FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“DON’TCHA KNOW THERE’S A WAR ON?”
Acclaimed Historian Retired Navy Captain Wilbur D. Jones, Jr. Unveils Gripping New World War II Homefront HistoryAn Intimate, Inside Look at a City’s Civilian Sacrifice, Combat Heroism, and American Resilience
A Tribute to Wartime Wilmington, North Carolina: America’s first World War II Heritage City
Foreword by Richard Petty: A fellow Tar Heel and member of the “Silent Generation”
WILMINGTON, N.C. — August 17, 2026 — World War II military historian and author Retired Navy Captain Wilbur D. Jones, Jr. today officially released his newest historical work, DON’TCHA KNOW THERE’S A WAR ON, exploration into the sacrifices, spirit, and daily turmoil in American homefront during the World War II.
In DON’TCHA KNOW THERE’S A WAR ON, Capt. Jones converts enormous research and global experiences, and first-hand memories into a featuring an extensive bibliography. The book captures stories of life and culture during history’s most cataclysmic and dynamic period, WWII, on both the home front and its men and women in service to the country.
“The catchphrase ‘Don’t’cha know there’s a war on?’ was more than a common reaction to shortages—it was a shared reminder of national unity, shared sacrifice, and perseverance,” said Jones.
Key Highlights of the Book Include:
- Unfiltered Eyewitness Accounts: Personal stories and reflections from civilians, defense workers, and military personnel who lived through the era.
- Wartime Wilmington Exposed: A close look at the city’s shipyard, defense industries, and German POW camps.
- Combat Heroism & History: Profiles of the city’s two Medal of Honor recipients and other combat heroes in the Battles of Midway, D-Day, and The Bulge.
- The Homefront Attacked: The story of Germany’s only attack on America—the U-boat firing on Kure Beach.
- Cultural & Economic Impact: An examination of the crucial roles of women and Black citizens in the war effort, and how workforce entry reshaped American society.
Availability and Ordering
DON’TCHA KNOW THERE’S A WAR ON? is available nationwide beginning today, August 17, 2026, through major booksellers, independent bookstores, and online retailers. Personalized, autographed copies are available through wilburjones.com. Special institutional, library, and historical society ordering options are also available.
Author interview requests, review copy inquiries, and presentation bookings for military groups, academic institutions, and civic organizations can be coordinated through Pam Cook Communications at (336) 416-4831.
About the Author
Retired Navy Captain Wilbur D. Jones, Jr. is a nationally recognized military historian and author. A Wilmington native who grew up there during the war and a University of North Carolina graduate, has written extensively on World War II history, defense strategy, and regional heritage. This is the 21st book he has authored or co-authored, and his 9th on WWII.
He conceived, organized, and led the 12-1/2-year project culminating in Wilmington’s designation as America’s first WWII Heritage City, a public-private partnership through the U.S. Congress to the White House. He has served in leadership roles for numerous historical preservation organizations and media initiatives dedicated to honoring veterans and preserving wartime history. He received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest honor, and is listed in Marquis Who’sWho in America 2024. See Wilbur Jones Compositions LLC for details.
Note to Editors: High-resolution photos of Retired Navy Captain Wilbur D. Jones, Jr. and the official book cover art are attached or available upon request by contacting Pam Cook Communications.