In this poetic, poignant coming-of-age story, one young man grows up along with his country.

Mike Wapnewski is preparing for graduation from St. Francis High, a Catholic boys prep school. Growing up in post-World War II America, Mike is acutely aware of the Cold War and the nuclear threat the Soviets pose to the world. He also feels the burden of the universal military draft requirement. Mike submits to the draft despite advice to avoid it by attending college. In the army he finds new confidence, new purpose, and new friends.

As Mike begins his adventures in the military,...