Century’s Witness: The Extraordinary Life of Journalist Wallace Carroll

Wallace Carroll gravitated to journalism as if it held a magnetic attraction. He studied the subject while at Marquette University, and his lifelong devotion was set. He was hired by UPI in his early 20s, notably covering the ghastly “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” in 1929. His hard work was noticed by his superiors and he was sent to London. Carroll covered a litany of diverse topics while overseas: Sports to labor unrest to the growing discontent in Europe as the rise of Fascism spread. Carroll observed the leadup to war from different cities with growing alarm. As World War II began, Carroll had already gotten married and had a child. His duty in covering the war would keep him in London during the blitz, his courage under fire never wavering. Carroll’s exemplary work would continue for decades and garner him respect and praise.

Century’s Witness recalls the storied life of war correspondent and journalist Wallace Carroll in a detailed account from his humble beginnings in Wisconsin to his overseas assignment before and during World War II. Author Mary Llewellyn McNeil has written an illuminating biography about a low key but crucial voice of journalism, both during and after the war.