(Fairmont)– A new book is shedding light on the remarkable World War Two history of a Martin County family, in which all 36 members who served in the war made it home alive. Paul Wessel, a member of the Nolte family, spent about two years researching and writing They All Came Home: The Nolte 36. His research included approximately 6,000 documents and trips to several states to track down military records and learn more about the men’s service. Wessel says many of the veterans rarely discussed their wartime experiences with their children, and the research helped families learn more about what their fathers went through. One significant discovery was a previously lost Medal of Honor recommendation for Earl Nolte. A bill is now before the U.S. House that could allow the Army to reconsider the recommendation and potentially award him the medal posthumously. A new Nolte 36 organization has also been formed to help other families locate military service records. The book’s official release event will be held November 14th from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the American Legion in downtown Fairmont.
