Because of Tom's unusual smallness the army turned him down. But determinedly he found a way to (barely) qualify for Army enlistment. And, because of his character, Tom would become one of the 82nd Airborne's finest engineering officers, highly respected - practically loved. He had his enemies and detractors - but Tom also had his own spititual resourcefulness. Tom would lead his men into the Sicily and the main Italian Peninsular invasions of WW II, but be killed on a little hillside around Salerno. However, Tom's double-positive impact on many would live on. This moving, family friendly story is "highly enriched" freedom fare - with a little dash of romance here and there. Closely based on a true story.