These are true stories of airmen who didn't return from bombing missions over Europe. To those flying with them, they were simply gone. Many died in fiery crashes, while others became POWs or Evadees. A few were captured and later escaped and a small number were shot in their parachutes or killed after landing. Back at home, the families waited, often not knowing if a loved one survived. The stories are about the struggle to survive, so that blue star proudly hanging in the window at home wouldn't be replaced by a gold one. They are accounts of love, duty and courage. Some include information about those who aided the downed airmen. Each is placed in the context of what was happening elsewhere in the world at the time. The author shares background history of how each story came to be, often with surprising revelations. Painstakingly researched, this book is a must read for anyone interested in 20th Century American history, particularly for those interested in WWII.
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"You've done a fantastic job with your research..." --1st Lt. William T. Ryan
“Wonderful job! You told the story just the way it happened on the Auschwitz mission... ” --Tech Sgt. Vernon “Chris” Christensen
“....You've captured the feelings of those of us who were at home, waiting for answers.” --Yolanda Lubanovich Stahl
“Wonderful job! You told the story just the way it happened on the Auschwitz mission... ” --Tech Sgt. Vernon “Chris” Christensen
“....You've captured the feelings of those of us who were at home, waiting for answers.” --Yolanda Lubanovich Stahl
About the Author
Jerry Whiting, a native of South Dakota, graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later earned a Master’s Degree at John F. Kennedy University. Whiting worked in Law Enforcement in the San Francisco Bay Area for 28 years, serving in a variety of assignments. During this time period he also worked with several European police departments, observing their tactics and procedures. Now retired, Whiting lives with his wife in the Bay Area. He still teaches part-time and is currently working on another book about WWII. Recently, he was honored to interview several WWII veterans for an award-winning documentary. In addition to articles written for trade journals and periodicals, he has authored one other book about WWII, I’m Off to War, Mother, But I’ll Be Back. Whiting is an honorary member of a local WWII veterans organization and remains an avid student of history.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
VERY EMOTIONAL,
By
This review is from: Don't Let the Blue Star Turn Gold (Hardcover)
In reading the first three pages of the prologue, I'd have to admit, chills went up my spine... I was beginning to feel the full weight of the unselfish sacrifices these young men, like so many others like them made during this period of war.
This book truly brings the reader through a whole range of emotions. The stories that are told by those who survived along with letters sent home on the behalf of those that didn't, are very powerful. I found myself thinking more then once how men of such a young age themselves, could be writing such caring and mature letters home to the parents of their lost crewmates. These young men certainly evolved fast. I pray that the same Spirit and Courage is still alive in our youth today. A very well researched book and delivered to the reader with great feelings. Thank you Jerry, I am glad you were finally able to tell "THEIR" untold story.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tales of the 485th Bomb Group,
This review is from: Don't Let the Blue Star Turn Gold (Hardcover)
This is a very well written and researched collection of World War II stories about downed airmen from the 485th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force, flying out of Italy. This volume provides a number of features that you won't find in most books from this genre. First, and most impressively, Whiting has managed "crossed the water" to uncover sources in Europe who could add their perspective to what happened to the downed Americans on the ground. Second, after each story, Whiting provides an interesting background piece describing his research and interviews on the topic involved. Third, Whiting often provides interesting stories about those who waited at home for their loved ones to return, an often neglected aspect of World War II histories. Finally, Whiting is most scrupulous about writing only the facts that he can prove. There is no invented dialoge to fill in gaps or add dramatic tension. None is needed, as the stories speak for themselves. My favorite chapter, the longest, is "Down over Auchwitz," the moving story of a crew shot down near the infamous camp. This chapter alone is worth the price of the book.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jerry Whitings tale of wartime,
By Bill Forsythe (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Don't Let the Blue Star Turn Gold (Hardcover)
A fine story of men in wartime. The reasearch from Mr Whiting as always is amazing. He goes to the ends of the earth for the reader.
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