A Book Talk with author Mitch Topal

Free Event! Registration required.

Join the Delaware Historical Society and Huxley & Hiro Booksellers as we celebrate Wilmington’s designation as a World War II Heritage City with Mitch Topal, author of Against All Odds: The Ray Firmani Story.

Topal’s book is “a true story of combat, heroism, and love in World War II.” It recounts the history of Delawarean Raymond A. Firmani, a first-generation Italian-American who grew up in Wilmington, earned his wings as a B-17 pilot, flew twenty-five missions over Germany in World War II, and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following his service, Firmani returned to Delaware, where he raised a family with his beloved wife, Elaine, pursued a successful 46-year career with DuPont, and became a noted photographer.

Mitchell M. Topal has received numerous state and national communications awards for writing, graphic design, and media work. He currently serves as President of Delaware Press Association. Inspired by relatives who served in the US military, including his father, stepfather, and father-in-law, Mitch has long been a student of World War II history. Against All Odds: The Ray Firmani Story is his first book. In his free time, Mitch scuba dives, enjoys photography, and is an accomplished singer and guitarist. (Source: https://www.againstallodds-therayfirmanistory.com/)