As we forge ahead as a nation, do we owe it to ourselves to become reacquainted with a generation that is fast leaving us, who asked for nothing but gave everything, to attune ourselves as Americans to a broader appreciation of what we stand for? This is the second book in the masterful WWII oral history series, but you can read them in any order.
“The pilot was an old man. At that time, I was nineteen or twenty, the pilot was 28 or 29, and that was very old. He didn’t take the wire out of his hat, his garrison hat—there was a wire that if you took it out and crunched it, you got that fifty-mission Air Corps look.”
“The Things Our Fathers Saw – The War In The Air Book One” is a gripping and emotional historical account that shines a light on the often-overlooked experiences of airmen during World War II. Author Matthew A. Rozell has painstakingly researched and compiled the stories of veterans who served in the air war, resulting in a book that is both a tribute to their bravery and a sobering reminder of the horrors of war.
Through a series of interviews, letters, and diaries, Rozell brings to life the stories of the men who flew, fought, and died in the skies above Europe and the Pacific. The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the air war, from the early days of the conflict to the final push towards victory. The author’s writing is clear and concise, making the complex history of the war accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is the way Rozell weaves together the personal stories of the airmen with the broader historical context of the war. The reader is given a sense of the strategic importance of the air war, as well as the human cost of the conflict. The author’s use of primary sources, including interviews with veterans and their families, adds a level of intimacy and authenticity to the narrative that is both powerful and moving.
The book is also notable for its attention to detail and its commitment to accuracy. Rozell has clearly done his homework, and the result is a work that is both informative and engaging. The inclusion of photographs, maps, and other visual aids helps to bring the story to life, and the author’s use of descriptive language makes it easy to imagine the scenes he is describing.
Overall, “The Things Our Fathers Saw – The War In The Air Book One” is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II history, military aviation, or the human experience of war. The book is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the airmen who fought and died during the war, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving their stories for future generations. Rozell’s work is a significant contribution to the historical record, and it will undoubtedly be of interest to historians, veterans, and general readers alike.
Recommendation: This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in World War II history, military aviation, or the human experience of war. It is also a great resource for historians, researchers, and educators looking for primary sources and personal accounts of the war.
Target Audience: History buffs, military enthusiasts, veterans, and general readers interested in World War II and military aviation.
Notes: This book is the first in a series, and it sets the stage for the subsequent volumes. The author’s website and social media channels offer additional resources, including interviews, photos, and updates on the book series.