Santa Catalina Island Goes to War  (World War II  1941 - 1945)

By William Sanford White

William Wrigley, Jr.'s island oasis, Catalina Island, has hosted many interesting events and people over the last 100 years - this includes the years during World War II, when the island was leased to the government for $1 per year as a training post and military lookout.  Peruse personal memories, interviews, and photographs of USO shows, training programs for the Merchant Marines, Army, and Coast Guard, along with the OSS (soon to be the CIA) - this is a rare glimpse into a time of war on this magical island.  A great addition to any World War II library and an interesting view of an island paradise at war.