Maternity Ward: Final Flight of a WWII Liberator [Paperback]

Marguerite Madison Aronowitz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1998

Maternity Ward: Final Flight of a WWII Liberator is the story of the famous August 1, 1943 low-level raid on the oil fields of Ploesti, Romania, by 178 B-24s that came in at an incredible 50-100 feet off the ground. It describes the planning and execution of the mission, and tells the true story of Bill Fay, who was a waist-gunner on the plane named "Maternity Ward." The saga incorporates part of Bill's diary, tells of the terror of flying into the smoke and flame of the burning refineries, and describes what happened to the two survivors of the fatal crash of the crippled B-24.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Maternity Ward: Final Flight of a WWII Liberator is really about the brave soldiers, seamen, marines and airmen who have fought for America from the Revolutionary War to modern-day conflicts. No matter what the odds or conditions, our Armed Forces have given their all in support of our nation. S/S William J. Fay epitomizes the members of our Armed Forces--both enlisted men and officers. He answered the call of America and performed superlatively well. Although faced with terrific odds, he did not shrink from duty. Ms. Aronowitz has masterfully blended her narrative with S/S Fay's diary and captured the spirit of those who protect us. Hopefully it will move you as much as it did me. -- Michael J. Polay, USAF (Ret.), Associate Professor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona, September 1998

Anyone who has even remotely heard of the North Africa desert campaign, was part of thhe military operations, or is curious regarding the famous Ploesti low-level raid, should enjoy this book. How the 98th Bomb Group struggled to keep alive under the most inhumane conditions and still complete as many as 50 missions is recounted by the talented author. -- Major Robert W. Sternfels, Squadron Commander, 345th Squadron, 98th Bomb Group, Pilot of B-24 "Sandman", September 1998

In Maternity Ward: Final Flight of a WWII Liberator Aronowitz chronicles the final adventure of her cousin, Bill Fay, a gunner aboard the 345th Squadron's B-24 'Maternity Ward' on one of the war's most ambitious early bombing missions. Combined with details of the Ploesti mission and both private and National Archives photographs, her book contrasts historical accounts with the very human cost of waging war. -- Art Merrill, Prescott Valley Tribune, Prescott Valley, Arizona, May 12, 1999

About the Author

Marguerite Madison Aronowitz is a professional writer and editor who graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Communications. She pursues a continuing interest in the events surrounding World War II, and became intrigued with the famous Ploesti low-level raid of August 1, 1943, after her cousin's diary and photos came to light. Marguerite is an Associate Member of the 98th Bomb Group, and belongs to the Arizona Book Publishing Association.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Pine Castle Books (December 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966661508
• ISBN-13: 978-0966661507
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,062,535 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vivid WWII History, September 28, 2001

By 

Alastair Salton (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maternity Ward: Final Flight of a WWII Liberator (Paperback)

"Maternity Ward" not only serves up a wealth of new information for Ploesti buffs, it provides a clear introduction for readers unfamiliar with the dramatic low-level attack on Romanian oil. The diary format and numerous personal photos give the book an air of immediacy not found in other histories of the 1943 mission. We feel a palpable sense of loss for the young men who did not return, relief for those who did. Stephen Ambrose cites "Maternity Ward" prominently in his recent "Wild Blue" -- with good reason, as Ms. Aronowitz's book is a "must-read" for anyone interested in the difficult conditions faced by airmen in the Mediterranean Theatre, and the courage they displayed in carrying out their duties.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars VERY well done. Mystery solved after 60 years., August 28, 2001

By 

Cornell Hurd (Dripping Sp[rings, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maternity Ward: Final Flight of a WWII Liberator (Paperback)

For those of us devoted to the study of Operation Tidal Wave, Ms. Aronowitz has performed a great service. This excellent work gives us not only a close look at Bill Fay and his comrades who flew the low-level Ploesti raid of 8-01-43, but also re-writes aviation history by describing WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED to John Ward and his crew and aircraft. No other account of this mission reveals Ward & Anderson's Ionian Sea ambush and their subsequent amazing journey. All other accounts I've read have the entire crew being killed at the target. Great investigative reporting. Also, obviously a work of great love, which I heartily endorse, given that these young men took off knowing not only the danger, but the necessity of their actions.They thought that if they destroyed the target, other young men would not have to follow them. Well done, Ms. Aronowitz.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Maternity Ward, May 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Maternity Ward: Final Flight of a WWII Liberator (Paperback)

This book was a very moving account of the life of the crew of a B-24 Liberator during WWII. Based on the daily writings of William Fay, the details of his stories have been thoroughly researched and explained by the author, so the reader knows exactly what William Fay was describing in his diary. The tragedy of war and death, the daily hardships of living in the windy, hot desert, and the tenseness of always awaiting news of the next mission, have all been weaved into a fascinating story.