In The Tradition Of Brokaw's The Greatest Generation, Award Winning Author Bernard Fleury Presents Another American Hero In His New Biography, A Bee In His Bonnet

    WILMINGTON, NC, February 22, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- One of the most-loved books in recent memory, 'The Greatest Generation' by Tom Brokaw, gave us a penetrating look at World War II America. Award winning author Bernard Fleury believes there is another story that begs to be told. He presents a compelling and and engaging version of this story in 'A Bee In His Bonnet'.

'A Bee in His Bonnet' is an action packed, creative non-fiction biography. The book offers readers a look into the life of an American soldier, Frank King, Fleury's grandfather, who came to America in 1898 and stayed to become a career army man, profuse diarist, and world traveler. He fought in wars that few of us know, but whose repercussions are still felt today: The Spanish-American War, The Philippine Insurrection, and World War I. King's Company G, Eighth Infantry, was involved in the earliest documented anti-terrorist campaigns in The Philippine Insurrection.

King was present for the capture of Aguinaldo, and during his second tour there was personally instrumental in the capture of the Bin Laden of his day, Faustino Ablen. He served in the famous Third Division in World War I. He was officially cited twice for his heroism and the part he played in the famous battles at Champagne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, and Chateau Thiery, under General John Pershing who attended Frank's retirement, personally presenting his retirement papers.

There are 28 original photos in the book including the photo of Faustino Ablen when captured. This photo was sent to the author by a Filipino professor who discovered it in a closed library once operated by Franciscan Friars. The photos cover 98 years from 1860 to 1958 in the Frank King story. They are an old photos collector's treasure.

"Frank was officially cited twice during the Marne Offensive in World War I from July 14 -18,1918," Fleury stated:

'King, Frank,Battalion Sergeant Major, 544360. This soldier on the night of July 14,1918, while escorting the runner of the Second Battalion to an advance P.C. on the Marne displayed great skill and presence of mind.....While in charge of Liaison of Headquarters Company Second Battalion, Thirtieth Infantry, displayed great courage and resourcefulness throughout the preparatory fire of the Champagne-Marne Defensive, July 15-18, 1918, in the Bois d'Aigremont, near Crezancy, France,....He stayed at his post through the bombardment and although gassed, assisted and directed others in their various duties. He refused to be evacuated until the regiment was relieved.'

"The doctor told him that due to the damage done to his lungs that he would only live 10 to 15 years more, but he actually lived 40 more years!

"His heroism was never more evident than it was from September 11-December 25, 1958 while in the Nursing home suffering from throat cancer. He chose to die rather than have a tube in his throat and be unable to speak for the rest of his life. Severe pain required that he be heavily drugged so he was in and out of consciousness and unable to speak for the last month of his life but his bright blue eyes spoke volumes. On Christmas day the doctor told us he would die that day so we stayed with him the entire day. As night fell, the nurse told us it looked like he would make it until the next day so we went home. He grasped tightly the crucifix hanging on the rail of his bed. While his roommate was out of the room, he closed his tired eyes forever. The victory had been won and he had gone to claim the everlasting reward, the reward of those who are honest and faithful."

Readers and reviewers have praised 'A Bee In His Bonnet'.

Sefina Hawke said, "A Bee in His Bonnet by Bernard J. Fleury is a well written biography that offers a unique perspective. The author uses old photos with captions and that really helped me to feel a connection with the people featured in this book. It allowed me to have a clear image in my head of what they actually looked like instead of having to rely purely on my imagination. I particularly liked learning about Frank King's part in the capture of Faustino Ablen. As I read this book, I found myself becoming interested in learning more about some of the wars Frank King fought in so that I could truly understand more about the role that he played in them as an individual soldier."

Arya Fomonyuy said, "This action-packed nonfiction story pulls the reader into the climates of war and makes them experience what it felt like to be at the front line. Told from the unique perspective of the soldier, the story is filled with relevant historical references and moments, a tale of courage and bravery in the face of war. The reader is transported to different historical places to experience some of the most grueling and intensive actions in war. The author captures very interesting historical details and enables readers to understand world politics and conflict from the point of view of someone who was actively and personally involved. The writing in A Bee in His Bonnet is beautiful and Bernard J. Fleury's literary skill and charm keep readers engaged. This is a tale of family, of war, of travel, and one man's dedication to his country."

Kimberly J. Benart stated, "A Bee in His Bonnet is the kind of book you don't want to put down once you start reading it. The word 'adventure' hardly captures the full breadth and scale of Dr. Fleury's treatment of his grandfather's life. The narrative and dialog keep the pace moving at a clip, while now and then there is a slight pause to remind the reader of the historical setting. I cried at the end, as I believe any reader would. This is a magnificent tribute by a grandson to his grandfather, just as Frank King's life stands as a magnificent tribute to the caliber of man that he was."

Bernard Fleury's books have received a large number of 5-star rated reviews. He was chosen as one of '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' in the 2017 Book Awards. That honor came as a result of his appearance on The Authors Show. He was chosen from a field of hundreds of authors through a public voting process.

Bernard Fleury is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below, or by email at [email protected]. 'A Bee In His Bonnet' is available at online retail book outlets. More information is available at his website at http://www.intolifebylight.com.

Bernard Fleury is Professor Emeritus at Westfield State University and a Roman Catholic Permanent Deacon. He holds an A.A. degree in Classical Languages, a B.A. in History, a M.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Philosophy, and an Ed.D. in Administration with a minor in Government. He taught in both the undergraduate and graduate divisions at Westfield State University for thirty years and was a Public School teacher and principal for thirteen years. He also served as Director of School Administration at Westfield State University, and as Director of Teacher Education, Academic Vice President, and President protem at International College of the Cayman Islands over a sixteen-year period. At present he is a corporator in the Westfield State University Foundation. He has also worn a third hat as an ordained Catholic Permanent Deacon for the past thirty seven years.

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