Customer Reviews

A Distant Prayer: Miracles of the 49th Combat Mission

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A two-time recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Joe Banks served on a B-17 bomber out of Foggia Italy in World War II. If he could complete fifty missions he got to home. But on the 49th mission his aircraft was shot down, with all his crewmates killed. Joe parachuted into Germany where he was taken prisoner of war. He had to make a 600 kilometer walk across frozen Germany before escaping to Allied lines. A truly inspirational story that tells the price paid for freedom. A book that everyone in the family will read, from teenagers to grandparents.

We bought the unabridged audio version and put it in the tape player in the car on a long trip. My 13 year old daughter and 11 year old son were both "glued" to their seats. Every time we stopped, they were the first ones to make sure I started it again. A very gripping story that holds your attention from the very first page. The man had incredible faith. His life was spared numerous times. I definately recommend the book.

I found this book to be very compelling. It was hard to put down. The author describes the experiences Joe Banks went through as a downed WWII flight crew member. This story shows his courage and heroism and his strong faith. I could hardly believe someone could endure such experiences. It made me feel most of us are very blessed in the life we have. This book is not just for those who like "ware Stories". I would recommend this book to anyone.

A book I will never forget. I could never imagine experiencing the hell that this man went through. I am so grateful that we have men like this hero who protect us. In light of recent national catastrophe's, this book is not only topical, but a story that will stay with me forever

I would bet that any war veteran has some good stories to tell. This is a great war story. Not to give too much away but any one who has survived being bombed by another airplane in their own flight group has a story worth hearing. Just the part about the fall to the ground is worth the price of the book. But spectacular events aside it's worth knowing that people like this exist. Get to know some truly fine people, read "A Distant Prayer".

This was one amazing story. The book is relative short, two or three days of casual reading. The experience Joseph Banks relates is at the same time fascinating and horrifying, yet he remains positive and grateful for the blessings that came. The story is incredible, but it's told in a very unassuming way, and it's clear that it's not meant to shock or impress. Joseph Banks is simply sharing his experience and the things he learned from it. This is a story that strengthens your faith and testimony of prayer, perserverance, and God's love for each of us. AMAZING!!!

Awesome. This book left me speechless. If there is anybody out there who doesn't know why the men and women who brought this country safely through World War II are called "The Greatest Generation" by some, this book will answer it.

I give my sincere thanks to Joseph Banks for his distinguished service, and my heartfelt admiration for writing (with Jerry Borrowman) one of the best testimonies of God's love and watchful care that I have ever read. Thank you both for this great book.

Great book, I would love to see a movie based on this book. Great true survivor story.

Joseph Banks was a head of my LDS Stake in Cincinnati. Often he would tell this tale live from the pulpit. As a youth, I somewhat 'checked out' as this is not the type of tale I wanted to hear, but kept it lodged in the back of my mind.

I read this book at the beginning of July, 2002. At month's end, Joe was back in Cincinnati to tell his tale once more to the congregation. How amazing that, even after all this country has experienced in recent years, the people there were only half-tuned. One even had the courage to question its Truth.

Want to get the Royal Hell scared out of you?! Read this one. Be sure and pray that this Never occurs to you.