Great Regulars: [J.D. Salinger's] World War II years

proved formative. He fought in some of the most important battles of the war, landing at Utah Beach with the 12th Infantry Regiment of the Fourth Infantry Division and fighting in the battles of Normandy, St. Lo, Mortain, Hürtgen Forest, and the Bulge. He was among the first troops to enter liberated Paris--where he met fellow writer Ernest Hemingway. Astonishingly, Mr. Salinger, who brought a typewriter everywhere he went, continued to write and publish stories throughout the war.

His fluency in German and French made him useful for interrogating prisoners. He met prisoners of war and entered camps of the Dachau system.

from John Timpane: Philadelpia Inquirer: Reclusive author spoke for alienated youth

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