Fear No Evil

by Charles D. Hamlin

In the early 1940s, the 8th U.S. Army Air Corps was asked to fly daylight missions over Germany in non-pressurized, unheated aircraft that were built in the early 1930s (at the same time Model "A" Fords were being produced). They were to fly missions against the largest, most modern air power in the world, the German Luftwaffe, right into the sites of the world's heaviest and most dangerous concentration of anti-aircraft guns. Experts considered the whole plan "insane". Even Britain's Royal Air Force refused to bomb during daylight. Armed with B-17 Flying Fortresses and sheer grit, the Mighty Eighth turned this sure "recipe for failure" into the ultimate victory, destroying Hitler's war machine and cutting short his plans for world domination. For more than six decades, the stories of these incredible heroics have been untold as the brave men and women who were "over there" during World War II remained silent. Now, as the numbers from the Greatest Generation dwindle, we are at risk of losing this pivotal part of our history forever. "Fear No Evil" is an attempt to collect and preserve some of the most gripping "war stories" from America's struggle against the Third Reich. It is a nod of head to the B-17... and a heartfelt show of gratitude to the valiant heroes who preserved our freedom.

Genres: World War II

150 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2011

Reviews

[Tony Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good collection of stories from the guys flying every day missions. Some were exciting and some were more basic mission stories. In that light, the book gives a good overview of what the spread of "excitement" you might get on any mission on any day. I think Hamlin did a service to everyone by capturing these stories from a group of guys who faced death in many forms and on any given flight. A recommended read, especially if you are interested in the bomber campaigns.

[Mike Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing. I was hoping for more content, more "meat."