The Bloody Bucket

The Bloody Bucket covers a two-year span from 1916 through 1918, in the life of Thomas H. Schalata (the author's grandfather).A work of historical fiction, primarily based on actual events, the story opens with this 24-year-old living at home with his parents and siblings in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia. He works a full-time job at Baldwin Locomotive Works, while also serving as a member of the PA National Guard.With the threat of the country being dragged into World War I, this Polish-American family must endure the typical struggles of the times.During this span, his military career takes him to El Paso, Texas for the Mexican Border Campaign, Camp Hancock, Ga. for military training, and eventually to England, France, and Belgium as a participant in the war as a member of Pennsylvania's famous 28th Division.This unique narrative chronicles the day-to-day lives of the men and women who survived this horrendous ordeal.The Bloody Bucket appeals to a wide range of interests: World War I and military scholars, people of Polish heritage, railroad buffs, sports enthusiasts (primarily boxing and baseball), and those interested in Philadelphia history.