Peter Lion Livres

Amidst the dark and painful days of WWII Europe there shown a bright and joyous light—the courage and compassion of the 28th Infantry Division Signal Corps and its Christmas gift to the town of Wiltz, Luxembourg. The American St. Nick is based on the true story of soldiers who donated their gifts from home, military cooks who baked sweets, and Corporal Richard Brookins, who borrowed clothes from the local priest then rode through town as St. Nicolas to the delight of children and parents alike. Thus begins a story soon clouded by the trials of war and the distance of time--clouded, but not forgotten. For the story of that day touched the hearts of generations who reached out across the oceans to the surprise of those living with us today and in honor of the memory of those who stayed behind.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows George Mergenthaler, the privileged grandson of the Linotype inventor, who becomes the sole male heir to a family legacy. Born in 1920 and educated at an Ivy League school, George, known as "MERG," embodies the aspirations and challenges of his generation. His decision to enlist in the Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor marks a pivotal moment, leading him from a life of privilege into the complexities of war and duty.