I Learned To Fly For Hitler - Softcover

Volmar, Joe

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0967138906 ISBN 13: 9780967138909

Publisher: Kron, 1999

Synopsis

This is an eye-witness account of World War II inside Nazi Germany as seen through the eyes of a 14 year old American-reared youth who returned to his Vaterland in 1941. The book describes the transformation of a naive Boy Scout to a goose-stepping Hitler Youth in just a few months. It reveals little-known facts that should be fascinating to any reader, especially those interested in the history of World War II and its political and cultural implications. Aviation buffs will enjoy the detailed description of Hitler's training programs. The book is action-packed and completely factual. It tells of hazardous glider instruction to develop young Luftwaffe pilots and of nerve-racking and deadly air raids as seen from the victims' perspective. You'll read about mere children made into soldiers overnight to fight for Hitler's maniacal quest for victory. The author soloed in a glider at age 15 and was pressed into anti-aircraft service while still in High School. As his glider training progressed, he was chosen to participate in a program preparing him to fly the infamous rocket-powered fighter, the Me-163. The massive Russian offensive in January 1945 abruptly ended his training and sent him fleeing across the Baltic Sea to avoid capture by the Russians. Wounded, beaten and demoralized, the author experienced VE Day and was immediately employed by U.S. Forces because of his bi-lingual talents. Joe Volmar returned to the United States in 1951 and pursued a successful career in small business. He re-kindled his interest in flying gliders at age 64 and is presently active in the sport at Adrian (Michigan) Soaring Club, one of the oldest gliding clubs in America. He also publishes two newsletters dedicated to the enjoyment and safety of soaring, the Propless Wash and the Taifunews.

About this title

From the Author

I have attempted to describe what it was like to grow up as a teen-ager in Nazi Germany during World War II. I wish to emphasize that this book does not, in any way whatsoever, intend to glorify Adolph Hitler or to condone any of his Nazi philosophies. I merely want to depict how easily one can get swept along with the masses.

About the Author

Joe Volmar was born in Germany, immigrated to the United States at age three and returned to the "Vaterland" with his parents at age 14. An enlightened non-believer at first, within six months Volmar was enthusiastically using the Nazi straight-arm salute, just like his fellow Hitler Youth companions. Among many activities, he learned to fly gliders and eventually was being trained to pilot the Me-163 rocket fighter when the war ended. Because of his bi-lingual talents, the author was immediately employed by the United States Army and later by US Air Forces Headquarters in Europe. He returned to the United States in 1951 and pursued a successful business career. After retiring, the author renewed his interest in aviation, flies his own motor-glider and publishes two soaring newsletters.

Edition details

• Publisher: Kron
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0967138906
• ISBN 13: 9780967138909
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 249