Phil Gutierrez Launches SOLDIERS AND GHOSTS

In "Soldiers and Ghosts: How Josh Simmons Spent His Summer" (published by iUniverse), the first novel in Phil Gutierrez's trilogy about the American Civil War, readers encounter a tale of valor amid the horror of unceasing battle and struggle as the Ghost Army gained recruits at feverish pitch during the darkest days of the Civil War.

Though little more than a boy, Private Josh Simmons is no green recruit of the Confederate Army. Now 17 years old, he participated in the Battle of Gettysburg last year. Like most of his fellow soldiers, he doesn't truly understand the underpinnings of the battle, but he has faith in his commanders, especially General Robert E. Lee. Simmons fights on the premise that the blue bellies are threatening his home and family. He also knows death waits for him up some road, trail, field or grade.

Now, a century and a half after the most momentous struggle in American history, "Soldiers and Ghosts" tells the story of the Civil War from ground level through the eyes of Simmons, a Confederate infantryman. It narrates the experiences of young adolescents during one of the most dramatic and chaotic moments of the Wilderness Campaign of 1864.

Gutierrez chose the American Civil War as the setting because of an ongoing fascination with war stories in the U.S. "I believe it is impossible for Americans to solve contemporary problems unless they have an understanding of this nation's history," he explains. "Besides it makes for exciting and great entertainment."

"Soldiers and Ghosts"
By Phil Gutierrez
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 290 pages | ISBN 9781475970821
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 290 pages | ISBN 9781475970814
E-Book | 290 pages | ISBN 9781475970838
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Phil Gutierrez was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army for 13 years and 20 years in reserves. He saw combat with the 82nd Airborne Division in the Dominican Republic, and in Vietnam with the 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Division Airmobile. As a commissioned officer, he served as a custodial officer with the German Luftwaffe in Europe and was assigned as an Artillery Liaison Officer with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky. Gutierrez studied world history and historical geology at Austin Peay State University for five years. He speaks three languages fluently and worked as an instructor for many years. He is currently retired and lives with his wife, Brigitte in Stockton, Calif.

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