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Welcome to The Bomber Boys.com, your home for all the details about the just released book by Travis L. Ayres, "The
Bomber Boys-True Stories of B-17 Airmen" |
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Some of the stories read like combat fiction, with dogfights and shot-up planes and skies full of fire, at the end of which the pilot comes in on a wing and a prayer. Some of the pilots remember fellow fliers who didn't come back, since flying bombers was not a low-risk occupation." |
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"There were many ways to die -- flak, Luftwaffe fighters, mid-air collision, engine failure."
Every American airman who flew bombing missions in the European Theater of World War Two, shared something in common -- the desire to survive against very long odds. For most of these Bomber Boys (the majority only in their late teens or early twenties), the will to survive ranked a close second to doing their "job." Once their bombs were dropped over the day's target, survival became priority one. They flew to the target for Uncle Sam and flew back to base for themselves. There were many ways to die -- flak, Luftwaffe fighters, mid-air collision, engine failure.
Tens of thousands did not survive. Many who did survive, wondered how as they landed at their air bases in Flying Fortresses that were riddled with flak holes or that were missing what everyone assumed were essential parts of an aircraft. Some went down behind enemy lines, after escaping from burning B17's.
The ones who came home were the first to say that the "real heroes" were the ones who did not. But to the survivors, belong the sometimes painful memories that must be stirred if the true stories are to be told.
© 2005 Travis L. Ayres
What does Peter P. Scott, the subject of chapter two of "The Bomber Boys-True Stories of B-17 Airmen" have to say about the book?
"I have waited sixty plus years to have my World War II exploits accurately recorded. Mr. Ayres splendid work based on interviewing combat airmen, and many hours of research, has told it well, and gotten it right! I applaud his tenacity."
- Peter P Scott (AKA Peter Seniawsky)
J.J. Chart - Pilot of the B-17 Fancy Pants, featured in "The Bomber Boys-True Stories of B17-Airmen" says "I certainly enjoyed reading the first story which features our
crew but was just as interested in the other stories. Some harrowing experiences! Thanks for a job well done!"
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