book also shows the dark sides of the generation that fought for our country. It points out the racism and ignorance shown towards those of different backgrounds and ethnicities. Although those who served in the military fought their hearts out, they still held the prejudices that they had learned and grown up knowing in their hearts. They treated those that were dissimilar with ignorance and in some cases malice. An example of this is the story of Johnny Holmes. During his military service, he was forced to undergo medical experiments such as getting his teeth drilled without Novocain. Holmes was an integral part of one of the first all-black tank battalions and served exemplary. Even those not in the services were affected by the racism in this country. Norman Mineta, current Transportation secretary was one of those people. Mineta was forced into an internment camp at the very young age of ten just because he was of Japanese descent. He was able to overcome all the prejudice and racism he faced when he was young and went on to become the state senator of California.Brokaw's collection of wartime stories is an effective description of the actions of the "greatest generation". They fought for our country, against immeasurable odds, and succeeded. They were able to rise from the ashes of an America devastated by the repercussions of the great depression, and lead our country against "the two most powerful and ruthless military machines ever assembled". These men and women showed the characteristics of heroes and will forever live in our history as "the greatest generation"....
