From the Revolutionary War through the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, this book is the first to concisely document and link the often bittersweet experiences of American veterans coming home from war. Richard Taylor delves into memoirs, diaries, and interviews to show how war changed these men and women and how they learned to deal with their experiences. To chronicle their struggles throughout U.S. history, Taylor opens each chapter with a battlefield vignette designed to take the reader back to a given conflict. This is followed by an explanation of the situation at home and the reception veterans faced upon their return, including the evolving response of the federal government to veterans' needs and benefits. Among the issues Taylor explores are social readjustment and acceptance, job training and placement, medical care and disability compensation, education, retirement, and burial. The work also discusses the treatment of women and minority veterans. Published in cooperation with the Association of the United States Army.

Originally published: Westport, CT : Praeger Press, c2007. "Published in cooperation with the Association of the United States Army"--Cover p. [4].

Born of revolution -- British, Indians, Mexicans, and manifest destiny -- Old Dixie down -- Yankees and the Union -- Brass buttons and foreign excursions - Doughboys -- "Home alive in '45!" -- Forgotten wars: Korea and the Cold War -- The unforgotten war: Vietnam -- Deserts and terror -- Homeward bound.