A Silver Award for ‘War Stories: World War II Firsthand – D-Day, The Campaign Across France’

WAR STORIES: World War II Firsthand – D-DAY: The Campaign Across France, the second volume in a series published by Weider History Publications, has been honored with a Silver Medal in the 2012 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) in the World History category. The author is Jay Wertz, whose insights into historical programming on television can frequently be found on ArmchairGeneral.com and our partner site, HistoryNet.com.

Armchair General‘s editor in chief, Col. Jerry D. Morelock, who edited the award-winning book, had this to say:

"It’s been my privilege to work with author Jay Wertz—and the entire Weider History Group book production team—and serve as the editor for each of the two volumes (of a planned 10-volume series) in Weider History Group’s outstanding War Stories book series. Wertz is an outstanding and accomplished author with a finely-honed “feel” for the flow of historical events. The result is his superbly crafted narrative that propels the story of America’s role in World War II. The carefully chosen veterans’ accounts give each book a “you are there” feel that makes readers virtual eyewitnesses to the war as it unfolds. All of us on the War Stories books production team are extremely proud that the War Stories books have received the recognition that they so clearly deserve. We highly recommend adding these books to your military history library."—Jerry D. Morelock, Editor in Chief, Armchair General Magazine

Bill Breidenstine, publisher for the series, said, "I am honored that our D-Day book won a Silver Medal award in the History (World) category of the 2012 Independent Publisher Book Awards. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all involved in the WAR STORIES: World War II Firsthand project. In particular, I want to thank the World War II veterans themselves who came forward and shared their experiences with us. It is because of them that this endeavor of ours to preserve their legacy is truly worthwhile."

The author, Jay Wertz, also won top honor in the USA "BEST BOOKS 2011" AWARDS in the History: Military/Political category for the first book in the series, WAR STORIES: World War II Firsthand – THE PACIFIC – Volume One – Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal. Tom Brokaw, of NBC News, praised THE PACIFIC – Volume One as “a stunning and evocative reminder of the personal heroism and epic battles over and on seas, island, and mainland, as told by those who were there. Magnificent." (UPDATE MAY 23: WAR STORIES: World War II Firsthand – D-Day: The Campaign Across France has received top honor in USA "BEST BOOKS 2012" AWARDS in the History: Military category.)

Upon learning that D-Day, The Campaign Across France, had won a silver IPPY award, Wertz said, "We’re pleased that the importance of preserving and putting in perspective the unique experiences of these veterans has been recognized as an important work."

Prior to his work on the War Stories series, Wertz authored three books—The Native American Experience, The Civil War Experience: 1861-1865 (both now in their second edition), and co-authored Smithsonian’s Great Battles and Battlefields of the Civil War. His television credits include the award-winning 13-part documentary series Smithsonian’s Great Battles of the Civil War.

The Independent Publisher Book Awards—IPPYs—are now in their 16th year. They were conceived as a broad-based, unaffiliated awards program open to all members of the independent publishing industry, and are open to authors and publishers worldwide who produce books written in English and intended for the North American market. The contest is presented by Jenkins Group and IndependentPublisher.com.

The group’s media release for 2012 says, "The awards are intended to bring increased recognition to the thousands of exemplary independent, university, and self-published titles published each year … The IPPY Awards reward those who exhibit the courage, innovation, and creativity to bring about change in the world of publishing. Independent spirit and expertise comes from publishers of all sizes and budgets, and books are judged with that in mind."

Weider is honored to have published a work deemed worthy of such an award.

In recognition of that honor, the Weider Online Store is offering a 20% discount on either or both books through June 30, 2012. Click on the titles below. At checkout use the coupon code wsaw20 to receive the discount.

Click the titles below to learn more about these books.

WAR STORIES: World War II Firsthand – THE PACIFIC – Pearl Harbor to Guadalcanal

WAR STORIES: World War II Firsthand – D-DAY: The Campaign Across France