More than 16 million Americans served in the military during World War II - and nearly 3 million of them spent time in the Pacific theater. Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States looked to graduates of the naval academy to fill its need for qualified officers. To supplement the number of academy graduates, new programs were created, including the Naval Reserve Officer Training Program, the Civilian Pilot Training Program, the Naval Aviation Cadet Program and what were later called ""V"" programs. Despite these efforts, the military buildup was slow. After Pearl Harbor, all branches of the military became dependent upon officers rushed through training programs, some of which hardly lasted longer than the enlisted men's boot camp - the so-called ""ninety day wonders"" are just such an example. Recruited and trained in a variety of ways, the officers came from varied backgrounds. From a Japanese language officer and a Marine Corps fighter pilot, to a master rigger and a navy weatherman, the author presents the tales of more than 20 navy and marine officers, offering the story of the war through their personal experiences.

With America's 1941 entry into World War II and the movement of Japanese forces into the southern Pacific, a number of U.S. troops were sent to protect Australia and New Zealand so that previously committed military units from these countries might remain in Europe. Welcomed by the majority of New Zealanders, many American military men found New Zealand to be a second home as they were adopted into the island communities by those who had family members fighting the war in Europe.Over the course of the next four years, almost 1400 New Zealand women married American servicemen. Some couples relocated to the United States while others remained in New Zealand. From 1942 to the present day, the individual interviews herein record the varied and interesting tapestry of New Zealand's relationship with America. New Zealand war veterans, those on the New Zealand home front, American servicemen stationed on the island during the war and members of the next generation give voice to New Zealand's often overlooked contribution to World War II and the enduring connection between the two countries. Personal photographs illustrate this fascinating oral history.