Customer Reviews

Maternity Ward: Final Flight of a WWII Liberator

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"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.

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.

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.