Reporting World War II

Main Themes and Topics

Reporting World War II by G. Kurt Piehler delves deeply into the journalistic process during one of history's most tumultuous periods. The book examines the pressures faced by American front-line reporters tasked with covering World War II, offering new insights into the challenges of transmitting stories from the battlefront. The essays reveal that these journalists often faced financial constraints and had to navigate the tricky waters of international relations, requiring cooperation with foreign governments and the American military.

A noteworthy aspect of this book is its exploration of the diversity among reporters. It highlights the contributions of African American journalists like Roi Ottley and Ollie Stewart, who played a significant role in boosting the morale of Black soldiers and challenging the institutional racism within the military. The book also gives considerable attention to women front-line reporters such as Thérèse Mabel Bonney, Iris Carpenter, Lee Carson, and Anne Stringer, who have historically been underrepresented in war narratives.

The volume also touches upon the fine line between journalism and public relations, as exemplified by the U.S. Marine Corps’ creation of its network of correspondents for Pacific island campaigns. Despite the censorship pressures, many reporters, including those from the army-sponsored "Stars and Stripes," maintained a commitment to accuracy and the human-interest story style, a legacy that figures like Ernie Pyle and Bill Mauldin left behind.

Writing Style and Tone

The writing in Reporting World War II is both engaging and informative. Piehler utilizes a clear, accessible style that balances scholarly analysis with compelling narrative. The tone is respectful of the reporters’ challenges and triumphs, delivering a multifaceted perspective without sensationalism. Piehler's eloquent prose ensures that readers are not merely passive recipients of historical data but are engaged in an ongoing conversation about the complexities of wartime journalism.

Criticism

While Reporting World War II effectively broadens our understanding of wartime journalism, some might argue that the book could benefit from a broader scope that includes non-American perspectives. Additionally, readers looking for a detailed chronological account of the war might find the essay format, which focuses more on thematic analysis than on offering a linear historical narrative, somewhat disjointed.

Brief Summary (no spoilers)

Reporting World War II presents an incisive look at the American journalists who documented the complexities of World War II. Starting with the United States' initial position of neutrality, the book traces the evolution of war reporting as America joined the conflict. It sheds light on how journalists navigated censorship and the sometimes blurred lines between journalism and the military objectives. Through its focus on diverse voices and the struggle for unbiased, accurate reporting, Piehler's work captures the transformative impact of journalists who wrote what could be considered the first drafts of history.