Dark Corner of War

Donna Wylie, niece of Charles Sumpter Wylie, honors her uncle's legacy with this in-depth biography of his early adolescence and involvement in World War II. She combines historical research with family mementos and anecdotes to present the best picture of Private Wylie and his experiences during wartime.

Sumpter's story begins in an orphanage in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After the death of his father, his mother could no longer care for him and his sister, Martha. The two survived the abuse heaped on them by the matron and other orphanage workers and formed a deep bond that would last their entire lives. Through letters to Martha and his mother, Sumpter's World War II story unfolds. Letters from home became a lifeline as he experienced the horrors of the Pacific theater. He longed to come home and build a new life through the opportunities provided by the GI Bill.

Sumpter, as a private, would have been destined to be remembered as just another faceless soldier in the war. Donna and Martha fought to make sure that wasn't the case. Donna shows readers the hopes and dreams of one man who gave all he had for his country. In addition, Donna shines a light on a dark corner of war through revealing the truth about her uncle's sacrifice.