James A. Goodson's, "Tumult in the Clouds." Goodson was aboard the Athenia when she was torpedoed and attempts to join the RAF. He goes to Canada where he is trained and returns in time to join the 71 Squadron, a squadron composed of American pilots who fly under British colours before America enters the war. He is exchanges his beloved Spitfire for a P-47 when they are transferred into the U.S. Army Air Corps. After a spell in the jug (the P-47's nickname), they fly the P-51 Mustangs and tangle frequently with Me-109s and FW-190s. He tangles with the famous German ace, Adolf Galland, who escapes him and several other Mustangs. Goodsonis accredited with 30 kills and was the strafing king until he was hit by flak while attempting to strafe a Me-163 rocket fighter on the ground. He evades capture for a few days and is almost shot by the Gestapo as an escaped French laborer. He confesses to his status as an American airman, charms the Gestapo commandant to turn him over to the Luftwaffe where he finishes the war in a P.o.W. camp. Goodson doesn't limit himself to his own experience but also recounts those of his comrades. An aviation enthusiast will enjoy Goodson's book.
"Last of the Knights." Goodson's sequal to Tumult in the Clouds. Goodson tells of his PoW experiences and how he escapes to American lines during the relocation of the camp. He also talks about visiting the relatives of deceased pilots and in doing so, reflects back on his missions with them. Saving the best for the last, Goodson talks about meeting his former adversaries in happier, post-war times. Interestingly, he says the Luftwaffe rated the RAF as their most foremost adversaries. He states that the Luftwaffe couldn't do the same for our Army Air Corps because they fought the RAF as equals and when it came to the AAC, they were outnumbered and fighting defensively. BTW, the Eagle Pilots were held in the same regard as the RAF.
Most recent non-WBTS book: America Alone, by Mark Steyn. Definitely worth a long look. Even if you disagree with his POV, it's an easy read and frequently howlingly funny.
Ole
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Six Frigates by Ian Toll. I highly recommend this history of the formation and performance of the early U.S. Navy. It covers the circumstances surrounding the building of the six "superfrigates" of Joshua Humphreys, the Constitution, President, United States, Constellation, Congress, and Chesapeake. The book runs from the late 1790s through the end of the War of 1812, covering the Quasi-War with France and the War with the Barbary Pirates as well.
Just finished "The Wall of France" by Vivian Rowe, its an old book I picked up in a used book store. Its a history of the Maginot Line, which Rowe said worked the way it was supposed to--in fact it was the only part of the French defenses that did work right!
Just started Paul Cartledge's "Thermopylae" I personally am starting to think the Spartans have been oversold and admired for the wrong reasons. I love Ancient Greece, literature, history and culture, anyway.
'Wicked Beyond Belief' by Michael Bilton. The story of the police hunt for The Yorkshire Ripper.
Peter Sutcliffe killed at least thirteen women during the 1970's and early 80's. Most, but not all, were prostitutes in the Leeds, Bradford and Manchester areas. I remember the television and press coverage very well, so I can fully appreciate the horror and fear which is potrayed in the book. We should all be thankfull that we now have CSI.
Master of the Skies. It's about the men who flew in the 8th Air Force and the failure of air strategy to win the war alone. It certainly didn't break the German resolve to fight or the German morale.
Since Civil War history is about the only history I do study, When I need to take a break from actually learning something I head for the fiction Aisle. Usually Stephen King... my goal is to read EVERYTHING he has ever written, and I'm making pretty good headway on it! Right now I'm finishing his Darktower Series.. I'm on number 6, Song of Susanna. When I'm not reading I'm writing stories (Usually heavily influenced by the Stephen King I'm always reading!). I'm working on a really good one right now, So I'm not even really reading anything at the moment, except for my own story.
__________________ "In mortal combat, a man may and will become so infuriated by the din and dangers of a bloody fight that his heart will turn to stone and his every de sire [be] for blood."
John Hadley, 7th Indiana after the battle at Port Republic
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