The University of Alabama commemorated Veterans Day on Nov. 7 with a release of a book outlining the University’s contributions during World War II.

The book, “All of Us Fought the War: The University of Alabama and its Men and Women in World War II,” by Delbert Reed, is the product of old Crimson White articles, Corolla pages and alumni magazine articles, along with more than 100 personal interviews.

“This collects into one volume what we found in pieces,” Reed said.

The book features stories from former Tuscaloosa mayor Al DuPont, Medal of Honor recipient Charles Davis, and 11 students who served as generals during the war. It also includes pictures and names of the 350 students who lost their lives during wartime.

More than 8,000 former UA students served in World War II, while a few thousand more were able to attend the University on the GI Bill after serving in the war. Many of them went on to accomplish great things, Reed said.

“Not only did they exceed during wartime, but they came back and were very successful in life,” he said.

Ken Gaddy, director of the Paul W. Bryant museum, which published the book, said they are honored to be sharing the stories.

“We want to preserve these folks’ memories and records and distribute them,” Gaddy said. “We want to publish the book so current students can read it. These people were that age.”

The book release was the first of many events during the University’s Veterans Week, put on by the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. A luncheon was held to honor 35 of the book’s featured veterans and their families.

David Blair, director of veteran and military affairs, said he was honored to have the veterans be a part of this week and to hear their stories.

“The history behind World War II veterans speaks for itself,” Blair said. “The fact that it’s [UA] veterans brings everything to light, especially during Veterans Week.”

Reed, a UA graduate and former military historian, said the project was perfect for his qualifications.

“Doing this work has been a fulfillment of what I studied to do and love to do,” he said.

This is Reed’s fourth book, and a follow up to his latest, “When Winning Was Everything,” a collection of stories from former Alabama football players in World War II.

Reed said the main goal of the book was to create a place where all the personal stories of the veterans could be found.

“They have given so much to the country and shared their stories,” he said. “It’s our way of honoring them.”