There aren’t many, if any, personal histories of combined railroad military training and railroad operations in wartime told by the person who lived the experiences between 1942 and 1945 on the Chicago and Northwestern, the Santa Fe and the White Pass and Yukon Railroads. This book does just that and more via the thoughtful and witty pen and photos Frank Pelletier left us. A date specific timeline parallels military actions with the activities of the principals personal life. Letters Frank sent home link events to photos and thereby graphically tell the story of unique times and places in American history.

The White Pass and Yukon Railroad is but 111 miles long, built out of rock at close to maximum allowable 4 per cent grade. It was finished in 1900 to support the Yukon "Gold Rush". The railroad is dangerous year-round with hazards like snow and rock slides and washouts from flooding. It was never operated in winter until the US Army did in 1943 and 1944 due to urgent wartime logistical demands. There are many stunning photos of the hazards and dangerous operating conditions during winter operations on the White Pass and Yukon RR that have never been shown before. Due to the uniqueness of Frank's experiences and how he artfully presents his most creative thoughts in writing, this book has proven to be exceptional reading, even for those not interested in railroad subjects.

Includes over 200 photos and graphic images.