Bringing the Thunder: The Missions of a World War II B-29 Pilot in the Pacific (Stackpole Military History) (Paperback)

~ Gordon Bennett, Jr. Robertson (Author)
Key Phrases: incendiary mission, bomb run, number one engine, Bomb Group, Iwo Jima, Bomber Command (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The B-29 bomber was made to soar in thin, cold air, dropping its massive bomb load from heights so great that the crews might never see their targets through the clouds below. That was just fine with Ben Robertson, pilot in command of one of the big four engine bombers hammering Japan to its knees in a nonstop bombing campaign in the Pacific. When General LeMay ordered the B-29s to switch tactics from daylight, high-altitude bombing runs to nighttime, low-level runs, Ben’s attitude changed. What was once seen as simply dangerous--bombing Japan--now seemed a whole lot more like suicide.

About the Author

Gordon Bennett Robertson, Jr., flew B-29s in World War II and is president of the 29th Bomb Group Association. He lives in California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 279 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books (November 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811733335
• ISBN-13: 978-0811733335
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #330,139 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ending of World War II, December 1, 2006

By	David R. Braden (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is unquestionably one of the very best books written about the aerial battle over the Japanese homeland that eventually defeated the Japanese Empire and brought about the end of World War II. Airplane Commander Gordon Benett Robertson, Jr. eloquently describes his training and the missions of the B-29 Superfortresses of the 20th Air Force. The story of this magnificent aircraft and its crews is must read for all historians.

David Braden, Past President
20th Air Force Association

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars bringing the thunder, December 28, 2006

By	Randolph P. Snyder (calabasas, ca) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased a copy of this book when it first appeared on the booklists. Being a pilot and an aircraft historian, I completed the book in one long night. To say that Col. Robertson is a terrific writer is an understatement. This book is extremely well writen and holds your attention throughout. I have read many books on WWII and the air engagements within that conflict. I can say without equivication that this is the finest book of that genre. Do not miss this outstanding story!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A first-person narrative , April 27, 2008

By	Bernardo Wu (São Paulo SP Brazil) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The author, former B29 pilot in WWII, tells us about his 35 missions with the 29th Bomber Group, 314th Bomb Wing, 21st Bomber Command, 20th US Army Air Force, from March thru August 1945. Besides his own career as a military instructor and pilot, Robertson presents several curiosities about the day-by-day life, inicially in several training bases in ConUs and later, in a huge air base on the island of Guam. Included is an epilogue, where are related the post-war fate of several of his crew members and other people related to his combat tour in the Pacific Theater of Operations.