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The Man Who Flew the Memphis Belle: Memoir of a WWII Bomber Pilot Paperback – May 1, 2002

by Robert Morgan (Author), Ron Powers (Author)

60 customer reviews

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Many who saw the 1990 Hollywood movie Memphis Belle think they know the story. But the real story had nothing to do with the movie-and it is told for the first time here, by the pilot who lived it. An emotionally moving tale, and a heartbreaking love story, this is an unforgettable memoir of a man who was born into a life of ease-and tested in the hardship of war.

"Bring[s] a new perspective to World War II literature. Written in a chatty style that is easy and exciting to read, this book is recommended." (Library Journal)

"A book that needed to be written while the best man to write it still could." (Booklist)

The Man Who Flew the Memphis Belle: Memoir of a WWII Bomber Pilot

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Obviously a brave man and an intriguing character, Morgan was glorified in a 1944 William Wyler documentary and was the subject of a somewhat less distinguished 1990 movie starring Matthew Modine. As commander of one of WWII's heavy B-17 bombers, the Memphis Belle, Morgan led 25 missions over Europe. And Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Powers (Flags of Our Fathers) is a proven story-teller. The problem with this abridged audio version is that McLarty reads it in a pretentious, overly dramatic manner, evincing the tedium and tenacity of a boring but unshakable travel companion. So despite the colorful details from Morgan's Depression-era childhood in Asheville, N.C., where his mother's best friend was a Vanderbilt, to his touching love affair with a flesh-and-blood Memphis belle named Margaret Polk, through his record-breaking daylight bombing missions in the Flying Fortress he named after her and on through the other wartime and peacetime activities that have filled his remarkable life this tape, disappointingly, quickens one's irritation and fatigue rather than one's heart. Simultaneous release with Dutton/Plume hardcover (Forecasts, Apr. 30).

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Flying ace Morgan explains that his B-17 was named for his fiance. Although the headline romance from World War II did not last, William Wyler's 1944 documentary about the Belle's 25th bombing mission over Europe captivated the nation. Here is Colonel Morgan's personal story of his training, his skilled USAF crew, his wives, and his flying another bomber in the Pacific campaign. He deplores war's death toll and property loss but is justifiably proud of his contribution to the Allied victory. The archival film on the Belle and the Flying Fortress itself were almost lost; their preservation concludes one of World War II's best memoirs. Narrator Ron McLarty has the right American voice, expressing the many dramatic shifts in mood. Enthusiastically recommended. Gordon Blackwell, Eastchester, NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product details

Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: NAL Trade; Later Printing edition (May 1, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451205944
ISBN-13: 978-0451205940
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
Average Customer Review: 60 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,973,489 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1546 in Books > Literature & Fiction > United States > Classics
- #3953 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Historical > Biographical
- #4332 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Military > World War II

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I would recommend this book to everyone who is interested in the ...

ByG. Fredrickon March 23, 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

The book is far and away beyond anything you could have experienced in the movie with the same name. There is much insight into the crew members of the "Belle" and you are able to experience many of the emotions felt by the air crew form take off, to battle over Europe to safe landing in England. I would recommend this book to everyone who is interested in the history of the "Mighty Eighth" and the battle with German air force to control the outcome of WWII.

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THE "MEMPHIS BELLE", COLONEL ROBERT KNIGHT MORGAN'S, CAPTIVATING EXPERIENCE!

ByP. A. Panozzoon May 13, 2016

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

I have watched the movie "The Memphis Belle" and finally, became curious enough to want more information on the B-17 bomber and its crew. This is obviously the best primary source to select. The movie changes names and dramatizes things for maximum entertainment value. This memoir portrays the reality of the pilot that nine other men entrusted their lives with to complete bombing missions over Europe. Robert Morgan's memoir is an important and valuable history for WWII aviation enthusiasts and I found it to be an interesting and inspiring story. I highly recommend this volume!

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Excellent reading about a unique man who had several wartime ...

ByLeRoy C. Feusneron August 11, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Excellent reading about a unique man who had several wartime and personal experiences. Recommend this book for those readers who want to know better about the man who flew the Memphis Belle. I did not know the whole story until I had read his book.

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Morgan deserves more than a flawed autobiography

ByLaurence Smelseron July 22, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Regarding the Memphis Belle, some may have read in Robert Morgan's autobiography that he chaffed under Major Harold C. Smelser's rigorous training in McDill Field and in Walla Walla. Major Smelser was commander of the 324th BBS of the 91st Group and he was my father.
Morgan was a high-spirited young pilot. He did some "goofy" things during training like buzzing General Old's beach party and landing his plane near his family home in Ashville on a runway that was too short to be taken off from without tree clearing, etc. As his commander, my father was ordered by the general to keep a tight rein on him. Morgan resented this and nourished a grudge the rest of his life. Not knowing this, like everyone else, I idolized Morgan and the Memphis Belle. Then his autobiography was published in 2001. It was filled with ridicule and scarcely concealed hate.
Morgan survived the war because of good training, good skills, and just plain luck. After 25 missions, his plane, the Memphis Belle, and crew were sent back to the states for a bond tour and to boost morale. In every city they were wined and dined and enjoyed the favors of any gals they chose. In his book, Morgan brags about his sexual prowess, especially during training at Walla Walla, contrasting it to that of my father, snidely stating that he didn't get any. Now my father was already married and I had just been born.
I have letters to the family from my father at that time in Walla Walla indicating the stress he was under training the men of the 324th. An example: Just before the group's arrival in Walla Walla, the newly constructed barracks for the enlisted men burned down. Replacement quarters had to be set up. Morgan on the other hand even resented being sent outside Walla Walla to recover the bodies of fellow airmen when a B-17 crashed.
In years to come, verified on YouTube and on web links, Morgan, now an heroic icon, often belittled my father's reputation, speaking about himself and the Memphis Belle before hundreds of groups. He misstates facts, falsely accusing my father of being an elitist from West Point, out of touch with those like him who hadn't gone there. This is false. My father did not go to West Point. He trained at Kelly Field in Texas in the late 1930s, like hundred's of other young fliers. Also, he had already fought in the air war in Java before being assigned to the 324th, so he understood the need for hard training, something he made sure his unit learned.
In his book, Morgan begrudgingly acknowledges that my father died courageously on one of the early missions to St. Nazaire, France, on November 23, 1942.
But I have more respect for Egon Mayer, the German fighter pilot who took my father's life, than I do for Robert Morgan who attempted to take his reputation.
Morgan's book reveals his own character. It is a shame that the dead cannot present their side of the story.

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a WWII Sleeper

Byreader samon June 20, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I ordered this book after watching the film about the plane, and the reading experience was even more satisfying than I had expected. The book received somewhat mixed reviews because of the breezy style of the narrator that included a lot of personal, non-combat anecdotes; however, his reminiscences about growing up pre- world war gave an appealing insight in to that generation. Col. Morgan was a self proclaimed rascal, but to me, a most endearing and positive person - his depiction of flying over Europe as the chief pilot of his beloved airplane is validly vivid - he puts you right in the aircraft- and makes me wonder how those young men could face such incredible danger and high casualty rates day after day. Both the personal and historical information make this work a must for those of us fascinated by the "greatest generation."

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Four Stars

ByRichard milleron March 13, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Classic story good read. Thanks came real fast.......

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Fascinating story

ByDianeon April 12, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I first saw the movie that was made from this book in the early 1990's. I read the book afterwards, and I really enjoyed it. Books are usually so much better than the movie that it was based on. Much detail, and I enjoyed reading about Robert Morgan's time flying during WWII.

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Robert Morgan had an exceptional career as a combat pilot ...

ByAlan Axtellon May 29, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Robert Morgan had an exceptional career as a combat pilot. He served as a pilot in B-17s in Europe and later as a pilot in B-29s in the Pacific.
He gives vivid descriptions of his adventures that make this book a fascinating read.