Reddo's Raiders: Memoirs of a B17 Bomber Aircraft Commander [Paperback]

James J. Redmond Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 7, 2004

Frommy generation to yours; these are the stories of my experiences as a B-17Bomber Pilot and my crew from the start of war in Europein 1939 to the end of hostilities. Therecollections from this period of my life reflect peace-time draft, war-timedraft, basic training, life on base, the formation of my crew and the waritself. This is my gift to my children, my grandchildren, great grandchildren and generations yet unborn. History books will not present the details ofthe lives of the crewmen of the 351st Bomb Group and what they wentthrough during World War II. I feel itis an important aspect of history yet untold. Enjoy my memories . . .

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Whenour crew "Reddo's Raiders" completed its tour, the crew was dissolved and themembers each went his separate way to whatever military program was availableto him. They were scattered to the wind, but they will never lose the close camaraderie they knew as combat crew membersof "Reddo's Raiders" through the rigors of training and the horrors of combat. I am honored to have been ableto serve as their Aircraft Commander. On my return to the States, I was assigned to the Ferrying Division of the Air Transport Command. My duties includedsuch things as delivering B-25 Mitchell Bombers to the Russians at Fairbanks, Alaska, and picking up new planes off the assembly line and deliveringthem wherever they were required. I also served as an instrument flyinginstructor of pilots returning from the Far East Theatre. Afterrelease from active duty, I accepted a commission in the U.S. Air ForceReserve. I remained in the Active Reserveuntil 1958, when the press of civilian responsibilities prevented me fromattending the annual two week active duty tours and other reserve duties. Aftera brief period with the Internal Revenue Service, I joined the firm "Sportservice Corporation," now known as "Delaware North Companies" in Buffalo, N.Y. Sportserviceor Delaware North is the world's largest independent concessionaire functioningon an international level. Presentvolume is well into the billions. I roseto the position of Corporate Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. I was also a member of the board ofdirectors. In the mid 1960s, I resignedto move to Florida, but at the company's request I remained on the boardof directors. InFlorida, I accepted positions as Vice President and Cashierof The Pan American Bank of Miamiand The First State Bank of Miami. After half a dozen years as a banker, Iresigned to start a concession business. The business flourished and headquartered in Miami we serviced locations as far north as Pennsylvania and

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (January 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414031149
• ISBN-13: 978-1414031149
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,112,186 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 Great B-17 Flying Fortress Book - Real life in WWII, August 19, 2004

By 

J. J. Sullivan (Orchard Park, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reddo's Raiders: Memoirs of a B17 Bomber Aircraft Commander (Hardcover)

Great book about the real life of a B-17 Flying Fortress Crew during World War 2. Facinating details from training through Missions to Germany.

5.0 out of 5 stars As entertaining as it is important., January 26, 2010

By 

J. Berg (West Palm Beach, Florida United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reddo's Raiders: Memoirs of a B17 Bomber Aircraft Commander (Paperback)

I had the pleasure of purchasing this book this past weekend from James "Reddo" Redmond himself! He answered questions regarding the B-17 Flying Fortress at an airfield in South Florida during the 2010 "Wings of Freedom" tour, and I was lucky enough to have met him there. He's a fascinating man, with quite a story to tell.

The book is poignant and interesting, as "Reddo" recants his experiences from stateside flight training to combat missions over Germany during WWII. The book is an easy read, and is supported with an assortment of interesting (if not scary) statistics.

If you get the chance to tour an actual B-17, it will provide incredible insight into the conditions these air crews must have experienced.

Thanks to "Reddo", his crew, and all the unsung heroes that kept our nation free!