Hugh
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Serenade to the Big Bird by Bert Stiles
Bert Stiles was a B-17 co-pilot operating out of England in the Spring/summer of 1944. He completed 30 missions. His depictions of life and combat are very interesting. After completing his tour he flew P-51 and was KIA later in 1944.
It's a quick read but memorable. I got mine on abebooks.
Last few days "Combat Crew" by John Comer has been mentioned on this forum. What other books about life/combat in the ETO, particularly involving B-17s can anyone recommend?
Thanks! I enjoy hearing about what others find worthwhile.
Hugh
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shooshoobaby
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RE: Serenade to the Big Bird by Bert Stiles
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Hugh- The Wrong Stuff by Truman Smith - Pilot 385th BG Black Puff Polly by Roland Byers - Lead Navigator 457th BG Mike
post edited by shooshoobaby -
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Propwash
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RE: Serenade to the Big Bird by Bert Stiles
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The Wrong Stuff by Truman Smith - Pilot 385th BG
I have a copy if you're interested?
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B17 pilot
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RE: Serenade to the Big Bird by Bert Stiles
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. . .Bert Stiles had a remarkable writing style that brought to life the trials and tribulations of the AAF flying combat missions in WWII. Here are some others:
Masters of the Air Donald L. Miller (new offering, is great!)
Half A Wind, Three Engines, and a Prayer Brian D. O'Neill
First of the Many John R. McCrary (Pub. in 1944 awesome!)
Wrong Place, Wrong Time! George C. Kuhl
These are all great!
Mike
. . ." The most valuable aspect of studying and collecting AAF memorabilia is the memory of the veterans who wore it."
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Hugh
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RE: Serenade to the Big Bird by Bert Stiles
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Thanks for the recommendations.
I have to disagree regarding the value of "Masters of the Air" - I think it very poor. I thought if full of errors and the author's opinions passed on as fact. Some of the more "memorable" bits include referring to the B-25 as a "Billy," and "both pilots slumped forward on the steering columns" and the need for oxygen over 1000 feet.
But, his project was a very ambitious one; I'm just waitng for a more accurate one.
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k9iua
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RE: Serenade to the Big Bird by Bert Stiles
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Wing and a Prayer, by Harry S. Crosby, Group Navigator for the 100th BG (H). You'll probably have to find this one through the library.
Kevin Anderson
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Hugh
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RE: Serenade to the Big Bird by Bert Stiles
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Actually, Wing and a Prayer is available through abebooks.com - cheap. Several copies at $5 or less. In fact, I just ordered one!
Thanks for the recommendation.
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shooshoobaby
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RE: Serenade to the Big Bird by Bert Stiles
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Hugh - Serenade to the Blue Lady ; The story of Bert Stiles By Robert Cooper Fletchers Gang by Eugene Fletcher Pilot 95th BG Courage , Honor , Victory 95th BG Stories by Ian Hawkins Wrong Place , Wrong Time 305th BG and 2d Schweinfurt Raid By George Kuhl Castles in the Air by Martin Bowman First Over Germany 306th BG by Russell Strong 390th Bomb Group Anthologies Vols. I and II. Excellent Stories about Life on the Base - Funny and Serious , Missions etc. www.390th.org Mike
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Al Crosson
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RE: Serenade to the Big Bird by Bert Stiles
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Return To Base by Jesse Richard Pitts, a copilot in the 379th Bomb Gp
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Hugh
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RE: Serenade to the Big Bird by Bert Stiles
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This is getting to be quite a list. I'm grateful for the titles and I'm seeking them out. The ones I've gotten so far ARE excellent as you all have suggested. Thanks!
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Dixon Cannon
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Re: RE: Serenade to the Big Bird by Bert Stiles
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'ACES' - by Robert Denny
and of course, 'God Is My Co-Pilot' - by Robert L. Scott
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