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FIRST HAND: The Unland Diaries and Memoirs of the Revolutionary War, World War II, and Watergate Kindle Edition

by John Unland (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

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First Hand: A Family’s Legacy Through America’s Defining Moments is a one-of-a-kind historical memoir told through three powerful, first-person accounts—each written by a member of the same American family across three defining eras in U.S. history.

Spanning the Revolutionary War, World War II, and the Watergate era, this uniquely layered book brings readers into the minds of three men who didn’t just live through history—they recorded it in vivid detail:

Lt. William McDowell’s Revolutionary War diary (1781–1782) captures the raw, day-to-day experience of fighting for American independence under General Anthony Wayne.
Lt. James Maxwell Unland’s World War II memoir recounts his service in Patton’s Third Army, from the beaches of Normandy to the liberation of Belgium and Holland.
John Unland’s personal White House journal offers a rare, insider perspective from within the Nixon administration as Watergate unfolded—and the U.S. Constitution was put to the test.

Each story is compelling on its own. Together, they reveal a powerful throughline: one ancestor helped create the Constitution, another helped defend it, and the third watched as a president nearly subverted it.

📚 What makes this book truly special:

✅ Three primary-source accounts that give readers an unfiltered, first-hand look at America’s past
✅ A rare multi-generational narrative connecting national events through one family’s lived experience
✅ Dozens and dozens of full-color images, original documents, and photos that bring history to life in visual detail
✅ Includes handwritten pages, transcriptions, letters, and historical context to enrich the reading experience

💡 Note to buyers: This book is priced higher than standard paperbacks due to its exceptional print quality and the inclusion of extensive full-color images and historical materials. It is a carefully crafted, visually immersive volume intended for history lovers, educators, and collectors who value original, firsthand perspectives.

Whether you’re a student of history, a teacher, a genealogist, or simply fascinated by stories that shaped America, First Hand is more than a book—it’s a living legacy.