This book is the life story of the author and provides a background of historical events that impacted his life.



Born in Germany in the middle of World War II, the author was orphaned by the age of four and driven from his birthplace by the invading Russian Army and by Polish authorities. Not only did he survive, but he made his way through the system, including a six year stay at an orphanage, and was on track to success in East Germany, though thoroughly disenchanted with Communism.



At age nineteen, he made a successful attempt to escape to West Germany and the freedom it promised. After graduating from college in West Germany, he emigrated to the United States and the book follows his progress to becoming a citizen of the United States.