Join us for an evening with local historian and author Thomas Key on Thursday, August 20th at 6pm in Latte Da, as he discusses Operation Ivory Soap, the remarkable true story of one of World War II's best-kept secrets.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1944, as the Allied forces advanced across the vast Pacific Ocean toward Japan, the US Army could not relocate the large aircraft repair depots fast enough to keep up with the front line. Thus, Operation Ivory Soap was the Army’s secret project to deploy ships capable of repairing and maintaining bombers and fighters at sea. 

A specialized group of approximately 3,000 Air Corps soldiers underwent unique training for their new, nautical lifestyle. They jokingly referred to themselves as “sailjers.” The capabilities they brought to the Pacific proved vital to Allied success in World War II. These men served in Guam, Tinian, Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, but their journey began at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama. This is their story.

Thomas Key grew up in Point Clear, Alabama, just one mile south of the Grand Hotel. He spent his summers running barefoot around the property and hearing the stories of the hotel’s secret operation during World War II. In 2013, after 10 years in the Marine Corps, Key moved back to Point Clear. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Vanderbilt University and a doctorate in history from Liberty University. Thomas and his wife, Elizabeth, are raising their four children in Point Clear.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thomas Key grew up in Point Clear, Alabama, just one mile south of the Grand Hotel. He spent his summers running barefoot around the property and hearing the stories of the hotel’s secret operation during World War II. In 2013, after 10 years in the Marine Corps, Key moved back to Point Clear. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Vanderbilt University and a doctorate in history from Liberty University. Thomas and his wife, Elizabeth, are raising their four children in Point Clear.