Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIn this first-rate account of World War II’s unsung glider pilots, Scott McGaugh takes readers on a plunging ride into the crucible of combat. McGaugh’s vivid narrative combined with pilots’ eyewitness testimonies provide a page-turning story of these pioneering aviators who navigated challenges in the air and on the ground with courage and perseverance. Buckle up – you’re about to be towed over the battlefield in an engineless glider for a one-way trip into chaos. -- James M. Fenelon, author of 'Four Hours of Fury' and 'Angels Against the Sun'
Scott McGaugh artfully blends the little-known tactical campaign history of WWII glider pilots with their individual heroism, courage, and sacrifice. This book reads more like a gut-wrenching novel with defenseless readers in the co-pilot’s seat as they land (or crash) in enemy territory ahead of every major Europe invasion. -- Colonel Donald G. Patton, U.S. Army (Ret.) and Founder of World War II History Round Table
By focusing on a handful of young, incredibly brave glider pilots, Scott McGaugh has brilliantly and poignantly personalized the real-life terror of what these boys faced when they flew into Normandy in little more than crates. But the title is wrong: coffins were built much better than these gliders.” -- Flint Whitlock, editor of 'WWII Quarterly' and author of 'If Chaos Reigns: The Near-Disaster and Ultimate Triumph of the Allied Airborne Forces on D-Day'
An unforgettable read, revealing incredible stories throughout. * History Book Chat *
Table of ContentsPreface Author’s Notes List of Illustrations Introduction 1. Guts and Gliders Wanted 2. Crashing is a Lonely Sound 3. “Prepare to Ditch” 4. Pea Patch Savior 5. Popcorn Popping 6. “The Germans Are Coming!” 7. “Our Men Were Lucky” 8. Like Hornets at a Church Cookout 9. They Were Invisible 10. The Hole in the Donut 11. Beyond Commendation 12. World War II’s Orphans 13. Epilogue
Acknowledgments Glossary Selected Bibliography Endnotes Index
