Advance praise for A Father's Arms

I was initially concerned that this book might be another crude attempt to bring a war diary to life, but Robert Maynard’s A Father’s Arms thoughtfully delivers an intimate look into his career as a WWII field artillery officer, serving in a tank destroyer unit.

While some similar narratives focus on the individual or the Army unit, A Father’s Arms

carefully balances both and provides a delightful and captivating read for the military buff and casual reader alike. Maynard’s very personal thoughts and experiences throughout the text bring another level of depth to the story.

I found the book to be very enjoyable and I will be keeping it on my shelf, not only for its historical value but because I genuinely liked it!

— Rob Haldeman, founder of TankDestroyer.net

•••

Bob Maynard’s memoir, A Father’s Arms, is a compelling personal account of service in the U.S. Army during World War II, when fascism was on the march and the fate of the world’s democracies, including that of the United States, hung in the balance. 

In 2023, democratic values around the globe are once again threatened, renewing the relevance of the World War II epoch. Currently, however, the study of history is under assault in the United States. And, with the passage of time, the memory of World War II is fading. 

Maynard’s memoir is a welcome addition in the battle between remembering and forgetting. Rooted in Ohio and Michigan’s Albion College, Maynard’s memoir provides a window on America’s military campaigns in Italy, France, and Germany and a portrayal of the contributions of citizen soldiers in saving the world by defeating fascism.  Readers of A Father’s Arms will appreciate that Maynard could have been featured in Tom Brokaw’s The Greatest Generation and Ken Burns’ The War. The chorus of Nora Jones’ haunting American Anthem proclaims: “Let me know in my heart, when my days are through, America, America, I gave my best to you.” 

Readers will conclude that Bob Maynard gave his best to his country. His story will inspire and remind readers of the true meanings of patriotism. Beautifully written and illustrated with rare photographs, readers will not be able to put the book down. Originally intended as a gift to Bob Maynard’s family, the publication of A Father’s Arms is now a gift to everyone.

— Wesley Arden Dick, emeritus professor of history, Albion College 

•••

Captain Robert Maynard shares stories of his life as a soldier during WWII with confident humility. He weaves together the tragic, heroic, humorous, and poignant to create a captivating memoir. His candid recounting of his successes and missteps, victories and regrets makes for compelling storytelling. 

Particularly inspiring are his reflections on how aspects of his Christian faith were transformed by some of his wartime experiences. Captain Maynard unwittingly found himself in some of the most notable moments of the war. He takes his reader with him, offering first-hand accounts of historic moments that help bring those historic events to life in the mind's eye. 

— The Rev. Dr. Robin Carden, pastor, Suttons Bay Congregational Church

•••

As the grandson of a World War II Tank Destroyer veteran who fought on the beachheads and in the forests of Europe, and as an Afghanistan War veteran myself, it is humbling to read and see the very personal side of life, family, comradeship, and frontline combat during the Second World War. Captain Maynard's sharing of his diary, A Father's Arms, may have been intended for his family, but his openness and candor allow for a unique lens into the life of soldiering in World War II. This book is a gift for any reader seeking to know the love and pain of fighting for one's country, in its greatest time of need.

— Derek Blumke, co-founder and past president, Student Veterans of America;

state quartermaster, 2020-2023, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Michigan; MFA candidate, Alma College