Author discusses sex and the American GI

Author Mary Louise Roberts discusses her book, "What Soldiers Do: Sex and the American GI in World War II France," during a December presentation of the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park.

The program begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, at Le Jardin restaurant inside the Cantigny Park Visitors Center, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Admission and parking are free.

In her book, Roberts, a history professor at the University of Wisconsin, reveals an aspect of World War II not commonly mentioned. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including news reports, propaganda and training materials, official planning documents, wartime diaries and memoirs, she tells the fascinating and troubling story of how the U.S. Army motivated troops by dangling the mythical promise of sex with beautiful and willing French women.

In addition, Roberts suggests, rampant sexual predation and the casual response to it by American military leadership caused serious friction between the two nations during a critical point in history.

While not denying the achievement of D-Day, or the bravery of the soldiers who helped liberate France, "What Soldiers Do" reveals a human side of World War II, including the real lives and real mistakes of the people who lived it.

Copies of "What Soldiers Do" may be purchased in the Cantigny Shop the evening of Dec. 3. A book signing will follow the lecture.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the program, a cash bar and limited food menu will be available. Coffee is complimentary.

These events are part of the First Division Museum's Date with History, a monthly series featuring lively discussions with authors, panelists, historians and special guests. Information about upcoming programs is online at firstdivisionmuseum.org.