Wings of Morning: The Story of the Last American Bomber Shot Down over Germany in World War II

Media:	Paperback
Author:	Thomas Childers
Publisher:	Addison Wesley Publishing Company
Release date:	01 May, 1996
List price:	~~$18.00~~
Our price:	$12.24 that is 32% off!

Wings of Morning: The Story of the Last American Bomber Shot Down over Germany in World War II

Average rating: Stars

Exceptional

Through the years, I've read a number of histories and memoirs on the Eighth Air Force in World War II. Many of those volumes, published over 6 decades, were more authoritative, complete, wide-ranging, and fact-filled than this volume.

Yet if I had to recommend a SINGLE book to give someone the flavor of all of those experiences represented by all those many books, this would be the one.

WINGS OF MORNING is an exceptional effort. The writing is wonderful; the information and tales presented colorful and telling. The author has a level of talent given only to a handful of non-fiction writers - the ability of a poet, to flash insights of feeling while describing facts. It's in the class of Bruce Catton and David McCullough.

In a plain and straight-forward manner, and without resorting to any plot gimmicks or other devices, this book wrings the reader through an emotional journey that doesn't start or stop around VE-Day. It is a *wise* book; informed by age and living.

I recommend it to everyone.

Wings of Morning: The Story of the Last American Bomber Shot Down over Germany in World War II - Thomas Childers

Unique perspective from grandson who toured the base

This book had a personal effect on my relationship between myself and my grandfather.
I was researching the history of my grandfather's air wing when this book came out. After I read this book I sent a copy to my grandfather and it reopened a rich set of memories that he had filed away.
Of all the WW2 books I have read this is easily one of the best. It tells the heartfelt story of a group of young brave men.
The way the book begins with the memories of the author is most compelling. His description of the room of color just absolutely grabs you. I still get chills thinking about it.

When my grandfather returned to Eagleville Tn it wasn't considered polite to discuss the war. Cliff got back to living. He went to college, raised a family and he didn't discuss it for 50 years. After reinvigorating his memories from this fine, amazing book we had long discussions on his role as a tail gunner.
I later took a trip to Norwich to visit the memorial library and tour the remains of the air base (It's now a turkey farm!) and videotaped it for my grandfather who couldn't come due to the declining health of my grandmother.
We were able to determine that my grandfather's hut was in all likelihood the hut these men moved into when they arrived. We determined this from the dates in the book and the guide's knowledge of the site.

When Cliff's 35 missions were over he packed up and went home at the same time this ill fated crew arrived. Looks like timing is everything.

I also got to take Cliff to the reunion of wing at Charleston in the 8th Air Force Museum which is a worthwhile trip in itself.

If you have any dreams to visit these sites, take action now. The only regrets you will have is not doing it sooner before these great men and women are not around to answer your questions any more.
Thanks for your patience with this personal account.

Thomas Childers - Wings of Morning: The Story of the Last American Bomber Shot Down over Germany in World War II

Duty Calls

This book is evidence of an America that will possibility never be again. An America where new immigrants and immigrants with a hundred years to their credit stood together in a life and death struggle. Where men from all sides of the track faced down the wickedness of a world gone.

This great book is a view of heroes who never expected to be and even today will not accept that designation -the only true character of a real hero.

Wings of Morning: The Story of the Last American Bomber Shot Down over Germany in World War II is one of the best-researched WWII stories to ever see print. But, what other than this could we expect from a historian of Dr. Childer's caliber? Well we did get more; much more, we were provided the opportunity to perceive a boy's love for an uncle he had never met and that is what puts heart into these pages. A warning here: on your reading your eyes may tear... but fear not the tears for there is no better eyewash.

There is not much more I can say without giving away the book, and I would never do that. What I will say is read Wings of Morning and you will soon be plunked down on the hardstand in the English countryside watching as Howard and his bothers-in-arms enter the Black Cat, looking back one last time as if to say "duty calls... see you later"...
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