Beyond the Call

A US airstrip in Ukraine was the base from which bomber pilot Robert Trimble carried out his rescue mission in 1945. Keeping his experiences private until shortly before his death in 2009, his testimony is enhanced by original research into the little-known operation.

During my childhood, I was told nothing about my father's covert wartime exerience. He was just a typical dad. In 2006 when he was 86 years old, I decided to ask him about his wartime exploits. He told me the stories I expected, about piloting heavy bombers over Germany. But then he slipped and mentioned his depression about Russia, and a mission for the OSS. Suddenly he became someone I hardly knew. At first I was unsure what to make of it. Could such an incredible story really be true? After his death, I began to look into the story, beginning an in-depth research project. I uncovered supporting documentary evidence which proved that Captain Trimble's story was true in every detail.