Getting Off the Mountain: The Life of Fredric Hensel, World War II's Combat Quadruple Amputee

Getting Off the Mountain is Lee T. Raines' fifth book and carries the running theme of service to country, particularly by America's small town young men and women. In this one, Raines follows the life and struggles of Fredric Hensel, the only combat "basket case" of World War II.

During Raines' research on 1940-1945 We Will Remember, he learned about a young soldier, who was called by one veteran the "bravest fighter of this war." Hensel lost all four limbs in varying severity, earning the military term "basket case," as the result of a tank mine explosion during the Battle of Okinawa.

Raines traces Hensel's roots, his life before joining the army, combat experiences and the challenges and victories upon his return to the States.

Getting Off the Mountain is an inspiring story of how one man's optimistic spirit, combined with the devotion of his wife, Jewell, and the support of friends as well as strangers, captured the attention and hearts of the public in post-war America.