friends, and soldiers who served alongside the men, as well as personal letters and photographs, The Ghosts of Hero Street is the compelling and inspiring account of a street of soldiers--and men--who would not be denied their dignity or their honor.

INCLUDES PHOTOS

Review Quotes

"[An] important story of the brave young Mexican-Americans from western Illinois who left their immigrant families behind and volunteered to serve their country during World War II. While many made the ultimate sacrifice and died fighting to preserve the freedom of our great nation, the story of Hero Street is also about the perseverance and values of the families and community they left behind in Silvis."--Congresswoman Cheri Bustos

"A shining example of patriotism at its best. At a time when there is still name calling about some of our immigrants, it is a story that needed to be told."--Former U.S. Representative Tom Railsback

"When our servicemen and women risk their lives for the security of our families and communities, we must stop and reflect on the immensity of their sacrifice. The Ghosts of Hero Street reminds us why we must be appreciative, and teaches us how we should say thank you."--Former HUD secretary and San Antonio mayor Henry Cisneros

"The documentation of the incredible stories of real-life heroes of a small neighborhood in America is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the patriotism of Americans of Hispanic origin...At last we get to read about what's good in America."--Ambassador Raul Yzaguirre, President Emeritus, National Council of La Raza

"Versatile journalist and author Harrison explores the moving microcosm of pride and patriotism within a Mexican-American Illinois railroad community. . . . Harrison deftly marshals the intricate details of battle, hardship, and victory."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Carlos Harrison is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, editor, and writer of more than a dozen books available in English and Spanish. A former reporter for Miami's NBC affiliate and a national and international correspondent for the Fox News Channel, Harrison has optioned multiple screenplays, written two award-winning television documentaries, and published hundreds of newspaper articles and magazine pieces in a wide variety of media, from the Huffington Post and Southern Living to a number of travel, celebrity, and business publications. As a reporter for the Miami Herald, Harrison shared the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for Spot News, covering the arrest of Yahweh Ben Yahweh, a national religious cult leader accused of ordering the murder of one of his followers.