WW II 8th Air Force 56th FG P-47 Pilot "THUNDERBOLT OUT OF THE BLUE" Signed

Description: I COMBINE SHIPPING $1.50 per book. FREE SHIPPING for orders over $60. Send books to your check-out cart. E-Bay will automatically adjust shipping costs.PACKAGING & SHIPPING RULES: 1. Individual books Under $18.00 are shipped in padded poly envelopes. 2. Individual books Over $18.00 are shipped in a poly envelope inside a box. 3. Buy Three or more books and the order is shipped in a box.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS LISTING:Richard Steele and his uncle Robert "Bob" Steele penned a nice chronicle of Robert's experiences as a WWII P-47 "Jug" pilot. This book is an easy read, made up primarily of anecdotes from notes Bob kept during his wartime days. Almost half of the book is about Bob's childhood and formative years. The insights provided help one appreciate the life styles and attitudes of the average Americans in the years leading up to WWII. Bob's courtship of his future bride, Grace, provides a prelude to their eventual closeness during the travails to come. His entry into the Army Air Corps and pilot training are covered in some detail. He is eventually assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron, commanded by Major Dave Schilling, part of the 56th Fighter Group, led by Colonel Hub Zemke. Bob's experiences as a fighter pilot are covered in three chapters of the 15-chapter book and leave the reader disappointed at lack of detail about what must have been a harrowing and exhilarating period. Bob is shot down into the English Channel on his 23rd mission, and his discussion of his experiences enroute to and in Stalag Luft III make up some of the most interesting passages. The book details the privations of Prisoners of War and the turmoil Bob and his fellow prisoners suffered. This section contains some interesting stories about their eventual liberation by General Patton and visits to their camp by General Eisenhower. The narrative concludes with Bob's return to the USA and reuniting with his wife, daughter Pamela who was born while he was in captivity, and his family. The book contains an Appendix detailing the war records of the members of Bob's Squadron. While lacking in the detail and zest most military history readers prefer in wartime chronicles, this book will provide entertainment for the reader and is a very personal tribute to a fighter pilot who served his country well and faithfully.

Price: 22 USD

Location: Livonia, Michigan

End Time: 2025-01-09T16:26:09.000Z

Shipping Cost: 4.65 USD