The Broomcorn Field: The Odyssey of an Army Ranger in World War II

The Broomcorn Field, the first book of MM Gibson’s historical fiction series, features Virgil Davis, a high school senior in 1941, whose life is suddenly upended by a rapid succession of tragedies that culminate with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. By leaving high school early to enlist in the Army, Virgil seemingly extinguishes his last remaining glimmer of hope—to be Class Valedictorian. Yet things begin to look up for him when he falls in love with a pretty girl and is selected to become a U.S. Army Ranger—arguably the most elite fighting force of the War. But as the Rangers begin to fight across Africa, Sicily, and Italy, Virgil struggles to maintain his fragile relationship with his girl back in the States, his faith, and his very humanity, amidst the ugliness of World War II.

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Maps & Graphic Depictions of Battles

During the course of reading The Broomcorn Field, you may become interested in seeing graphic depictions of the battles that First Ranger Battalion fought during World War II. For your convenience, the author has collected links to some maps of engagement that he found helpful throughout his writing of the series.

1. Dieppe

2. Arzew

3. El Guettar

4. Gela

5. Maiori/Salerno

6. Winter Line in October 1943

7. Winter Line in early November 1943

8. Winter Line in late November 1943

9. Anzio Landing

10. Anzio Beachhead Expansion

11. Cisterna

About the Cover Artist

The stunningly dramatic original cover art and book design for both The Broomcorn Field and Leaving Pontotoc County were painted by Anna Hazel, an artist in Houston, Texas, who may be visited on her Instagram page: @anna_hazel_does_art or contacted at annahazel@gmail.com.