Beginnings is a personal narrative about a boy growing up in the Czechoslovakian country side during the German occupation, world war II, and the communist takeover. Escaping in 1948 by foot into free Germany, he made two daring returns to Czechoslovakia to help his friends and future wife. He recounts over two years spent in refugee camps in Germany and Italy and the trip from Germany to the USA on a US Navy liberty ship. His story takes place during one of the most volatile periods in European and world history of the 20th century. He recounts personal losses to the Nazi regime and includes key historical events of the time. This is an exceptional personal story. Many pictures, maps, and diagrams are included. Show more Show less