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35 Missions to Hell and Back: A Mighty 8th Air Force, 390th Bomb Group (H) History
Twenty-plus years in the writing, and for an additional ten years, this gut-wrenching, heartwarming story has been silently biding its time, awaiting a channel for expression. A compelling story of young boys bound by faith, courage, blood, sweat, and tears, and how that bonding created the brave young men they became. Hopefully, all who read this account will feel the deep emotions of terror, disappointment, frustration, laughter, love, peace, and joy experienced by the author during his service as a radioman/gunner on a B17G during World War II. Some of the stories contained in this manuscript have never been published or made public. Stationed in the European Theater of Operations in Framlingham, England, Mr. Richardson, USAAF, 8th AF, 390th Bomb Group (H), 571st Squadron, was the recipient of numerous major awards and citations, including Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal with 4 Oak-Leaf Clusters; 2 Presidential Unit Citations; Russian Medal of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (on behalf of Boris Yeltsin); Certificate in Recognition of Contribution/Service in liberating France and participation in the Invasion of Normandy, signed by French Secretary of Defense John-Pierre Messeret; French Jubilee of Liberty Medal; and French Legion of Honor Medal.
448 pages, Hardcover
Published December 18, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 16, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is an amazing WWII book for the military enthusiast and casual historian alike. Mr. Richardson takes the reader through the complete journey of a US Airman during the second World War. What starts as the story of an eager young civilian during wartime quickly changes into the harrowing skies over Europe. We learn what it what like to leave a loved one behind and head across the Atlantic to defend the world against the Nazi Regime.
Once overseas we are taken directly to the skies over Europe fighting German planes and flak. Life depended on each member of the crew completing their mission flawlessly. If this could be replicated 35 times, only then would the B17 crew have a chance at survival.
Mr. Richardson gives us an emotional and gripping read with this novel and vividly details the harrowing missions his crew endured. His incredible story exemplifies the valor and bravery of the greatest generation. This novel will stay with you for some time.
Verified Purchase
This is an amazing WWII book for the military enthusiast and casual historian alike. Mr. Richardson takes the reader through the complete journey of a US Airman during the second World War. What starts as the story of an eager young civilian during wartime quickly changes into the harrowing skies over Europe. We learn what it what like to leave a loved one behind and head across the Atlantic to defend the world against the Nazi Regime.
Once overseas we are taken directly to the skies over Europe fighting German planes and flak. Life depended on each member of the crew completing their mission flawlessly. If this could be replicated 35 times, only then would the B17 crew have a chance at survival.
Mr. Richardson gives us an emotional and gripping read with this novel and vividly details the harrowing missions his crew endured. His incredible story exemplifies the valor and bravery of the greatest generation. This novel will stay with you for some time.
June 24, 2020
A very detailed, intimate account of what it was like for the men who fought in the Army Air Force in WWII. It gave me a much clearer picture of what they had to endure. It's only by the grace of God that anyone survived to complete the required 35 missions. Incredible! Plus, my grandfather Vic Estes is in this book, so it's super personal to me. I loved it!
July 10, 2020
My Father-in-law (Vic Estes) flew with Charles Richardson as the bombardier on 24 missions before he was promoted to wing commander. The book was very interesting for me as I pictured Vic on these flights. The book takes you into the heart of these men and their mental state. It brings to light the conditions, dangers and near disasters these men lived through. God bless them all!
July 6, 2021
Great book. Know the man and wife. What hardship they went through and then he went on to fly all those missions. All true. Really respect Chick.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews