A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II
December 1943: A badly damaged American bomber struggles to fly over wartime Germany. At the controls is twenty-one-year-old Second Lieutenant Charlie Brown. Half his crew lay wounded or dead on this their first mission. Suddenly, a Messerschmitt fighter pulls up on the bomber’s tail. The pilot is German ace Franz Stigler and he can destroy the young American crew with the squeeze of a trigger.
What happened next would defy imagination and later be called “the most incredible encounter between enemies in World War II.” The U.S. 8th Air Force would later classify what happened between them as “top secret.” It was an act that Franz could never mention for fear of facing a firing squad. It was the encounter that would haunt both Charlie and Franz for forty years until, as old men, they would search the world for each other, a last mission that could change their lives forever.
Their code said to fight with fearlessness and restraint, to celebrate victories not death, and to know when it was time to answer a higher call.
A Higher Call by Adam Makos is an exceptional account of combat and chivalry during World War II, specifically in the war-torn skies. Makos weaves an incredibly captivating and poignant true story that goes beyond the typical narratives of war.
The book focuses on the extraordinary encounter between two enemy pilots, Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler. Makos delves into their individual backgrounds, exploring the experiences, motivations, and emotions that shaped their actions during the war. This in-depth character development helps the readers understand their perspectives and appreciate their remarkable actions.
Makos’ storytelling ability is commendable. The narrative is gripping and full of suspense, keeping the readers engaged from the first page to the last. His meticulous research is evident in the historical accuracy and vivid descriptions, transporting readers to the war-torn skies of World War II.
One of the strengths of A Higher Call is its exploration of the moral dilemma faced by the pilots. The book dives into the ethical complexities of war and presents a unique perspective on the humanity that exists even amidst the brutality of conflict. It is a powerful reminder that compassion and decency can transcend enemy lines.
Overall, A Higher Call is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for acts of kindness even in the midst of war. Makos’ superb storytelling and thorough research make this book a must-read for anyone interested in World War II history or simply looking for an inspiring tale of courage and compassion.
Other books by this author:
A Higher Call
Adam Makos has written a stunning, eye-opening, and breathtaking story of the lives of World War II pilots from both sides of the European Theater.
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