What other readers are saying about…THE DIVORCE SEEKERS

“One of the most remarkable cultural times in the American West…and helped to define the West.”

—Andria Daley, Writer/Producer, Northern Nevada advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation

 

“Not only a fascinating memoir, richly evocative of its time and place, but also the best book yet about Nevada's famous dude-divorce ranch business.”

—Eric Moody, Nevada Historical Society

 

“Delightful reading about bygone times and glamorous people…a valuable history of a unique epoch of the West.”

—Barnaby Conrad, Author, Matador and Last Boat to Cadiz

"The dude ranch culture seems now like part of a bygone culture. It feels like a past more colorful than the present (but most everything is these days). I can't think of it now without envisioning Clark Gable meeting a new divorcée or two beneath the tall pines, and romance developing. It was a special culture where marriages ended and new romances began. Maybe today no one needs to get away to get divorced; they just divorce. But certainly Nevada as a place to split, is a legend of our time."

—Charles Champlin, Former film critic and Arts Editor, Los Angeles Times 

 

“Bill and Sandra McGee recount a magical and untold story of Nevada during the 1940s-‘50s, the good old, bad old days of café society. This book is an absolute must for any Western, literary or social historian’s bookshelf. Not unlike Mark Twain’s recounting of his own Nevada days, Bill’s stories are ‘filled to the brim with the wine of life.’”

—Andria Daley, Writer/Producer

 

“We were always a bit jealous of dude wranglers. What was really going on in those dude ranches and wouldn't that be the job for a young fella like me! This book is a wonderful sharing of an inside perspective. Real cowhands, famous Hollywood actors, the business powerful, the low profile rich, the watering holes, and the special sightseeing areas. It's all here with the best of photos and the colorful commentary that brings them to LIFE. A must read for its entertainment and historical value."

—Neal Cobb, Sheriff, Westerners International Nevada Corral 

 

“As the current owners of the famous Flying M E, we are thrilled that Bill and Sandra have documented the ranch’s robust history in what is now the most complete history known to exist. This book will have a special place in our home for all of our guests to view."

—Norman and Rhonda Azevedo, Flying M E, Franktown, NV

 

“Growing up on my family’s ranch in Washoe Valley, I can say that the divorce seekers themselves contributed to our community. Many of them were from the East and they either stayed when they came here, or returned with their spouses to make a life here. Our community was vastly enriched by their presence because they helped found institutions or contributed to the arts in many ways. Our ranch and our lives were very much enriched by having divorce seekers come here. The McGees have combined personal memoirs with extensive interviews and historical research, and have uncovered hitherto unknown information and photos.

—Tina Bundy Nappe, Bundy Ranch, Washoe Valley, NV  

 

“I’ll bet that my dear, departed sister, Valerie, is rejoicing that her photographs and prose are contributing to the McGees’ sparkling saga of a unique era of Nevada history.”
—George A. Vondermuhll Jr., Bloomfield, CT 

 

"This book contributes in its own fascinating way to the culture of America's post-World War II period. The research and photos are priceless."

—Janice Goodhue, Reno, NV

 

“The TH Ranch history is exciting, well done, and very accurate. I’m looking forward to reading about the other dude ranches.”

—Jack Horgan, TH Ranch, Sutcliffe, NV 

 

“A book waiting to be written about an era that will never be repeated and will go down in history as one of Nevada’s fascinations. The McGees’ research, stories, and photographs are priceless Nevada history.”

—JohnD and Kay Winters, Ophir Mill Ranch, Dayton, NV

 

“Bill and Sandra accurately portray the crazy, emotional, yet refined scene that I found at Joan and Harry Drackerts' Silver Circle Ranch. Nevada divorce ranches were truly a unique and fascinating slice of Western Americana—never seen before, or since.”
—Don Ross, St. Helena, CA

 

“Not only entertaining, this book is historical and portrays a fascinating era—national and international in scope—which was here, is now gone, but will never be forgotten.”
—Harry B. Swanson, Attorney at Law (Retired), Reno, NV

 

“My parents met at the Flying M E. My mother was staying there for a divorce, and soon after her divorce was final, she married my father. Your book gives me insight into a time in my parents’ lives that I did not know and want to learn more about.”
—Nikki M. Demas-Butz, Carson City, NV

"Your Chapter 16, ‘Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg, Enterprising Journalists,’ recounts the early days of my brother, Chuck Clegg, and Lucius Beebe, and brings back vivid memories of my first visit with them in Virginia City in 1949. I had been curious about the dude ranches we drove by in Washoe Valley and now at last, thanks to Bill McGee's remarkable reminiscences, we can learn what really went on there."
—Ann Clegg Holloway, Virginia City, NV

"There's one less hole in the Nevada bookshelf and now it's filled with gold (or silver). This book captures one of the last great glimmers of Nevada's history."
—Paul Cirac, 5th generation Nevadan, Virginia City, NV

 

“Following a highly entertaining slide show with commentary by Bill and Sandra McGee, I received enough feedback from the more than 125 members in attendance to nominate ‘The Divorce Seekers’ for the Westerners Award for ‘Best Book of 2004.’”
—Neal Cobb, Sheriff, Westerners International Nevada Corral 

 

“The McGees have documented a significant period in Nevada's history with splendid research, photographs and personal stories. Their slide show presentation holds the attention of the audience and converts any doubters that the subject matter is not only worthy of historical review but essential to understanding an important aspect of Nevada and national history.”
—Mary Ellen Conaway, Director, Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center

 

“The McGees’ slide show presentation was one of the more interesting, informative and entertaining programs that the museum has hosted. The heretofore little-known story of the divorce ranches is covered…a treasure trove of photographs depicting life and times at these Nevada institutions during the 1940s and ‘50s. Bill McGee’s knowledge of the era is encyclopedic—after all, he was there! The book is highly recommended.”

—John Frink, Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City, NV

What other readers are saying about…

The Solomons Campaigns, 1942-1943

Amphibious Operations in the South Pacific in WWII

Volume II

“Our friend, Bill McGee, who did such a fine job of telling the story of the early days of Flotilla Five in ‘The Amphibians Are Coming!’, has produced another impressive, interesting and highly readable account. This time, broadening his scope to include all services, he has produced a meticulously researched history that anyone interested in this early and decisive campaign will treasure....

It could well become the definitive work on the campaigns.”

—John Cummer, Editor, The Elsie Item, Newsletter of the USS LCI National Association, Inc.

"The most comprehensive, as well as interesting, book that I’ve ever read on the war in the Solomons. You are to be congratulated on compiling this vast amount of information—and from both sides, the Allies’ side as well as the Japanese’s version. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in what really went on in the South Pacific. As a Marine veteran who landed on Guadalcanal, August 7, 1942, reading your book brought back many memories of those very dark days we shared. Semper Fi."

—William J. Carroll, President, Guadalcanal Campaign Veterans 

 

"I’m impressed with the scope of ‘Solomons Campaigns.’ The struggle for control of the Solomons was certainly a critical turning point in the Pacific war. McGee has managed to blend the amphibious operations with anecdotal incidents, while achieving a difficult objective: compressing all Solomons operations into one sweeping and compelling narrative. Many a Marine will enjoy this read."

—John M. Brigham, USMCR 

 

“After writing a review of McGee’s earlier book, I knew that his years of exhaustive and intensive research would produce an important and lasting history of the Solomons campaigns. That he has done. Admirably.”

—Charles J. Adams Jr., LST-281

 

“Clearly one of the best books I’ve ever read (and I’ve read a few) on WWII. I was impressed with the scholarly effort the author put forth. I’m a former Marine and didn’t know the kind of detail that occurred in that sector of the campaign, but I sure do now. I’ve given the book to my brother, who is a career naval officer, to read. My congratulations.”

—Jim Comiskey, Author, Academic Innovations 

“The problem is lack of sleep. I cannot put the book down. Like your other books, the contents reveal the massive amount of research, time and effort you have rendered to the benefit of your readers.”

—Robert B. Sahlberg, LCT-67

 

“Bill McGee has another winner. From an editor’s point of view, this 688-page volume is perfectly balanced between its riveting history, personal narratives, and pleasing layout packed with photos, maps, and illustrations. As the son of an LCT veteran of the Pacific Theater, McGee’s books lend credence to my father’s many sea stories about life in the amphibious forces. This book will bring back memories and is a fine tribute to all the landing craft veterans who served in both Europe and the Pacific.”

—Ron Swanson, Editor, LCT Flotilla Newsletter

The Amphibians Are Coming!

Amphibious Operations in the South Pacific in WWII

Volume I

 

"Whether your duty was the European Theater, or you helped push the Japanese off the Pacific islands, this is an excellent chronicle of your participation. McGee’s book combines the testimony of the amphibians that witnessed the terrible costs of combat, with the hindsight of scholars. The book unrolls the images of ‘our war.’ No matter why you turn to the pages—for reference, enlightenment or nostalgia—you will immediately rediscover your own life and the lives of ordinary guys who helped save the world from becoming the domain of mad men. A ‘must’ addition to our libraries."

—Charles J. Adams Jr., USS LST-281

"Bill McGee, a prolific author and veteran of naval service in the South Pacific, has written a book that will do any ‘Amphibian’ proud. He has managed by dint of exceptional research and extensive interviews to perfectly blend the historical development of naval amphibious forces with humorous anecdotal references. If your children or grandchildren have ever asked, ‘What did you do in the war?’ point them to this book. Throughout the book you will find yourself saying, ‘Yup, that was us,’ and I guarantee you’ll have renewed respect for the guy you see in the mirror every morning."

—Howard “Tiny” Clarkson, USS LCI National Association, Inc.

 

"A fascinating and accurate history on the landing ships and craft of WWII, and a welcome addition to the short list of books on the subject. It brought back many memories, even tears to my eyes. For me, it’s a long-awaited dream, since the book deals with my kind of war. You’ve brought great pride and joy to thousands who were there, and to future generations who will learn how America fought in the Forties."

—John A. McNeill Sr., USNR, Officer-in-Charge, LCT-159 

 

"I heard about this book from my cousin, John A. McNeill Sr., skipper of the LCT-159 of the Solomons campaign. I was a sailor on USS LSM-342, which evolved out of the LCT in 1943 and first hit the beaches in the Philippines in 1944. Thank you for this great history of the `Gator Navy and we look forward to your future releases."

—Royce McNeill, LSM-342 

 

"My own feeling in reading Bill McGee’s book is that it describes miracles. First, the miracle of bringing LSTs and other landing vessels into high production only a short time after the original designs were created. Then, the miracle of bringing together untrained officers and men to perform tasks which should have required months of training and experience. Finally, the miracle of making all this work under unbelievable combat conditions. One wonders if the same achievements could be possible today."

—Mel Barger, Author, Large Slow Target; Director, U.S. LST Association 

 

"Having researched the data for the famed ‘Green Dragons’—the history of the Four Stack APD (Destroyer Transports) in WWII—I consider your Amphib’s book an adjunct to our story, and a must read for anyone interested in the history of our great amphibious navy that was so deeply involved and instrumental in winning WWII."

—Curt Clark, Secretary, The Four Stack APD Veterans 

 

"Bill McGee, himself a veteran of the World War II navy, has not only done some exhaustive research into the documentation of how the amphibious forces were built, but has added the words of the men who took the theory of the amphibious doctrine and the new machines to sea. His dedicated work will surely help keep the day-to-day naval record of the ‘Greatest Generation’ from being lost."

—John Lorelli, Author, To Foreign Shores, U.S. Amphibious Operations in World War II 

 

“My father, a veteran of Flotilla Five, pulled rank and read the book first. It’s filled with many personal accounts of the pioneering men of Flotilla Five. It gave me an idea of what life was like in those early days of the war in the South Pacific, and for my father, it brought back many memories.”

—Richard Fox, Webmaster, LCT Flotillas of WWII 

 

"Bingo! Bill McGee struck the mother lode! Totally researched and well-written, a pleasure to read."

—Bud Farmer, Coxswain, LCT(A)2310

 

“Just shared your book with two of my doctors. Both were amazed and shocked upon reading it. Young people were never told about war, especially the war at sea. Now these two young physicians know how much they didn’t learn. God bless and thanks”

—Anthony P. Tesori, USNR, Gunnery Officer, LST-340 

 

"A masterful job in dealing with the wide range of Amphibians. I enjoyed every minute re-living those South Pacific days. I particularly liked hearing the stories of the other classes of amphibs, in addition to our own LCIs. You included just the right amount of detail to make the book very readable."

—Alfred J. Ormston, Skipper, LCI-334

 

"Excellent reading. I’m looking forward to your coverage of the ‘heavies’—the AKAs and APAs—in your third ‘labor of love’ about the amphibians."  

—"Frenchy" Maurais, Duty Yeoman, USS McCawley (aka “Wackymac”) 

 

"Captures the very essence of an amphibious assignment in the WWII `Gator Navy." 

—Alan Cundall, USMCR, WWII 

 

"A great read. I’m very impressed with the overall scope of your effort. The comment in your press release, ‘Bill McGee became a serious naval historian buff’ is clearly an understatement. As they say in the Navy, well done!"

—W. C. Hilderbrand, Capt. CEC, USN (Retired); Executive Vice President, CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation 

 

“Truly comprehensive.”

—Robert M. Carr, Skipper, LCT-364

 

“I went into the Amphib fleet after I saw the Missouri go out of commission the first time in 1955. I was, and still am, fascinated with small craft of the Navy and thank you for the wonderful contribution you are making to keep this history alive.”

—Herbert Fahr Jr, President, 1998-2000, USS Missouri (BB-63) Association, Inc. 

 

“Your book is the best I’ve read on the subject. I was on LCT-146 that was transported to Noumea, New Caledonia on LST-399 as narrated in your book. I am still in close contact with a navy buddy who was on LST-398 that transported his LCT-145 as narrated on page 162 in your book. I would like a copy of your book sent to him as a gift. Eagerly looking forward to your next volume.”

—Howard Breckenfeld, USN 

 

“Your book reminded me of how easy it was to lose one’s life then. Your story of the ship’s gun crew firing at planet Venus gave me a chuckle. Some gun crews were really trigger-happy and dangerous.”

—Paul Clodfelter, 1^st Special Naval Construction Battalion 

 

“Having been skipper of LCT-367 throughout the Solomons and beyond, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to Volume II.”—Roy Vineyard, LCT-367 

 

“I’ve been looking for this information for years. You deserve lots of credit for your research. I’m proud to have served with you and the amphibians.”

—James W. Baird, LST-353

 

“Another great book. There is very good coverage of the amphibs’ role during the Solomons campaigns. It’s fantastic reading.”

—Jacob Miller, Fightin’ Foxes Reunions

 

“Well-written with many important facts. Most enjoyable reading.”

—Charles A. Kelly, USS Gilmer, APD-11

 

“Being an ‘old amphib,’ I never really knew how much I didn’t know about the new landing crafts’ humble beginnings. I look forward to Volume II and highly recommend not only amphib sailors read it, but all those interested in the Navy and WWII. Great stuff!”

—Bill Bartz, Capt., USNR-R, President, ACU Veterans Group

What other readers are saying about…

BLUEJACKET ODYSSEY

1942-1946

 

“A must read for all Armed Guard and Merchant Seamen and their families.”

—C.A. Lloyd, Chairman, USN Armed Guard Veterans of WWII

 

“’Bluejacket Odyssey’ by Bill McGee includes his experiences aboard the USS Fall River during Operation CROSSROADS.  We give it our highest recommendation.”

—Dr. Oscar Rosen, Editor, Atomic Veterans Radiation News

“Not since reading all of James Michener’s books have I been so enthralled. I am reading “Bluejacket” slowly and going back and re-reading. Your research is unbelievable—dates, places, many bona fide archival photos. Just up my alley.”

—Mary K. Pierson, Cryptographer, WWII U.S. Military Attaché 

 

"Very well-written, and I say that as a former college professor of English. Parts of it brought tears to my eyes. A ‘must read’ for all sea services veterans and their descendants, too."

—Charles C. Espy, Lt (jg), USNR, SS Thomas Nelson Armed Guard C.O. 

 

“Well-written and interesting with an abundance of factual information.”

—Arnold Latare, Skipper, Iowa crew, USN Armed Guard 

 

“One of the best books I’ve read.  Very, very good, sir.”

—Henry Carringi, New York State Director, USN Armed Guard Veterans of WWII 

 

“You did a marvelous job of evoking the era of WWII and making the war a very personal experience.  I hadn’t heard some of the slang and expressions for over forty years.  Your use of news summaries was a great way to keep the personal story in perspective with the events of the time.”

—Robert H. Cornell, Esq., Cornell Law Group, Palo Alto, CA 

 

“Very interesting.  Your career paralleled mine in many ways and am sure our paths crossed during the war.”

—William Tubbs, USN Armed Guard, Illinois-Wisconsin Crew, Seymour, WI 

 

“I have read most of the books about the Armed Guard and think yours is the best. I like the combination of personal and WWII histories.”

—Robert L. Coffman, USN Armed Guard, Cambria, CA 

 

 “You have done your research well.  I give your book a 4.0.”

—Duane Curtis, SS Nathaniel Currier, USN Armed Guard, Central Point, OR 

 

“Factual, no embellishment. It brought back many memories I had forgotten.”

—Ray Simpson, US Merchant Marine, Tukwila, WA 

 

“Your excellent ‘Bluejacket Odyssey’ recalls many good Fall River memories as well as provides Armed Guard insights.”

—Bob Snow, Ensign, USNR, USS Fall River (CA-131), Carlsbad, NM 

 

“A great gift for my dad who also served in the Navy (Sea Bees) in WWII. Enclosed is my check for his copy.”

—Gilbert Mackey, Engineer, Los Alamos, NM 

 

“I served in both the Atlantic and Pacific, including thirty-four days in a lifeboat. If you want to re-live your life again, read this outstanding book!”—Alvin Kemble, USNR, Harrisburg, PA 

 

“A very fine tribute to a branch of the Navy which deserves and has heretofore not had the respect and appreciation it should have had.  Having attempted to write for publication myself, I fully appreciate the enormous amount of research and re-write required.”

—W.T. (Bim) Miller, Esq., Miller and Robinson, Gonzales, TX

 

“’Bluejacket Odyssey’ arrived in the mail the other day and I could hardly put it down. It’s amazing how you compiled all that information after fifty years. You can be proud of this accomplishment.”

—John Stambaugh, QM1/c, USN, USS Fall River (CA-131), York, PA 

 

"Having personally experienced a full measure of life at sea during World War II, in both Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, I found ‘Bluejacket Odyssey’ a must read and not just for veterans. It is detailed, vivid and accurate. It captures the essence of that war."                                                     

—Anthony P. Tesori, USNR, Gunnery Officer, LST-340; Professor and Director Emeritus, University of Central Florida 

 

"A most complete and well‑researched document covering a major dramatic event in our young lives."

—Tony Gray, Quartermaster 3/c, USNR, USS Celeno (AK-76) 

 

"Thanks to you I've learned things I never knew before and some I'd completely forgotten.”

—Pat Paones, Shipfitter 1/c, USNR, USS Deimos (AK-78)

 

"With reference to Task Unit 32.4.4, you are writing facts.  How do I know?  I was there!"

—L. Ray Weathers, Boatswain Mate 2/c, USN, USS Deimos (AK-78)

 

"I found your writing most realistic.  Enjoyed every page immensely."

—Charles Maiers, USS Deimos (AK-78)

 

"Just finished your book and loved it!  As an old WWII navy man, it brought back many nostalgic memories...authentic and exciting. It's recommended reading for all ages."

—David Morris, Yeoman 3/c, USN, President, USS Fall River Shipmates Assn.

 

"Bill McGee's straight-forward, personal narrative, buttressed with well-documented facts and laced with dramatic combat interviews, tells it like it was and brings closure to this memorable period in our lives."

—Spencer Boise, Non-Com Officer, Ninth Air Force in Europe, WWII 

 

"The tragic voyage of Task Unit 32.4.4 still haunts me after all these years.  Thank God, I was one of the lucky ones. Your eyewitness accounts of all the June 1943 action is spellbinding.  I couldn't put the book down."

—Roy Lucy, Radioman 3/c, USNR, USS Aludra (AK-72) 

 

“’Odyssey’ sure took me back.  It means a lot, more than you’ll ever know, to lots of veterans.”

—Len Honeycutt, Radarman 1/c, USN, USS Skylark (AM-63)

 

“Your book is great. I will definitely include excerpts in our next issue of GUNS.”

—Jack Photenhauer, Editor, Guns, Association of Gunner’s Mates 

 

“You have every reason to be proud. A masterful job of historical research.  Your adventures brought back a host of memories, many of which I’d forgotten.”

—Alan W. Cundall, USMCR 

 

“So many mixed memories. Looking forward to your next book.”

—Gerhard R. Hess, USNR, LST-342

 

“A magnificent job of research and presentation. Brought back many memories. Some good, some bad. I now will re-read it.”—Alfred Warm, USNR, LCI-222

 

“Have greatly enjoyed reading ‘Odyssey.’ My family enjoyed reading it as well.”

—Ross Osborn, USNR, USS Aludra 

 

“I spent time in ‘The Corps’ and mainly had different experiences, but your book puts one right there with you.  I felt like I was one of your shipmates.  What a marvelous read.”

—J.M. Brigham, USMCR 

 

“A magnificent job of research and presentation.  I will be passing it around to our shipmates here in the Wilmington area.”

—George W. Cameron, Crew Chief, Armed Guard Mid-Atlantic Chapter 

 

“I was born in 1926, so it was a real revelation to me to read of your childhood and compare it with mine. I could have read on and on about your early years, your family and the ranch work. I found it so interesting.”

—E. V. Clothier, Dagenham, Essex, U.K. 

 

“Thanks, Bill, for bringing back many good memories of my days in the Navy. ‘Bluejacket Odyssey’ is one of the best books ever published on WWII. Will treasure it, as will all of my family.”

—Carlo Mangiaracina, USNR 

 

“Nice to find a book that gives you a different view of naval service.”

—Chris Jackson, Churwell, Leeds, U.K. 

 

“A fantastic job of putting the U.S. Naval Armed Guard on the map. Some of ‘Bluejacket Odyssey’ is pretty technical, but it’s a great read and all of it true! World War II was so sad.”

— Mary K. Pierson, Cryptographer, WWII U.S. Military Attaché 

 

“Really jogged my memory. One hell of a book, difficult to put down. Here’s my check for another copy.”

—Lou Fantacone, USN Armed Guard, Bensalem, PA