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The cover image was taken at Heuvelhof in the Netherlands on 27 September 1944, the day before he was killed (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Ted Finkbeiner)

LETTERS FROM UNCLE DAVE: The 73-year Journey to Find a Missing-In-Action World War II Paratrooper

The story of S/Sgt David Rosenkrantz–middle child of Russian Jewish immigrants–who fought bravely in Sicily, Italy and Holland in World War II, and was Missing in Action for 73-years. The book chronicles his amazing story and the 20-year journey of his nephew to find out what happened to him, what he was like, and finally see him come home. Behind the scenes, a young Dutchman worked for over 30 years to unravel the mystery of what happened. LETTERS FROM UNCLE DAVE contains 49 letters he wrote home, 106 images, documents and maps, an exhaustive timeline, endnotes, references, glossary, index, and several appendices.

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topics Covered

Immigrants

The story of two Russian Jewish immigrants who came to America in 1902 and raised 11 children in Los Angeles. Five of their sons participated in World War II. Four sons returned home, but one was Missing In Action.

Devils in Baggy Pants

Through 49 colorful surviving letters that Dave wrote home we learn about the life of a paratrooper starting with training in the US and North Africa followed by heroic adventures in Europe and recuperation in England. Also meet some of the surviving veterans who helped bring this book to life.

The War After the War

The family struggled with grief and lack of closure for 73 years. Most affected was Eva Rosa, Dave's mother, who was in denial that Dave was dead for the last 15 years of her life.

Unraveling the Mysteries

The 73-year journey to find out what happened to Uncle Dave is intertwined with the journey of his dog tags (which were lost and miraculously returned to the family in 2012), the 20-year quest by his nephew to achieve closure, and the determination of a young Dutchman who searched for 30 years to finally help locate Dave's remains.

Readers say

Thousands of volumes have been written about the Paratroopers of WWII, but rarely do you get a glimpse into the pain and sacrifice experienced by the loved ones back home of those that fell. Compound that grief with the lack of answers or any hope of closure over of a son or brother listed as “missing in action.” However, thanks to the personal efforts of some Dutch heroes, this one has a conclusion. This is a truly remarkable story, one that moves you with a tremendous sense of gratitude for the heroes that sacrificed all to assure our freedoms today, and for those that went out of their way to finally bring one of them home.

Major Richard M. Ingleby, US Army 82 ABN DIV 1 BCT

What an amazing journey and wonderful story on so many levels! I cannot commend you enough on your perseverance to find out about your uncle’s story, to discover his remains, and to bring closure for you and your family. We are both so fortunate and so blessed that people in the occupied countries of Europe such as The Netherlands and Belgium still care so much about the brave, young American service men who fought and died to free their countries from Nazi oppression. Hopefully, your book will be an inspiration to others who wish to discover their veteran’s story. Bravo!

Steve Snyder, Author of Shot Down

Phil Rosenkrantz in “Letters From Uncle Dave” could not have written this WW II story any sooner, because it just recently ended. You must read this book. It is so much more than the title suggests. My cousin, S/Sgt Ross Carter, served in a sister company of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment 82nd Airborne with “Uncle Dave”, and honored their sacrifices in “Those Devils In Baggy Pants” published in 1951. It was binary. There were those heroes who didn’t make it. There were those who were “refugees from the law of averages” who did and came home. There was another group of heroes: Missing In Action. “Letters From Uncle Dave” is the story of one MIA who floated through time, bereft of a final resting place, and the journey of his family. I feel like he is my “Uncle Dave”.

David Ross Fraley (cousin of Ross Carter, Author of Those Devils in Baggy Pants)

Author spotlight

Dr. Phil Rosenkrantz is Professor Emeritus of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at California State Polytechnic University Pomona. Prior to his career in education, Phil worked for General Motors for ten years in engineering and management. Phil was born and raised in Southern California. Phil and his wife, Judy, have four children: David, Julia, Sarah, and Debi. He enjoys volunteering with many years of service devoted to the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (US Forest Service), Boy Scouts, Eastside Christian Schools, the American Society for Quality, Special Olympics, and other organizations. His passions include World War II history, backpacking, travel, outdoor cooking, bluegrass, and Disneyland. Phil and Judy now divide their time between Southern California and Central Arizona. Phil holds degrees from Kettering University (BSME), Purdue University (MSIA), University of California Riverside (MS), and Pepperdine University (Ed.D).

email: rosenkrantz@cpp.edu