"Keep your eyes on the Crucifix, for the Cross without Jesus is a burden without a reliever..."
Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
graphite by the author
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THE CROSS OUR COMPASS:
A work of historical fiction set in WWII with strong Catholic characters and themes of faith, family, and suffering.
This novel will take the reader from the
home-front of 1940's Pennsylvania right into the thick of the war as Dave Szaszak and his brother Joe join the paratroops and test their faith in the foxholes of war-torn Europe. Enjoyed by young and old;
already beloved by boys and girls alike. Makes a wonderful family read-aloud.
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Historical Background
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Much of The Cross our Compass follows the path of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the famous 82nd Airborne Division. During WWII the 505th made four combat jumps into Sicily, Italy, Normandy, and Holland, and gained a reputation as tough, aggressive, and excellent soldiers. General Matthew Ridgway, watching them take a certain Normandy town, famously commented: "I would rather have a platoon of those men than a battalion of regular Infantry."
Paratroopers of the 505th gear up for the invasion of Sicily, July 1943
"A chaplain uses the hood of a jeep for an altar in celebrating Mass for members of the 505th Combat Team shortly before an attack." Photo taken in Sicily, August 24, 1943 and found in a 1949 Pictorial History of WW2
Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne outside the Cathedral of San Gennaro, Naples, c. 1943
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 St. Lawrence church, c. 1920's
A number of historical locations in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania are mentioned in the book, including the Szaszaks' parish church and Harrisburg Catholic High School.
Caplan's on Market Square, mentioned in chapter 11
Harrisburg Catholic High dance band, c. 1940's
Harrisburg Public Library, c. 1920's, mentioned in chapter 11
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