Winner · Book Excellence Award 2018, Biography · also an award-winning documentary

The Last Ring Home

A POW's Lasting Legacy of Courage, Love, and Honor in World War II

How my grandfather's Naval Academy ring made it home, 17 years after he was killed as a POW.

★★★★☆ 4.7 / 5 from 95 ratings on Amazon and Goodreads (updated Oct 2026) · Myndset Press, 2016 · Hardcover, Kindle, audiobook

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Why read it

One ring, one family, and the Greatest Generation

The Last Ring Home, both a biographical book and a documentary film, is the story of Lt Minter Dial's Annapolis Naval Academy ring, which miraculously made its way home 17 years after he was killed as a POW of the Japanese in WWII. It is a tribute to my grandfather and to all members of the Greatest Generation.

It is also a journey of self-discovery that touched me, my wider family and many other people in its wake. The story took over 25 years of research and shows the role of serendipity, and of good and bad luck, in piecing together the life of someone who died 70 years ago.

Three key takeaways

What you'll find

A POW's story, told wholeOne naval officer's life, his captivity as a prisoner of the Japanese, and the family he left behind.
The role of luckHow serendipity, good and bad, shaped the piecing together of a life lost 70 years ago.
A foot in the pastAn invitation to uncover your own family history, and to be thankful for the present that generation's sacrifices gave us.

Who it's for: Readers of WWII and Pacific War history, families of veterans and POWs, and anyone curious about their own family's story.

What readers say

Praise for The Last Ring Home

“An unforgettable saga of determination, strength, sacrifice, and love set against the background of unspeakable horrors during World War II in the Pacific Ocean Theater.”
Gilbert King, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Devil in the Grove

“A moving tribute… and a masterful account of PoW experiences in the Pacific.”
The Lady, UK

“…a compelling story, with more than a few devastating twists.”
History of War, UK

More praise (1 more)

“…a tragic and remarkable tale… It's a superb example of how committing to a story doesn't just engage audiences, it changes the storyteller themselves.”
LinkedIn Sophisticated Marketer, October 2018

Read all reviews on Goodreads and Amazon.

The film

Also an award-winning documentary

The Last Ring Home is also a 27-minute documentary film, directed by Josh Shelov. It won Best Foreign Film at the Charleston International Film Festival (2016), and Best Documentary and Best Screenplay at the Southern Shorts Awards (2017). It has aired on PBS and World Channel on Memorial Day weekends, and on History Channel in Australia and New Zealand.

Watch the trailer About the film

Get your copy

Buy The Last Ring Home

Signed copy from the author
Amazon (hardcover)
Kindle
Audiobook
Amazon UK

More stores

bol.com (NL)

Amazon: Australia · Brazil · Canada · France · Germany · India (Audible) · Italy · Japan · Spain · UK · US

FAQ

Can I get a signed copy?

Yes, signed by me, from thelastringhome.com.

Which award did the book win?

The Book Excellence Award 2018, in the category of Biography.

About the author

Minter Dial

Professional speaker on leadership, transformation and branding, author of award-winning books, and producer of the WWII book and documentary film The Last Ring Home. My mission is to insert more meaningfulness into our lives and at work.

Book Minter to speak