They came from one street, but death found them in many places. 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.
Death came in a distant jungle, a frozen forest, and trapped in the flaming wreckage of a bomber blown from the sky. One died going over a fence during the greatest paratrooper assault in history. Another fell in the biggest battle of World War II. Yet another was riddled with bullets in an audacious act of heroism during a decisive onslaught a war far away.
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.
This is the story of those brave men and their families, how they fought both in battle and to be accepted in an American 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.
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“Explores the moving microcosm of pride and patriotism within a Mexican-American Illinois railroad community…Provides a well-researched account of the history of the town and its memorable personalities as they moved through the Depression, World War II and beyond…Harrison deftly marshals the intricate details of battle, hardship and victory.”
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Kirkus Reviews