Customer Reviews

Patriots Will: Surviving the Great Depression and World War II Combat

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This book is a fine contribution to WWII history. Mr. Hubbard shares his personal experiences as a boy during the Great Deppression in America and as a young man flying dangerous B17 missions over Europe. This book is well worth reading because it puts a human face to historic times. I highly recommend it.

This is a very interesting work highligting one man's experiences during WW II as he went from being a teenager to eventually flying 25 combat missions as a gunner on a B-17.
What makes this book unique is the perspective on the war as seen through the eyes of an individual as he makes his way from the U.S. to the Canadian Army and how he eventually gets transferred to the US Army Air Corps. The book chronicles his his day to day experiences along the way - the problems of survivial, both large and small, the love affairs, the training, waiting, the bombing missions and his eventual return to the U.S. You will find this book to be an easy read with a new perspective on a subject that is usually treated from a more macro point of view.

Inspiring autobiography that left me in awe of his tenacity to achieve his goals. A self driven teen ager to a military life where he fought the dull assignments until he got what he wanted; putting his life in one of the highest risk assignments of World War II. One of many other brave men no doubt but clearly writes a book placing the reader there with him.
George Flavell -Author & Airline Pilot (Ret)

After reading this book, I made it my crusade to meet this man. More than anything else I have read, this book is written so that you feel the reality, the danger, and the perseverance of America's WWII generation. It introduces you to the heart and soul and motivation of the WWII fighting man. It is inspirational, and I bought copies of it for each of my kids. And I did get to meet Major Hubbard. He is a kind, softspoken gentleman and a real hero.

The Greatest Generation is fast fading into history, a history that is not being taught to our children. The sacrifices that made America great must be recorded and passed on, otherwise we lose our heritage that was bought and paid for in blood.

I have read two great books, written by men who were there. Both enlisted in the military at a young age, and both rose to officer rank. Their stories are the story of America. PATRIOTS WILL is one of them. The other is BROTHERHOOD OF DOOM: Memoirs of a Navy Nuclear Weaponsman.

These two fine books record parts of our history and heritage. Both are highly recommended.

I happened to meet Major Hubbard after flying on the B-17 Aluminum Overcast when it visited Sarasota this past Veteran's Day. You will enjoy this book. If you do get to fly on a B-17, Major Hubbard's book is must reading either before or after you fly so you can see what those men did and experienced in these aircraft - truly remarkable. Even if you don't get to fly on one of the few remaining B-17s that can still fly, you will enjoy this book.