The author grew up on The American Home Front during World War II and into the Fifties. See life back then like this "nasty little gutter tramp" saw it. Sample city chicken and scrambled brains, "mow down" imaginary Nazis and draw Kilroy on walls and sidewalks. This book gives voice to the Silent Generation--those born during the Great Depression whose views were largely shaped by wartime memories. Don and Helen Schroeder, married for nearly 60 years, reside in Destin, Florida with their Golden Retriever.

Don Schroeder explores the sharp contrast between the dark nights and bright childhood memories that opened the doors for a boy growing up as part of the Silent Generation. After the Depression and World War II, conditions improved for many Americans, including Don and his family. With wit and humor, Don invites the world to see Indianapolis as this nasty little gutter tramp saw it. Sample city chicken or scrambled brains with eggs, mow down imaginary Nazis, and turn off Fibber McGee and Molly, the favorite nighttime radio show, in time to confuse enemy bombers and save Indianapolis from destruction. Don relishes those nearly forgotten years and the memories of God reaching for a boy slip-sliding along during this difficult period of Air Raid Nights and Radio Days. "

Growing up in bucolic Eastern Pomerania during the early years of World War II, young Friedhelm Radandt has listened with his family on the Volksempfänger (people's radio) to the many victory news bulletins. At the same time, Elizabeth Jobs and her family have lived in urbane Warsaw as loyal citizens of Poland who cherish their ethnic German heritage. As the war intensifies, the Radandts continue to hold worship meetings in their home and defy the pressure of local party leaders to send their sons to the notorious school for future Nazi leaders. Meanwhile, across the border, Elizabeth's family must cope with the death sentence from the Polish resistance movement for her father, Ludwig, the researcher and developer of radio tubes. When both families are driven from their homes, each embark on harrowing, yet thrilling parallel escape routes across war-torn Germany. Amid the darkness and rubble, can the light of love emerge? The Radio Signal captures the true story of two separate families who share a vibrant faith that imbues their actions with courage and trust. During the war, neither family knew of the other. Neither family knew that their paths would ultimately cross. Includes discussion questions for book clubs.