Damn Right It Hurts!: a Virginia Hillbilly Becomes a World War II Hero

Book explores guilt, sacrificeBy Lise Hausrath Simmons-The Reston Times Newspaper"A mother's guilt and the ultimate sacrifice of her youngest son on the killing fields of Belgium during World War II are explored in a simple yet touching book by Wade Gilley, a Reston resident."Review by Wytheville Enterprise-Wytheville, VirginiaAl Jennings of Wytheville, VA grew up in Fries with Russell Gilley. They were friends. "He was an outgoing, happy person. He liked to joke and was very laid back. He never got excited," recalled Jennings. He noted that young draftees had no choice in the branch of the military they were to serve during World War II. If they volunteered, Jennings said, they could choose. "I got my dad to sign for me and went into the Navy. Russ' mother signed for him and he went into the Army. I never saw him again," Jennings saidReview By Heather Froeschl of www. Quilldipper.comRuss's nephew, author Wade Gilley, shares the tale of just one of America's heroes. This heart touching true story will leave the reader with a little deeper insight into what it means to be a soldier, an American son and a "hillbilly" from Virginia.