Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0971353824 ISBN 13: 9780971353824

Publisher: Tarnaby, 2005

These are true stories of airmen who didn't return from bombing missions over Europe. To those flying with them, they were simply gone. Many died in fiery crashes, while others became POWs or Evadees. A few were captured and later escaped and a small number were shot in their parachutes or killed after landing. Back at home, the families waited, often not knowing if a loved one survived. The stories are about the struggle to survive, so that blue star proudly hanging in the window at home wouldn't be replaced by a gold one. They are accounts of love, duty and courage. Some include information about those who aided the downed airmen. Each is placed in the context of what was happening elsewhere in the world at the time. The author shares background history of how each story came to be, often with surprising revelations. Painstakingly researched, this book is a must read for anyone interested in 20th Century American history, particularly for those interested in WWII.

About the Author:

Jerry Whiting, a native of South Dakota, graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later earned a Master’s Degree at John F. Kennedy University. Whiting worked in Law Enforcement in the San Francisco Bay Area for 28 years, serving in a variety of assignments. During this time period he also worked with several European police departments, observing their tactics and procedures. Now retired, Whiting lives with his wife in the Bay Area. He still teaches part-time and is currently working on another book about WWII. Recently, he was honored to interview several WWII veterans for an award-winning documentary. In addition to articles written for trade journals and periodicals, he has authored one other book about WWII, I’m Off to War, Mother, But I’ll Be Back. Whiting is an honorary member of a local WWII veterans organization and remains an avid student of history.

Review:

"You've done a fantastic job with your research..." --1st Lt. William T. Ryan

“Wonderful job! You told the story just the way it happened on the Auschwitz mission... ” --Tech Sgt. Vernon “Chris” Christensen

“....You've captured the feelings of those of us who were at home, waiting for answers.” --Yolanda Lubanovich Stahl