Colin’s Comments (group member since Dec 16, 2012)

Colin’s comments from the THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP group.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Currently reading Sons and Soldiers by Bruce Henderson. He does a fabulous job telling the stories of several German born Ritchie Boys. These men were nothing but amazing! One of th..."

My blurb is on the back jacket after I read Bruce's manuscript.

Above the Reich: Deadly Dogfights, Blistering Bombing Raids, and Other War Stories from the Greatest American Air Heroes of World War II, in Their Own Words This is my next release coming in June for those interested. I am working on a new book of interviews with aces from the Pacific Theater now.

Above the Reich: Deadly Dogfights, Blistering Bombing Raids, and Other War Stories from the Greatest American Air Heroes of World War II, in Their Own Words

For any interested, this is my next gook out in June

Paul wrote: "Colin wrote: "Manray9 wrote: "Last night I stumbled across a tie-in of Hollywood and WW II. I am a fan of old movies, especially Westerns and war flicks. Last night I watched Singing Guns from 1950..."

My next book, "Above the Reich: Deadly Dogfights, Blistering Bombing Raids, and Other War Stories from the Greatest American Air Heroes of World War II, in Their Own Words" will be out June 8, 2021

Dj wrote: "Here is my review for: Seven Days In January: With the 6th SS Mountain Division in Operation Nordwind [bookcover:Seven Days In January: With the 6th SS Mountain Division in Operation..."

One of my late friends was a 16 year old conscript in the 6th Waffen SS Division, horrible stories.

Marc wrote: "Just found out about two upcoming books which look interesting:

[book:Solo Into..."

I proofed the manuscript for Jay, much the same for Adam Makos' books and Bruce Henderson for Sons and Soldiers, and they look at mine on occasion. I liked the book very much.

Margaret wrote: "One of my resource books that I'm currently re-reading is 'Eastern Approaches' by Fitzroy Maclean. Maclean was one of the many men upon whom Ian Flemming allegedly based James Bond, including himse..."

I never knew Fitzroy, but I did meet his widow Veronica once. Great lady.

Theresa wrote: "Bruce Henderson's Sons and Soldiers is next on my list to read. I look forward to getting my hands on to that September release! Thanks for sharing!"

You will see my endorsement on the back jacket, Bruce asked me to endorse, and after reading, I was glad to.

Manray9 wrote: "Last night I stumbled across a tie-in of Hollywood and WW II. I am a fan of old movies, especially Westerns and war flicks. Last night I watched Singing Guns from 1950. It's a Western starring Vaug..."

My next book has the interview with Robin Olds as a chapter, and Christina Olds wrote a foreword.

My blurb is on the back of Bruce Henderson's book along with Leon Panetta

Matt wrote: "Afternoon all. On the Apple podcast store the historian Kevin Ruane has a good episode on History Hit WW2. It is a very brief overview of the Bomb and the end of World War Two. If your knowledge is..."

My next forthcoming book, "Above the Reich" (Penguin/Random House) has as one of its chapters, a full interview with Curtis LeMay. His perspectives on McNamara are entertaining to say the least. Spoiler alert, LeMay was no fan. Covers LeMay's firebombing campaign, his thoughts on the atomic bombs, his perceptions of Paul Tibbetts (whom I also knew and interviewed), and his perceptions on the presidents he served under and knew, such as FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, JFK and LBJ.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "MacArthur did seem to take credit for every victory but never any blame for failures, that was always someone else's fault. Sadly, he does seem to be a hard man to like."

Curtis LeMay was no fan either.

Gregg wrote: "Pershing Gunner Clarence Smoyer, Was Awarded a Bronze Star, 74 years After Famous ‘Cologne Tank Duel’

https://www.warhistoryonline.com/news......"

US Air Force fighter pilot Urban L. Drew (who I knew) received the Air Force Cross in 1986, for a dogfight he was in in 1944. The reason for the award was based upon his after action report for downing two Me-262's. The recommendation needed to be supported by eyewitnesses. Drew was alone on the deck when he picked off the second. His eyewitness who gave the statement in 1983 was non other that 78 victory Luftwaffe ace (36 heavy bombers, 12 victories in the Me-262) Georg Peter Eder. It was his wing man Drew shot down, and Eder wrote a statement for him. I knew Eder also. When Eder died of cancer after my last interview, Drew came to sit beside when when he died.

Well, it is colorful, so much the publisher decided to edit out some of the language from LeMay. Too bad, it was great stuff.

Manray9 wrote: "Last night I stumbled across a tie-in of Hollywood and WW II. I am a fan of old movies, especially Westerns and war flicks. Last night I watched Singing Guns from 1950. It's a Western starring Vaug..."

Christina Olds is Ella and Robin's daughter, a friend. My next book has the full interviews with Robin Olds, Curtis E. LeMay, Robert S. Johnson, James H. Doolittle and Edward R. Haydon. Same format as my German Aces Speak books. The book, "Above the Reich" will be out in June.

Richard wrote: "Not to whine, but I wanted to grab your book Colin and it's almost double the price for Kindle as for paperback. Sigh."

I have heard similar things about Amazon, as they pretty much set their prices in conjunction with the publishers. I wish I had more control over that. I have signed with Dutton/Penguin/Random House for my new book, and possibly a series. I have no idea what their marketing will come up with. I know they will do hardcover, paperback and ebook eventually.

happy wrote: "I really am back into a WW II mood - three consecutive book on the war. Currently reading Robert Dorr's look at the Eight's second to last mission to Berlin on 3 Feb 1945 when more than 1400 bomber..."

Bob Dorr passed away a couple of years ago from brain cancer, sadly. I really liked him a lot, and we helped each other out with research. Good man.

I knew Otto Carius, great interview, the book is solid.

One of my senior NCOs was on Hamburger Hill, interesting people I served with back in the day. I did 3 years Army, served in the 502nd 101st Airborne, knew a lot of Vietnam vets. After I got out, a buddy of mine convinced me to join the marines, and I then served with a bunch of Vietnam vets. I still work for my old Colonel, now Maj Gen Livingston, Ret, Medal of Honor.

Best book from a first person account is Doolittle and Glines, "I Could Never be So Lucky Again." FYI, I intervieewd all the raiders, knew Doolittle, he is one of the interviews in my next book. I am also an honorary Doolittle Raider, as is my ex wife, she was their photographer.