Memoirs

Betrayal is a richly woven memoir of my dramatic fight for survival during World War II, starting as an aspiring soldier in the Army and ending my military career as a fighter pilot in the Polish Air Force and British RAF in England. It is a true story filled with suspense that reads like a novel.

After my escape from a German POW camp, I joined the Polish Underground Army. When my arrest became imminent, I evaded the German Gestapo only to be captured by the Russian NKVD (KGB). They charged me with counter-revolutionary activities and sentenced me to a Siberian labor camp, Gulag.

This is my memorable love story with a mysterious Polish girl. In similar adventures, we were facing the daunting perils of that time during one of the most momentous chapters in modern history, the treacherous Siberian taigas, Kazakhstan steppe, and the Middle East deserts.

After the Allied victory in Europe, I discovered that I was betrayed by the Western Allies at the Yalta Conference. As a result, after I was stripped of my Polish citizenship I became stateless.

This is a true story of a man by the name of Salvador A. Sciuto, A.K.A. Sampson, who served in the U.S. Army during World War Two.

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, April 17, 1923, and serving in the U.S. Army for over two years and three months in the U.S. and in foreign areas, as a P.F.C. (Private First Class) in the G333rd Infantry Regiment.

Discover what life was like during those times through real eyes. How it started, what happened, and the ending to the war from a service member’s point of view. An insider’s look into what happened.

The majority of Americans know of the fifty eight thousand who died in the Vietnam War, but very few have heard of the hundreds of thousands who have died since its end. They are the forgotten victims of a war fought by politicians instead of generals with no real plan for victory. Vietnam Veterans by the thousands have died since the war because of their exposure to Agent Orange, but so many more have taken their own lives to forget the Hell on Earth which they endured. In my book, I try to take the reader back in time so they can understand the real story behind the Vietnam War as seen thru the eyes of those of us who fought it. My story tells of the struggles of day to day life as I and my brothers faced the enemy in battle in Vietnam, and it also tells of their bravery and sacrifice for each other. I have tried to explain to the reader how combat affects those of us burdened with pain, loss and guilt for those who could not return. I hope my story becomes a lasting tribute to those men and women lost in a war in which America seemed to have forgotten so many years ago. I also hope and pray that it will save the life of just one veteran before he or she gives up their struggle to find peace.

This book not only encompasses events in Europe with the American GI, it takes you to my talks with Richard Nixon, Robert Kennedy, Frank Sinatra and top music people; and with the former Chancellor of Germany, the King of Hungary, and German generals who helped us win World War II. I include my meeting Otto Scorzeny, the dashing Errol Flynn-like hero who rescued Mussolini from captivity, who later received retribution from his own people. Many dangers for our country lurk in the shadows waiting to happen. This book takes you there to caution and alert you.

This book is about truth and regard for important issues that face our nation. These concerns should not be taken lightly. My wish is to get the public involved in finding a way to make a difference by making informed choices. This book is about my life and how people placed ambition and pride over all other values, it is about the hatred that cost this country many lives. There are people who stand out in my mind because they went beyond ordinary weaknesses to stand up for what they felt was right. They showed courage in the face of fear and carried on bravely for their fellow man in the name of justice and freedom.

I ask that each reader seriously consider the evidence I present and form his or her own opinion on some controversial issues. As I present my thoughts and experiences, you will come to know that I place a high value on empathy and compassion for people. My hope is that this book will help remind you of the injustices all around us. My mission is to keep the heroes of the last century fresh in our minds so that their humanitarian efforts will be passed down to our next generation.

In the year 1966, while our family prepared to emigrate to Canada, we found a bundle of 110 letters in our attic in Hamburg, Germany. They were written in 1942 and 1943 between my mother in Hamburg and my father in various war-time locations in Poland, Russia and the Southern Ukraine.

These “World War II - Letters” turned out to be a treasure chest of history, and an example of my parents’ eloquence, wisdom, insight and love. They triggered a tidal wave of long suppressed and ignored memories in me that compelled me to write about my experiences as a 6 to 12 year old “Boy in Hitler-Germany” from 1941 to 1945 and the post-war time from 1945 to 1948.

The story line will take the reader from a tranquil pre-war scenario to ABSOLUTE HELL. Eventually “Hell” was overcome. Overcome by the resiliency of the people and how well they adapted to adverse situations with optimism and resourcefulness. I am sure this ability holds true for many war-besieged people in the world.

In Family Treasures – A Guide to Writing Your Life Stories, Dr. Gibson’s second book, you are treated to a delightful memoir of the author’s life and loves. Her personal stories will help you recall details of your own life experiences. These stories are told in themes that stimulate your memory. Questions relating to each theme will give you an opportunity to record those personal memories right in this book. Chapters on several ways to preserve your memories help you pass along your own legacy. Family Treasures motivates you to start writing now!

Review by Susan Bianco:

What could you give to your family that is priceless? Dr. Gibson has authored Family Treasures which guides you in creating such a gift.

Our memories are treasures that can be passed on to future generations. By relating memories from her own life Dr. Gibson illustrates a variety of themes: Family, Friends, Parenting, Grand Parenting, Talents, Travel, Working World.

Interesting questions guide the reader to recall his/her own memories, and the author thoughtfully provides ample space to record answers. This book is not to be missed. You will want your own copy!

Susan Bianco, Librarian

Two people who grew up in the mountains of Kentucky in the carefree days of the fifties have now grown old. One day while reminiscing about those wonderful days, they decided to go back there one more time. On their journey to the place they once called home, they would visit many familiar places, and occasionally a tear would make its way down the cheek as their mind went back to yesterday and the good times of the fifties.

The First Time I Saw Her is a book of short stories. I compiled nearly a year’s blogs about my life and my experiences that everyday life blessed me with. It is by no means a diary as these experiences are little glimpses into my past. In no particular chronological order, they are written with the hope that others will ponder the different subjects and perhaps write a little about their own lives.

You may find yourself in my daily journey...

Come and see the road I have traveled with my Father. On this journey you will experience the power of God’s words and learn how to apply it to your daily life. When you trust in God you will discover:

• Unconditional love
• Many possibilities through Jesus Christ
• The power of the Holy Spirit
• An abundance of blessings when you are obedient
• How to do His will for others
• How to be an imitator of Christ
• God will not forsake you

If your heart’s desire is to see great things happen in your life, always keep God first and He will supply all of your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:8 NIV

A Wild Woman’s Adventure With Breast Cancer

A vibrant, healthy nurse was inadvertently thrust into the role of ‘patient’ when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in December, 2007. Raelyn describes her journey from diagnosis, through surgery, and finally, healing. She provides an in-depth description of her experience from the dual perspective of nurse turned patient.

Although private in her personal affairs, Raelyn uses her ‘adventure’ to reach out to her readers and tell her story to advocate patient assertiveness and self-education.