Customer Reviews

Deadly Sky: The American Combat Airman in World War II

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A thorough examination, backed by eyewitness testimony, of virtually every aspect of life, both on the ground and in the air, experienced by combat airmen during World War II. One walks away from this book in awe at what these men went through psychologically as they prepared for and returned from their often daily bombing missions. One unfortunate omission of the book is its non-treatment of the light bombers that flew for the Ninth Air Force, specifically the A-20 Havoc and the A-26 Invader. McManus focuses exclusively on the "heavies," but if any bombers were truly exposed to the destructive power of enemy flak, then it was these attack aircraft that strafed and bombed from low altitudes. My uncle flew in both and he and his buddies also have compelling stories to tell.

The author presented the flow of information in a unique fashion. Individual stories of American combat airmen appeared throughout the book rather than in specific chapters dedicated to a particular airman. For example, an airman's views would show up in a chapter on crew training, then again in a chapter on air base activities or flying missions. Addressed were many aspects about combat personnel that one doesn't normally think of, such as the living conditions of enlisted men and officers, their drinking and sexual activities and how tours of duty were handled in different theaters. Included were items such as superstitious beliefs, prayer and even humorous events. The book states that many Germans fought for the Fatherland and the Japanese fought until the death. The Americans, on the other hand, did not fight for patriotism or the allied cause, although this was important. Their highest priority was survival.

I felt the book was a little weak on addressing equipment in the early phases of the war. It is my understanding that our airmen were thrust at the enemy in very inferior fighting vehicles. I was hoping to learn more from the crews' point of view on this subject.

It wasn't exactly what I expected, but it was a good read and certainly did cover a lot of territory. This book did bring back memories of American civilian and military feelings against Germany and Japan that I recall as a teenager

Deadly Sky surveys the American combat airman in World War II, considering their battles and the special dangers of manned air flights of the times. From flying missions to leadership changes and notable individuals, this provides an excellent review of military efforts in the air.

It wasn't a bad book. I didn't find it compelling reading...i.e., a book I couldn't put down, but it did offer an interesting look at the crews both in Europe and the Pacific. The book covers topics not typically covered in other books. For example, the author gave us a look at what the bomber crews typically wear - and how they layered their clothing for warmth. We are given a look at what happens when they needed to relieve themselves during a flight; or if they had to vomit. This book also detailed the living quarters of those found in England versus the spartan quarters that the aircrews lived in while in Italy. Then, contrasted those with the hot and muggy quarters found in the Pacific. These are just a couple of examples of what's covered. Basically, day-to-day living stuff that you would never think about. This is one of those books where you find yourself saying, "I didn't know that!", for example.

A perfect companion book to this would be "Bloody Skies" by Melvin McGuire. He was a washed out pilot who flew in the 15th AF as a gunner. His observations about his life in Italy make a perfect companion piece for "Deadly Sky".

Second copy I have purchased for a friend who has shared with other Vets.
Delivery was fine and service great as well as the price.

My friend has purchased all of John McManus's books about WWII.
He finds them very interesting and right on.
Thanks.

O livro aborda a vida, os temores, as alegrias e o modo de vida dos aviadores americanos em combate durante a Segunda Guerra Mundial.

Diferentemente da maioria das publicações sobre a participação americana neste conflito, o autor procurou trabalhar mais sobre as visões e perspectivas humanas daqueles que lutaram nos céus da Europa e do Pacífico.

O texto, simples e direto, evita as discussões teóricas sobre táticas e estratégias, apenas dando ênfase a uma visão humana sobre o conflito e o que mais importava aos jovens americanos, fosse em combate ou em terra.

É claro que o discurso versa para o lado daqueles que foram vitoriosos no conflito. Embora não exista nenhuma tendência para uma lição moral, fica claro que muitos daqueles que estavam nos céus combatendo o faziam menos por um sentimento de certeza ideológica, e mais por um medo em não decepcionar o companheiro, o grupo, o esquadrão.

É interessante notar que o autor tenta traçar uma equivalência entre os relatos, tratando tando das tripulações de bombardeiros quanto de caças. Relatos de pilotos de outros tipos de aviões como reconhecimento e transporte são raros mas isso não tira do livro a sua excelência.

Porém, um ponto negativo foi verificado. No capítulo que trata sobre os diferentes tipos de aviões (Capítulo 2), o autor especifica os aviões usados pelos pilotos americanos divididos entre caças e bombardeiros. No que diz respeito aos caças, McManus discorre rapidamente sobre cada um deles tanto da Marinha, dos Fuzileiros Navais quanto da Força Aérea. Porém, uma ausência é sentida: em nenhum momento o autor cita o F-4U Corsair!!! Que lástima! Um avião tão importante como este nem ao menos é citado... Meu amigo "Rato" M. aqui de Porto Alegre deve ficar louco com esta ausência! Isso sem falar na ausência também de bombardeiros como o A-20 e o A-26.

De qualquer maneira, recomendo este publicação no sentido de mostrar ao leitor uma certa desmistificação no conceito daqueles que lutavam nos céus durante a Segunda Guerra Mundial. É provado que a maioria dos jovens aviadores era formada de pessoas normais com certezas, dúvidas, credos, preconceitos, medos e coragem.