The Wild Blue

ByStephen E. Ambrose

Release Date: 2001-08-14
Genre: Military History

Score: 4.5

4.5

From 193 Ratings

Description

Stephen E. Ambrose, acclaimed author of Band of Brothers and Undaunted Courage, carries us into the skies of World War II aviation, flying aboard the crowded and dangerous B-24 bombers as their crews fought to destroy the German war machine and secured Allied victory.

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.

Reviews

Books like this should be standard issue in school!
5
By nalonnet
The author is excellent, he has the gift of drawing mental images that are so vivid you truly feel the emotions within the text. As far as the content, truly humbling. WWII provides countless stories of unimaginable adversity, courage, luck, grit, mental fortitude,terror and honor (to name a few concepts). This book provides a masterful illustration of the reality of Bomber Crews over Europe that are mostly unknown by the American Citizen. After reading this book, you will no doubt have a greater appreciation for the sacrifices these men made for us, and for the freedom they provided. Hopefully, it provides a reference of the true terror of war that is not glamorous as Hollywood depicts. It is pure hell and unnecessary.
Great read for anyone, but especially brilliant for those interested in war stories.
Terrific!
5
By 1ssra1
One of the best books I have read about WWII. My opinion of George McGovern is totally changed. Regardless of his politics, he was a true patriot and a war hero.
The Wild Blue
5
By Kirsten Calley
Ambrose writes with such vivid clarity, you will think you were with the boys who flew.