**The Journey Behind "Unknown
Soldier: World War 1"**
**By David L. Preston**
The seed for my debut novel, "Unknown Soldier: World War 1," was planted during a visit to Arlington National Cemetery when I was just a child. Standing before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I was struck by a profound question: What were the lives of these men like before they became unknowns? This question lingered in my mind, sparking a lifelong curiosity about the stories of the soldiers who rest there in anonymity.
As I grew older, my fascination with these untold stories only deepened. What began as a single book idea gradually expanded into a vision for multiple novels, each one dedicated to a different unknown soldier from the various wars. I wanted to bring to life the personal histories and experiences of these brave individuals, giving voice to those who had been silenced by the ravages of war.
During my research for the project, I stumbled upon a significant piece of history that would shape the direction of my first novel. I discovered that the Alabama 167th National Guard served as part of the 42nd Rainbow Division during World War I. Intriguingly, some of the war dead from the battles fought by the 42nd were buried in cemeteries from which the bodies for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were selected. This connection felt like a sign; being from Alabama, I felt a deep resonance with the men of the 167th, and I knew their stories needed to be told.
Basing my characters in the Alabama 167th allowed me to delve into rich, authentic accounts of the men who served in this distinguished unit. The fictionalized experiences of my characters are drawn from real-life anecdotes and historical records I uncovered during my research. These stories of courage, camaraderie, and the harsh realities of war provided a solid foundation for my narrative.
"Unknown Soldier: World War 1" follows James Reynolds, a young man from Thomasville, Alabama, who seeks adventure beyond his small town. His journey takes him to the bustling city of Mobile and eventually to the Western Front of World War I. Alongside his best friend, James fights in the trenches as part of the Alabama 167th, enduring the trials of war and forging unbreakable bonds.
Writing this novel has been a deeply personal and rewarding journey. It has allowed me to pay tribute to the soldiers of the 167th and, more broadly, to all who have served and sacrificed in war. Through James' story, I hope to honor the memory of the unknown soldiers and to remind readers of the human lives behind the historical events we read about in textbooks.
"Unknown Soldier: World War 1" is not just a tale of war; it is a story of friendship, bravery, and the quest for meaning amidst chaos. I am thrilled to share it with readers and to contribute to the enduring legacy of the soldiers who gave everything for their country.
For those interested in exploring this journey with me, "Unknown Soldier: World War 1" will be released on June 3, 2024, by Azalea City Publishing LLC. It will be available in both hardcover and paperback formats and can be purchased on Amazon. You can also ask your local bookstore to order or carry it for you.
I invite you to join me in honoring
these forgotten heroes by delving into their stories, preserved in the pages of
this novel.
