Burma Warrior: Pete Avrea's World War II Story in China-Burma-India 1944-1945 (1) - Softcover

Avrea, Peter; Avrea, Barbara

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1732191700 ISBN 13: 9781732191709

Publisher: Maplewood Productions LLC, 2018

Synopsis

"Look out! That zero's coming right over, Pete, shoot him! Shoot him! Oh my God, we're on fire! On fire! We're burning! Going down! Going down!"Eighteen year old Pete Avrea was like millions of other young men who enlisted in the military following the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. Join Pete as the Burma Warrior, and his fellow U.S. Army Air Force aviators, as they flew harrowing combat missions in the most god-awful theater of war: China-Burma-India.Starting as a member of the 315th Troop Carrier Squadron, Pete participated in the very dangerous mission of gaining the first Allied toehold in northern Burma at the Battle of Myitkyina. As the ground forces fought all around, and under constant threat of enemy attack, Pete and his air transport crews towed gliders, landed hundreds of troops, and dropped thousands of tons of equipment, ammo, and supplies flying the C-47 Skytrain.Pete volunteered as a dorsal turret gunner engineer for a second tour of duty with the 490th Bombardment Squadron, famously known as the Burma Bridge Busters. Climb into the B-25 Mitchell bomber with Pete, as the pilot pushes it into a level dive at 300 feet doing 275 mph and drop 4000 pounds of high explosives on a bridge. Feel the explosive concussion as you pull out and away.The jungle of Burma was as much an enemy as the Japanese were. Impenetrable terrain, venomous snakes, 100+ degree heat, malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and 200 plus inches of rain during the monsoons plagued the aviators. In spite of all this, they were ordered to fly.In thirteen months at war in two tours of duty, Pete flew 117 combat missions totaling 452 hours of combat flying time, and was shot down three times including two crash landings. This is the story of Pete and the brave men he flew with.

About this title

About the Author

With an interest in World War II aircraft and history starting in his childhood, first time author Peter Avrea set out to honor his father's legacy fighting the Japanese in the China-Burma-India theater during World War II. A retired marketing director, he wrote point-of-purchase, packaging, and promotional copy for his company and its products.

Review

"The book gives a general background to the Allied war effort in that part of the world, including British, Chinese, Burmese and Indian troop actions. It is illustrated with not only maps to orient us readers geographically but also with archival and family photos. These photos allow us to see some of the planes and equipment used to fight the war and also to put a face to Pete Avrea, one of the millions of young men who fought for the freedom that we, generations later, still enjoy. This is not only a World War II history book; it is a personal account of what Pete and his fellow aviators experienced but in very readable and engaging format! The authors have produced a fine book." -- Readers' Favorite

"The writing is comfortable and, despite the intensity of many of the scenes, the transitions between fact and feeling flow naturally. The photographs sprinkled liberally throughout the narrative are an excellent addition, allowing us to visualize what, for most of us, seems unimaginable." -- Readers' Favorite

"All in all, this is definitely a wonderful read for anyone interested in learning more about these specific missions America engaged in towards the end of World War II." -- Readers' Favorite

"The plot here is a tried and tested one. The young soldier adapting to the horrors of war. It is written well, and I can tell a lot of research was done in order to get everything right. Peter and Barbara Avrea took great care in telling their father's story and the result is a great story." -- Readers' Favorite

"Burma Warrior reminds us that America may have won the war, but outstanding individuals like Pete Avrea led their country to victory. Burma Warrior is a powerful and inspiring book that will fill your heart with pride and joy." -- Readers' Favorite

Edition details

• Publisher: Maplewood Productions LLC
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1732191700
• ISBN 13: 9781732191709
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 286