Some 300,000 Wisconsin men and women served this country in World War II. Here are 14 of those who played a small part in a massive war. They are among those who suffered the horror, hurt and homesickness of battle, returning humbly home to quietly serve their families, communities and country well. They are our “heroes next door.” Among them, meet:

• A seaman from Tomahawk who rescued downed airmen and stranded Marines with a "flying boat;"
• A radar operator from Milwaukee who survived 29 hours alone in the Indian Ocean;
• A gunner from Portage who escaped through the French Underground after he parachuted from his burning plane;
• A Marine from Beloit who survived the bloody sands of Iwo Jima.

Kristin Gilpatrick is a former newspaper reporter who lives in Madison. The Hero Next Door is her first book.

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