General Lewis B. Hershey and Conscientious Objection During World War II

What to do with conscientious objectors has puzzled the U.S. throughout its history. The Selective Service Act of 1917 only allowed conscientious objection from specific peace sects and had no provisions for public service. The Selective Service Act of 1940 stated that conscientious objectors should be assigned to noncombatant service in the military but, if opposed, would be assigned to "work of national importance under civilian direction." General Lewis Blaine Hershey helped to develop Civilian Public Service in 1941, a program that placed conscientious objectors in soil conservation and forestry work camps. Krehbiel provides the most comprehensive and well-rounded examination to date of General Hershey's work as the developer and protector of alternative service programs for conscientious objectors. Archival research from both Historic Peace Churches and the Selective Service makes this the definitive book on the subject.