The Last Mission: The Incredible Story of William Kollar [Hardcover]

Nikos Ligidakis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2003

During World War II a bomber crew was shot down in enemy territory. The crewmembers made a heroic run for freedom that spanned several hundred miles and 34 days. It was a run that bonded them in life and death.

This crew of brave Americans endured the steep mountains of Yugoslavia and the harrowing German occupied valleys while a vicious storm of guerilla warfare, political maneuvering, and ethnic cleansing raged around them.

Some of the crewmembers were able to survive this adventurous journey. Others did not. William Kollar was one of the lucky ones who lived to tell his story, a story that recounts human tragedy and captures the triumph of the human spirit.

William Kollar was born in Middleville, Michigan in 1920.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1942, in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack.

William retired from the Air Force in 1966 after serving in World War II, Korea, France, England, and Formosa. Mr. Kollar served his country with integrity and honor.

In this book you will meet an extraordinary hero, yet a humble man, who will insist that it was his duty to defend freedom.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nikos Ligidakis, born and raised in Greece, came to America in 1969, at the age of 24 years old.

While serving in the Greek military during the civil unrest in his country in April 1967, he made the courageous decision to oppose its ruling Junta at the risk of personal safety.

While in America, he began to write with clarity and passion in a voice for all people everywhere who find themselves called to join in the eternal struggle for life and freedom.

In his best selling book, The Heroes of my Thoughts, Ligidakis has written a warm and loving tribute to his life long heroes, his parents. The book became the genesis for the "Children’s Pen Foundation" a non-profit educational program founded by Nick in 2001 to inspire 6th and 7th graders to develop writing skills by composing short stories and poetry with the common theme "What kind of hero does our world need today?"

Today Nick devotes his life to coaching first-time authors to write and publish their books. His publishing company, Inkwell Productions, has attracted numerous new and published authors through its doors and it’s becoming a rapidly growing influence in changing the traditional face of publishing.

Nick believes passionately in writing "from the heart." His 7th book, Songs of Freedom, An Odyssey of Untamed Spirits, has been in development for seven years, its contents expected to be approximately one thousand pages. It is scheduled for release in the summer of 2003.

Nick’s on going Thanksgiving Project to feed the hungry is now in its 20th year. His selfless work has earned him several humanitarian awards.

Ligidakis lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and has three children and four grandchildren.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Inkwell Productions; First Edition edition (January 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972811818
• ISBN-13: 978-0972811811
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,347,695 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars American as apple pie, July 16, 2003

By 

Kenneth A. Weene (Scottsdale, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Last Mission: The Incredible Story of William Kollar (Hardcover)

The life of Bill Kholer reads like fiction, good fiction. It is, instead, fact. Growing up through the depression years, he developed the strenth of character necessary to survive the rigors and dangers of his trek behind enemy lines. This should be read by American history students so they can better understand this remarkable generation.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Journey to Freedom, July 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Last Mission: The Incredible Story of William Kollar (Hardcover)

A reader is essentially an outsider looking in. The story of William Kollar and his fellow survivalists on his journey towards Freedom during World War II opened a door that allowed me the ability to walk with them.

This book is for the most part well written, easy to read and exciting. With descriptive language that makes you feel as if you too are experiencing the adrenalin, laughter and tears on a personal level.

It appears that Mr. Kollars personal experiences during his youth gave him the determination and skill required for his survival. In fact, it seems as if bad times, people and situations can be used to build a character of necessary strength to survive even in the face of death and destruction.

5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful book!, May 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Last Mission: The Incredible Story of William Kollar (Hardcover)

This was a wonderful story. You feel as though you are walking with them on this journey. Bill is an amazing guy. How do you say thank you to someone who has given such a service to our Country? In this time, when we are in conflict with so many nations, and feel as though we are alone, it is important to remember our Heros who made sure we have the freedom that we do today. Thank you, Bill and thank you for this book!