Swabby II By Jack Haberstroh, Ph.D (592 pages, photos, drawings) Reviewer:  James Healy Overall Rating: Four Stars--Highly recommended. An excellent book. This is the second volume of a planned three-volume tribute to ordinary sailors of World War II. The author, Jack Haberstroh, S1/C, served aboard the USS Gregory (DD-802) late in World War II, followed by time aboard the Antietem (CV-36). Now with a background in journalism and mass communications--including teaching at four different universities--he has professionally compiled the personal recollections of hundreds of enlisted sailors. Once again, the reader will immediately begin to compare each vignette with his own navy experience--easier, funnier , scarier, or much the same as his own. Each story is a little different; some are very different. Take the 29-year old father of two who was drafted into the navy at a time when 18 was a typical age for a new recruit. These two volumes also illustrate the vast array of navy jobs it took to win the war. The second volume also seems to include more war experiences than the original. (Potatoes as an in-close navy weapon is mentioned a couple of times.) Other observations: a fair number of persons reenlisted, often in other branches of service; a large number of ex-navy men became teachers, or had careers in the insurance and real estate businesses; and several returned to bravely finish high school. Also, most stories seemed to originate with Gunner's Mates, Signalmen and Quartermasters. But then, the guys below decks didn't know what was happening. They just felt and heard the noise of battle. With a planned third volume, the author might consider opening his solicitations to Korean War veterans. They served on the same ships and often along side WWII reservists recalled to active duty. And the time interval between 1945-1950 seems to get smaller and smaller with every passing year. Availability: From the author: Jack Haberstroh, Ph.D. 15625 Avenida Alcachofa, #H San Diego, CA 92128   From the publisher: Heritage Books, Inc. 65 East Main Street Westminster, MD 21157 Phone: 800-876-6103 Fax: 410-871-2674