The Boys From The Bronx

A Story of Brotherly Love Forged in War and Peace

“Dear Prick
Sort of a queer beginning isn’t it for a pal to be writing to another." 

This is the start of a letter from 1943 between two “brothers” from the Trojans Athletic Club. Leo Cooper is writing from boot camp to my father to tell him not to be in such a hurry to join the army. He ends the letter by signing off: “You stupid prick.” When you are 18 and in the army in WWII, these are terms of endearment.  Boys didn’t say I love you, but that is exactly what Leo is saying.

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This book tells the story of the “The Knights of Troy." They were adolescent boys from the East Bronx who started a club so they could play sports against other clubs. Unlike other boys their age, this group set up weekly meetings, established dues, bought uniforms, and wrote a constitution. They remained friends their entire lives. How did this happen?! That’s what this story is about. How they survived through dating, WWII, marriage, kids, and moving apart. During it all, they always kept their youthful spirit and never lost sight of how lucky they were to have “the brothers.”  

With letters written during the war and after, plus interviews from one of their many reunions, this book takes you through a personal story of brotherly love that is sure to inspire. This is a tribute to "The Boys from the Bronx" and a way to keep their memories alive.

Do you know, or are you are related to the guys in this book? Eric started a 2nd Generation Trojan group so that family members can carry on the tradition and share stories. East Bronx, James Monroe High School, the Ward Theater, Bronx River Parkway, 173rd Street, Wheeler & Elder Ave, and Hymie’s Candy Store. If any of these are familiar to you, then this is a book for you. But, you don’t need to know the area to be inspired by this story.  Visit my Boys of the Bronx Facebook page to join in the discussion or to learn when the book will be available.

Enjoy the journey.  This was a labor of love.