World War I soldiers were called the “Lost Generation.”

Even those who survived and returned home were maimed physically, emotionally or both.

A 14-year town resident, Dr. Gregory Archer, has written a book about his maternal grandfather, Private Ralph Heller, a medic with the U.S. Army Ambulance Corps.

“Private Heller and the Bantam Boys: An American Medic in World War I” was published by Lyons Press.

The nonfiction narrative covers Heller’s training and subsequent Allied campaign experiences on the Somme and Marne battlefields. The first-year Princeton University medical student served as a medic and ambulance driver from 1917-19.

“To them, war is a grand adventure. Not to be missed. They volunteer to make sure they can get to France before the war ends,” said Archer.

“These college boys go about their training filled with idealism and bravado and, despite constant marching and drilling, have absolutely no combat preparation for what they’re around to face.”

Archer relied on a long-hidden diary of Heller, who died before Archer’s birth.

“I originally wrote this manuscript for my family and for me. I wanted to get to know the man that nobody spoke about,” said Archer.

“As a psychologist, I rewrote that first transcript into a ‘psychological autopsy.’ I wanted to see what drove a promising young medical student into a troubled life after the war.”

The effort resulted in a study of post-traumatic stress disorder or “shell shock,” as it was known in that era.

Despite their extreme anguish in the war, Archer discovered that Heller and his buddies were thoughtful, sensitive and could be hilarious. Archer said they performed valiantly.

“Ralph was a fine medic,” Archer added.

He saved hundreds of lives and won numerous medals. He was one of the most highly decorated American medics of the Great War, with twoFrench Croix de Guerres (Cross of War) with Bronze Palm (the highest order), the American Purple Heart, a French Citation for Valor and the Victory Medal with four battle claps.

Heller also received a pictorial citation signed by President Woodrow Wilson that now hangs on Archer’s office wall.

More information is available on Archer’s website: drgregoryarcher.com.

The book is available worldwide, including on Walmart and Barnes and Noble websites. The hardback version is priced at $26.95; Amazon discounted it for $19.18. amazon.com/Private-Heller-Bantam-Boys-American/dp/1493017365.

The link to the publisher, Lyons Press, is lyonspress.com/book/9781493017362.