I had done some research on my family member who was killed in WWII but I knew there was more out there, and Erin found it. The report she provided wrapped everything she found into a single, beautiful document that I was able share with all my family. There were tears and “thank yous” for DAYS after! But Erin gave us more than a beautiful report! She gave my family a chance to get to know our WWII hero, live in his shoes for a moment, and finally understand what he truly accomplished in the final minutes of his life. It was a gift and we are all so grateful!

- Karen, great-niece of CPT William ‘Art’ Reynolds, 711th Bomber Squadron, 447th Bombardment Group, Heavy

I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional work that Erin Faith Allen has done in uncovering my family's rich and poignant war history. From our very first interaction, Erin demonstrated remarkable professionalism and efficiency, honoring my requests with a deep respect for the war / veteran stories that shaped my family's legacy. Through her diligent research, I was able to see photographs of my grandfather, my great-uncle, my Dad, and even my dad's best friend who perished beside him on the USS Franklin during WWII. Erin unearthed fascinating archives, including interesting letters my grandmother wrote, which have allowed me to piece together a tapestry of my family's involvement in World Wars I and II — stories that were often shrouded in silence due to the trauma they endured. With each discovery, I found answers to long-held questions and a newfound understanding of their experiences. Erin's dedication and expertise have not only illuminated my family's past but have also provided me with a profound sense of connection to their sacrifices. I cannot recommend her highly enough to anyone seeking to explore their own family history; she truly has a gift for bringing the past to life.

- Amy, daughter of RdM3c Gilbert E. Mitchell, USS Franklin

I never knew my father’s WWII story. Like many other veterans of that era, he was a member of the Silent Generation. When he returned home in 1945, he never spoke about his experiences as a bomber in the Pacific for the US Army Air Corps. Even so, I always suspected there was some lingering trauma and deep sadness. After he died, I tried unsuccessfully to research his story, but reached a dead end when I was told that a fire in 1973 at the National Personnel Records in St. Louis, MO had destroyed many of the military records of army personnel. However, I was fortunate to meet Erin Faith Allen, Founder of Stories of War. Through her research, perseverance, and compassion, she located my father’s service records and the families of other members of his flight crew. At last, I knew what happened to that 19-year-old boy who bravely fought for his country. Thanks to Erin’s hard work, my sisters and I have a sense of peace and pride in finally knowing my father’s story. It is part of my story now and will never be forgotten.

- Cynthia, daughter of SSG Thomas S Cottone, 424th Bomb Squadron, 307th Bombardment Group

Reconnecting to my father’s WWII service has been a powerful journey. Erin’s detailed, honoring connection to his unit’s history, and our family's questions around the aspects he never talked about which she continues to pursue has been profound. Further, her research work connected me with a veteran who knew my father and this was exceptionally meaningful! The surviving veteran of his company thoughtfully recounted his living memories which allowed me to connect to my father once again through time and space. What a gift this has been!

- Stana, daughter of 1SG Robert Milodragovich, Anti-Tank Company, 222nd Infantry Regiment, 42nd 'Rainbow' Division

Growing up all I knew was that my uncle was assigned to a tank command in WWII, and died because of an injury related to his tank exploding. Erin researched his story that also involved two other men, filled in a lot more information and arranged for the three families to meet at the cemetery where my uncle is buried. Erin even tracked down and surprised me by presenting me with the original Silver Star Medal that had been awarded to him in 1945. I will be forever grateful for all of her hard work and expertise.

- Danny, nephew of PFC William Kane, Company C, 717th Tank Battalion attached to 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division

Erin’s knowledge and love of history are extraordinary. When she was editing my memoir which included very limited information about my uncle’s experience in WWII, Erin immediately wanted to know more and asked for permission to

delve deeper into his twenty-seven months of imprisonment by the Nazis. Through her research and connections with fellow WWII historians, she was able to provide me with invaluable facts such as my uncle’s unit, the battle he was captured in, and what occurred after he was captured - including details of his time in the POW camp from first-hand accounts of other prisoners. This not only added depth to my writing but gave me a better understanding of the difficulties my uncle suffered. Equally important to me was Erin’s expertise and extensive experience as she guided me through the technicalities that led to my ultimate goal which was the publication of my book. For all of this I am extremely grateful. Erin’s passion and unquenchable desire to continue researching and sharing her findings and vast knowledge with others are undeniably qualities that define her as a brilliant historian. - Thelma, niece of PFC Rodolfo Calderon, Company C, 109th Engineer Battalion, 34th Infantry Division

Wow, when I received a phone call from Erin telling me she was researching my brother’s company from WWII, I thought: Finally, my brother is going to receive some well deserved recognition for his heroic actions. My next thought was: “I don't know much because he didn't really discuss what had happened”. Well, I learned more from Erin’s persistent work than I ever did from my brother. Erin made an appointment to come and see me. She was very down to earth, charming, and smart. As time passes I have been really impressed with the information that has surfaced, and the photographs our family has never seen that she has discovered are absolutely wonderful. I only wish that more people could have the experience of getting an opportunity like my family has, to learn about the whole company of men my brother served with. They all seem to be very much like my brother: real heroes.

- Lynn, brother of PFC Paul Dean Burnum, Anti-Tank Company, 222nd Infantry Regiment, 42nd 'Rainbow' Division

I feel so blessed that Erin has been researching my dad’s company in WWII. It has been a heart-warming, wonderful, and enjoyable experience to work with her regarding my Dad’s memory. Erin’s work has given my family such pride in what my Dad accomplished with his company during the war. We know more than we ever thought possible about his day to day experiences in combat in Europe in WWII.

- Kathy, daughter of PFC James Hickey, Anti-Tank Company, 222nd Infantry Regiment, 42nd 'Rainbow' Division

I recently hired Erin to help me edit and produce a book about my father’s experiences in WWII. Side by side she led me through the process with a keen eye for details and an astute understanding of what I had hoped for. She has a vast knowledge of everything about WWII and the resources to ensure accuracy. My book is selling well - but most important, the book is a badge of honor for my father, thanks to Erin.

- Celia, daughter of 1LT Jack E Westbrook, Anti-Tank Company, 222nd Infantry Regiment, 42nd 'Rainbow' Division