The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-45
'The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-45' by Stephen E. Ambrose is a biography that focuses on the experiences of George McGovern, a B-24 pilot during WWII. The book captures the challenges and heroism of the men who flew these dangerous missions, highlighting their camaraderie and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Ambrose skillfully weaves together personal stories, training experiences, and combat missions to provide a vivid picture of the air war over Europe during World War II.
Ambrose's writing style in 'The Wild Blue' is praised for its engaging storytelling and human interest focus. Readers appreciate the balance of historical information with personal anecdotes, making the book an informative yet engaging read. The author's ability to personalize the experiences of the B-24 crew members, particularly George McGovern, adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative, offering a unique perspective on the air war in WWII.
Genres:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings would include graphic depictions of war, injury, and mortality, but there are no extreme or sensitive content issues.
From The Publisher:
Stephen E. Ambrose, acclaimed author of Band of Brothers and Undaunted Courage , carries us along in the crowded and dangerous B-24s as their crews fought to destroy the German war machine during World War II.
The young men who flew the B-24s over Germany in World War II fought against horrific odds, and, in The Wild Blue, Ambrose recounts their extraordinary heroism, skill, daring, and comradeship with vivid detail and affection.
Ambrose describes how the Army Air Forces recruited, trained, and selected the elite few who would undertake the most demanding and dangerous jobs in the war. These are the boys-turned pilots, bombardiers, navigators, and gunners of the B-24s-who suffered over fifty percent casualties.
With his remarkable gift for bringing alive the action and tension of combat, Ambrose carries us along in the crowded, uncomfortable, and dangerous B-24s as their crews fought to the death through thick black smoke and deadly flak to reach their targets and destroy the German war machine. Twenty-two-year-old George McGovern, who was to become a United States senator and a presidential candidate, flew thirty-five combat missions (all the Army would allow) and won the Distinguished Flying Cross. We meet him and his mates, his co-pilot killed in action, and crews of other planes. Many went down in flames.
As Band of Brothers and Citizen Soldiers portrayed the bravery and ultimate victory of the American soldiers from Normandy on to Germany, The Wild Blue illustrates the enormous contribution that these young men of the Army Air Forces made to the Allied victory.
Ratings (2)
Incredible (1) | |
Liked It (1) |
Reader Stats (3):
Read It (2) | |
Want To Read (1) |
1 comment(s)
Loved it. Ambrose doesn't pore over combat the way some historians of WWII do, he would rather talk about the people. Little details are more interesting to him than the bigger picture. A charming book.
What can you read after
The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-45?
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
