When Bruce McCandliss III was sorting through hay in an aging barn on his family’s El Paso property, he uncovered a surprise that ties his household to a pivotal chapter of American history. Tucked beneath a bale of hay lay a handwritten manuscript penned by his grandfather, Admiral Bruce McCandliss, during his service in World War II.
A personal window onto the war
The manuscript offers a vivid, first‑hand account of the conflict, beginning with the attack on Pearl Harbor and continuing through the grueling island campaigns that culminated in the battle for Okinawa. In his own words, the Admiral described the fear, trepidation, and moments of triumph that defined the experience of ordinary servicemen striving to return home.
From battlefield notes to a published book
Recognizing the historical value of his grandfather’s reflections, Bruce III arranged for the manuscript to be transcribed, edited, and printed. The resulting volume, titled Iron and Fire, makes the Admiral’s personal narrative accessible to a wider audience, preserving a unique perspective on a generation that fought for liberty.
Family pride and a reminder of service
“It’s a remarkable story of battle and personal feelings, and frankly some fear and trepidation of battle and triumph after the Second World War,” Bruce III said after reading the pages. “He, like a lot of servicemen, just wanted to get the job done and get home to their own life.” He added that, despite the Admiral’s receipt of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the manuscript underscores how ordinary men can achieve extraordinary things.
Bruce III emphasized that the memoir is more than a family heirloom; it is a testament to the sacrifices made by countless veterans and a reminder that the values of courage, duty, and faith endure across generations. “We’re lucky he did because he left us with a pretty remarkable memoir,” he noted.
Connecting the past to the present
The discovery has resonated with the El Paso community, many of whom have family members who served in past conflicts. Local veterans’ groups have expressed enthusiasm for the book, seeing it as a bridge between the stories of the “Greatest Generation” and today’s service members.
“Reading these firsthand accounts helps us understand the true cost of freedom,” said a representative of the El Paso Veterans’ Association. “It also reinforces the importance of preserving our history for future generations.”
Where to find the memoir
Iron and Fire is now available through major retailers and local bookstores in the El Paso area. The McCandliss family hopes the book will inspire readers to appreciate the sacrifices that secured the nation’s liberty and to honor the enduring legacy of those who served.
For anyone interested in personal wartime narratives, the memoir offers a rare glimpse into the daily realities of a naval officer who witnessed some of the most decisive moments of World War II, all while maintaining a humble focus on duty and family.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
