Andy Hodges was excluded from military service due to an injury sustained playing sports. He was frustrated with that, because he wanted to contribute to the war effort like everyone else his age. He decided to join the Red Cross, where he volunteered for all kinds of dangerous missions that others did not want to undertake. Thanks to his determination and bravery, he was able to deliver desperately needed supplies to prisoners of war in occupied France. Eventually, he was able to negotiate the release of 149 prisoners of war, leaving none behind.

This was a deeply moving story for a lot of reasons. The fact that someone just simply cared about their countrymen enough to figure out a way to join the war effort and make a huge difference in the lives of men who were suffering and imprisoned by enemy forces was moving to me. I cannot imagine being a prisoner of war. I have read pretty extensively about the conditions for prisoners of war in the European and Pacific theatres, and I know that it was certainly no cake walk. I cannot imagine how grateful they were for food and medical supplies, and then to have their release obtained...it would have been overwhelming to me. Stories like this are great for reminding us that some of humankind are amazing individuals. I can see why the author of this book was proud of his father. It was a really good read.