BOYS IN BATTLE. by Laffin, John

Abelard-Schuman, London/New York, (1967). 192 pp, 8vo, hard cover in dust jacket. B&w illustrations. "Throughout history, boys of many nations have found themselves involved in battles of the armed forces, and it is to their credit that they have come through these ordeals with courage and endurance. The author of this book was himself a soldier as a boy - and as a man - and knows too much about war to find in it anything glorious. He feels however that the boys who fought so bravely in combat deserve to have their names and exploits recorded. He has delved deeply into history and into records to uncover some astonishing stories of gallantry, skill and audacity on the part of boys up to and including the age of 18. Here are the stories of teenage winners o f the highest decorations for bravery - the Victoria Cross, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Legion d'honneur, the Iron Cross. On sea, land and in the air, youthful heroes accomplished deeds that verge on the incredible..." Very light edge wear to boards, number 5125 witten in ink on free front endpaper, very light browning to edges of pages. Dust jacket is price-clipped, has moderate edge wear/wrinkling, small chips and tears - some with creases, 1" chip from top of front hinge area, a few very small scuffs, and rubbing - wrap-around artwork, now protected in a mylar sleeve. VG/G-.