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My Honor Flight
A young soldier accompanies his great grandfather, Doug Mackinack, on an Honor Flight–a sponsored trip to the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. The old man shares stories from his platoon’s tour in Europe, many ending in dramatic (or occasionally, humorous) twists.
The increasingly moving stories document Buzz Company’s journey through a broad range of humanity: Fear. Courage. Compassion. Anger. Love. Death. Eccentricity. Loyalty. Mercy. Retribution.
The company started as a hodgepodge of naive kids, left over from other companies. But they had a certain swagger, thanks to the personalities in Mackinack’s Ninth Platoon. As they traveled through France, Belgium, and Germany in the course of one year, they became battle-hardened veterans. In a defining moment near the end of his tour, Mackinack was forced to decide his path in a split second. Would he return to the man he was before the war, or would he become the killer the war had created?
When Mackinack and his great grandson reach the monument, there is one final surprise tied to events sixty six years earlier.
Book is currently available on www.amazon.com only.
The increasingly moving stories document Buzz Company’s journey through a broad range of humanity: Fear. Courage. Compassion. Anger. Love. Death. Eccentricity. Loyalty. Mercy. Retribution.
The company started as a hodgepodge of naive kids, left over from other companies. But they had a certain swagger, thanks to the personalities in Mackinack’s Ninth Platoon. As they traveled through France, Belgium, and Germany in the course of one year, they became battle-hardened veterans. In a defining moment near the end of his tour, Mackinack was forced to decide his path in a split second. Would he return to the man he was before the war, or would he become the killer the war had created?
When Mackinack and his great grandson reach the monument, there is one final surprise tied to events sixty six years earlier.
Book is currently available on www.amazon.com only.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2012
94 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 8, 2014
One of the better WW II memoirs I've read. But many of the incidents and situations were too much of a flight of fancy for me to swallow, even in a novel. But it was well-written and a good reading experience.
March 5, 2020
Really loved the fact that the author connected with his great grandfather and learned about his life. Thank you for sharing some unsung heroes.
May 25, 2024
I have been on an Honor Flight as a guardian, and volunteer as the welcome home ceremonies as often as I can. So many of those veterans probably had some
Of these same experiences…these veterans I see maybe standing a bit taller just then and with tears in their eyes at the ‘welcome home’ they never had. Please find an Honor Flight to support, even just to be on hand to welcome them home. You’ll never regret it!
Of these same experiences…these veterans I see maybe standing a bit taller just then and with tears in their eyes at the ‘welcome home’ they never had. Please find an Honor Flight to support, even just to be on hand to welcome them home. You’ll never regret it!
November 19, 2013
I couldn't put this book down. I found it very captivating and enjoyed the entire thing.
February 20, 2018
Doug Mackinack (retired great-grandfather, WWII vet, Buzz Co., 9th. Platoon, MI.) was going
on an Honor Flight a sponsored trip to the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.
10/1944, Relive his memoir of his days fighting a war with his fellow soldiers.
I’m retired US Army Vietnam vet. This brought back a lot of memories, just a different time/era.
We called each other names & racial slurs. & all of us had nicknames. The good thing was nobody cried about it like they do nowadays.
I have several friends that are signed up for the next honor flight in 3/2018.
Warning: This book contains graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great historical fiction movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookDaily; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
on an Honor Flight a sponsored trip to the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.
10/1944, Relive his memoir of his days fighting a war with his fellow soldiers.
I’m retired US Army Vietnam vet. This brought back a lot of memories, just a different time/era.
We called each other names & racial slurs. & all of us had nicknames. The good thing was nobody cried about it like they do nowadays.
I have several friends that are signed up for the next honor flight in 3/2018.
Warning: This book contains graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great historical fiction movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookDaily; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 26, 2017
Wonderful, fullfilling
I have read many a books on ww2, but I must say this one really got me.feeling proud and sad.I have had the opportunity to talk with some of those men from the great war,and I fill so small sitting next to those heroes.This group of men did the unthinkable,but WON...Every war or skermish we have partaken in,has never became a win,due to sickning politics.If our brothers and sisters are going into battle,at least let them win...GOD bless the past,present and future of all those who rise up to protact our great nation. GOD bless the usa....
I have read many a books on ww2, but I must say this one really got me.feeling proud and sad.I have had the opportunity to talk with some of those men from the great war,and I fill so small sitting next to those heroes.This group of men did the unthinkable,but WON...Every war or skermish we have partaken in,has never became a win,due to sickning politics.If our brothers and sisters are going into battle,at least let them win...GOD bless the past,present and future of all those who rise up to protact our great nation. GOD bless the usa....
August 21, 2018
A Debut of Laughter and Tears
As an amateur scholar of WWII literature this simple and straight forward account of the fears and tragedies, comedies and romance, struggle and triumph of Buzz Company is phenomenal. There is an honesty in the story telling that truly brings honor to its author.
Thank you to your great grandfather for his service and sacrifice. Dan, thank you for taking up the torch and fulfilling a call to honor those that came before us. To those that provided much of the world with the opportunity to live free of tyranny.
As an amateur scholar of WWII literature this simple and straight forward account of the fears and tragedies, comedies and romance, struggle and triumph of Buzz Company is phenomenal. There is an honesty in the story telling that truly brings honor to its author.
Thank you to your great grandfather for his service and sacrifice. Dan, thank you for taking up the torch and fulfilling a call to honor those that came before us. To those that provided much of the world with the opportunity to live free of tyranny.
June 23, 2017
Touching
A well written engaging book, which gives you an insight to the touching stories back in the war. I particularly enjoyed the 'off the battle field' tales which put everything into perspective, allowing you to get to know the true characters and emotions felt throughout their journey during the challenges they faced. An outstanding conclusion which summed it up beautifully. Would definitely recommend.
A well written engaging book, which gives you an insight to the touching stories back in the war. I particularly enjoyed the 'off the battle field' tales which put everything into perspective, allowing you to get to know the true characters and emotions felt throughout their journey during the challenges they faced. An outstanding conclusion which summed it up beautifully. Would definitely recommend.
August 25, 2018
Brave men
This story makes me proud to be an American. These brave men fought a war of what must have felt like hell to them. To all the people who risk their lives to keep me safe, my family safe, may God watch over each and every one. To those who have lost their lives may they rest in peacefully in God's loving arms. For those deployed now and in the future, thank you. You are all heros.
This story makes me proud to be an American. These brave men fought a war of what must have felt like hell to them. To all the people who risk their lives to keep me safe, my family safe, may God watch over each and every one. To those who have lost their lives may they rest in peacefully in God's loving arms. For those deployed now and in the future, thank you. You are all heros.
August 14, 2017
I knew there would be tears when I read this book and I wasn't disappointed. As I was reading I could see a movie of this played out and it made it so much more real to me. This book didn't have a lot of background on any one character but had enough to keep you hoping that each one came away unscathed. Very touching and a quick read.
December 27, 2017
Very simply written, but still well done. The chapters are just a series of stories of McCurrigan's grandpa's experiences in WWII but they are told from the Buzz Company's perspective.
I flew through this book, but still bonded with all the characters, crying at one point (in a public place) from the stories.
If you aren't sure if you'd like war books, this one is a good starter one.
I flew through this book, but still bonded with all the characters, crying at one point (in a public place) from the stories.
If you aren't sure if you'd like war books, this one is a good starter one.
November 14, 2019
Powerful stories
An amazing and powerful group of stories from WWII as told by a soldier that was in Buzz company that fought in France. I really got to know this soldier & his fellow soldiers & choked up with each man who was killed. You read something like this & wonder why we still have wars. What a traumatic thing to put soldiers through.
An amazing and powerful group of stories from WWII as told by a soldier that was in Buzz company that fought in France. I really got to know this soldier & his fellow soldiers & choked up with each man who was killed. You read something like this & wonder why we still have wars. What a traumatic thing to put soldiers through.
January 30, 2021
A great story everyone should know.
A fantastic story of a time most can't even imagine. Honest, sometimes modest a in depth look into how a man copes with extreme conditions and how a person can recover from such h horrific events . A story everyone should be aware of. This is the story of so many in that time and place. Very well told.
A fantastic story of a time most can't even imagine. Honest, sometimes modest a in depth look into how a man copes with extreme conditions and how a person can recover from such h horrific events . A story everyone should be aware of. This is the story of so many in that time and place. Very well told.
August 11, 2023
My Honor Fight -
This was an excellent story! Though a novel, it reflects the honor and humor displayed by the “Greatest Generation” during WWII. My father was an “Ace” in WWII and was “in the air” when his carrier (The Princeton) was destroyed. This story “rang true” and was believable from beginning to end. Kudos to the author for a job well done.
This was an excellent story! Though a novel, it reflects the honor and humor displayed by the “Greatest Generation” during WWII. My father was an “Ace” in WWII and was “in the air” when his carrier (The Princeton) was destroyed. This story “rang true” and was believable from beginning to end. Kudos to the author for a job well done.
December 20, 2019
Great Book
Loved this book. I laughed at some parts and cried while reading other parts. This story felt very real. I felt as if I was sitting there with "pops" and reliving the war with him. Great story.
Loved this book. I laughed at some parts and cried while reading other parts. This story felt very real. I felt as if I was sitting there with "pops" and reliving the war with him. Great story.
February 14, 2022
A novel that had me believing it was historical truth. It is so well written that I could envisage the individual soldiers and the exploits were near enough to real life. I definitely felt tears well up
January 12, 2017
Dan goes with his great-grandfather on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. On the way, he tells Dan, who is about to deploy to Afganistan, all about his experience as part of Buzz Company, Ninth Plattoon. I laughed, I cried, I found a new respect for that great generation who fought for freedom for the world. Wonderful Book!
July 19, 2018
Heart warming
One of the most heart warming story,but sad also to think of all those who gave their lives for our freedom. These men are heroes.
One of the most heart warming story,but sad also to think of all those who gave their lives for our freedom. These men are heroes.
June 24, 2019
An honor to read!
What a great book! Every emotion felt while reading! Wonderful reading from beginning to end. Such a touching ending, too!
What a great book! Every emotion felt while reading! Wonderful reading from beginning to end. Such a touching ending, too!
September 5, 2019
Honestly didn’t get more than a few pages in. Historical errors, lack of believability, mediocre writing. I quickly decided that my reading time would be much better spent somewhere else.
August 28, 2020
This novel told as memoir flows so easily and in such a believable voice, it was hard to believe it is fiction. We should never forget the deeds of the greatest generation, and what they fought for.
December 12, 2025
I thought this was a very good book.
February 22, 2016
A REMARKABLE BOOK
I do not like “War Stories”. I do not like books which have specific violence. I loved this very well written book.
A young man is going on an Honor Flight with his great-grandfather. The young man is on his way to serve in Afghanistan. During the flight the two men get to know one another and Mack begins to tell his great- grandson about his war. During World War II, Mack was in a very special unit. And it was made up of very special men.
We get to hear about the Twins, Big Swede, TinPan, Petey, Jackson, Donovan and Cap and many more. Most of all we get to hear about human beings who were asked to do terrible things and risk their lives while doing those things.
This is not just any war story. Yes, the background is a huge war, but this is a story of young men. They are funny and brave and strong and weak but most of all they are very human. Even though I knew it would not be possible, I wanted every one of them to live happily ever after. That did not happen.
I have read enough history to know that what happens in this book is very likely the kind of thing which happened in World War II.
Dan McCurrigan is a new to me author. When he writes another book, I want to read it.
I am normally extra gentle if I review a new author. I want to encourage new talent. This new author does not need anything from me. He is a very good writer.
If you want a remarkable book which makes you laugh out loud and cry a few pages later, this is the book for you.
I do not like “War Stories”. I do not like books which have specific violence. I loved this very well written book.
A young man is going on an Honor Flight with his great-grandfather. The young man is on his way to serve in Afghanistan. During the flight the two men get to know one another and Mack begins to tell his great- grandson about his war. During World War II, Mack was in a very special unit. And it was made up of very special men.
We get to hear about the Twins, Big Swede, TinPan, Petey, Jackson, Donovan and Cap and many more. Most of all we get to hear about human beings who were asked to do terrible things and risk their lives while doing those things.
This is not just any war story. Yes, the background is a huge war, but this is a story of young men. They are funny and brave and strong and weak but most of all they are very human. Even though I knew it would not be possible, I wanted every one of them to live happily ever after. That did not happen.
I have read enough history to know that what happens in this book is very likely the kind of thing which happened in World War II.
Dan McCurrigan is a new to me author. When he writes another book, I want to read it.
I am normally extra gentle if I review a new author. I want to encourage new talent. This new author does not need anything from me. He is a very good writer.
If you want a remarkable book which makes you laugh out loud and cry a few pages later, this is the book for you.
August 21, 2014
The premise of the book was interesting--a young man on his way to war gets a chance to travel with his great-grandfather to the World War 2 memorial in Washington, DC on an Honor Flight. On the way, he hears the stories of his great-grandfather's experiences in the war.
The 'wrapper' part of the story was rather under-played--providing just a very brief introduction and then setting up a scene at the memorial at the end.
The various vignettes shared in the series of stories were interesting, although they were lacking or wrong in some of the details. Being a veteran myself and appreciating basic detail, I was disappointed to read about a company comprised of nine platoons and a captain as the commander of a platoon and no squad leaders. In fact, the author seems to go out of his way to use "group" to describe various units rather than the correct military term.
Most of the personalities were interesting and colorful, although still somewhat generic.
I appreciate that the book did show a sense of respect for the soldiers of The Greatest Generation and doesn't undermine their contributions in a cynical retrospective way.
All in all, not bad for a debut story, but certainly has room for improvement.
The 'wrapper' part of the story was rather under-played--providing just a very brief introduction and then setting up a scene at the memorial at the end.
The various vignettes shared in the series of stories were interesting, although they were lacking or wrong in some of the details. Being a veteran myself and appreciating basic detail, I was disappointed to read about a company comprised of nine platoons and a captain as the commander of a platoon and no squad leaders. In fact, the author seems to go out of his way to use "group" to describe various units rather than the correct military term.
Most of the personalities were interesting and colorful, although still somewhat generic.
I appreciate that the book did show a sense of respect for the soldiers of The Greatest Generation and doesn't undermine their contributions in a cynical retrospective way.
All in all, not bad for a debut story, but certainly has room for improvement.
April 8, 2016
My Honor Flight, the remarkable stories of Buzz Company by Dan McCurrigan is a novel I believe everyone should read, the stories of Buzz Company as told by the authors great grandfather and written word for word by Mr. McCurrigan tells the actual events of WWII as lived by him.
A very well written novel that I am proud to add as one of my favorites, if you have any interest in WWII and or the way combat changed the young men involved, sometimes for the good or bad, this novel does not sugarcoat nor dramatize the events but tells the truth of things that actually happened to Buzz Company.
I look forward to more from this author, if My Honor Flight is any indication of books Dan McCurrigan has in store for us in the future then I predict a great future for him. Well done Mr. McCurrigan.
A very well written novel that I am proud to add as one of my favorites, if you have any interest in WWII and or the way combat changed the young men involved, sometimes for the good or bad, this novel does not sugarcoat nor dramatize the events but tells the truth of things that actually happened to Buzz Company.
I look forward to more from this author, if My Honor Flight is any indication of books Dan McCurrigan has in store for us in the future then I predict a great future for him. Well done Mr. McCurrigan.
February 26, 2015
Fantastic Must Read
Wow! I felt as if I was sitting at the feet of a great storyteller as I read Dan McCurrigan's My Honor Flight! I was reading the book every chance that I could squeeze into the day. Although a book of fiction, it reads as a memoir of a real World War II soldier. The storyteller painted an accurate picture of the loss of innocence through the personal and military battles of war. I have already told several people that they must read My Honor Flight and now I encourage you to read this great book. I look forward to reading it again as I add it to my top favorite books!
Wow! I felt as if I was sitting at the feet of a great storyteller as I read Dan McCurrigan's My Honor Flight! I was reading the book every chance that I could squeeze into the day. Although a book of fiction, it reads as a memoir of a real World War II soldier. The storyteller painted an accurate picture of the loss of innocence through the personal and military battles of war. I have already told several people that they must read My Honor Flight and now I encourage you to read this great book. I look forward to reading it again as I add it to my top favorite books!
January 2, 2016
My Dad (age 87) experienced his own Honor Flight in 2014 and hasn't stopped talking about the experience as one of the highlights of his life. He served in the Navy during WWII and like the characters in this book, the memories were as real and vivid as if they happened yesterday. He too refused to talk about his war-time experiences and kept it all bottled up inside for all of these years. His Honor Flight also served to bring him closure and peace. So when I saw the title I couldn't pass it up...and I'm glad I didn't. The book was well written, the characters real and the stories believable. I really liked the entire book, but it was the end that I liked best of all.
March 30, 2016
One of the best books I've read.
My dad passed away in 1995. He was in WWII,but never talked about it with us kids. I am always looking for true stories from WWII so perhaps I may get an idea of what my daddy went through. Although I know my daddy was in the Pacific, I enjoy any type of WWII books. This one was filled with some great stories of the great men who fought these battles. I highly recommend reading this book. But a note, you may want to keep a box of tissues handy. Great job Dan!!
My dad passed away in 1995. He was in WWII,but never talked about it with us kids. I am always looking for true stories from WWII so perhaps I may get an idea of what my daddy went through. Although I know my daddy was in the Pacific, I enjoy any type of WWII books. This one was filled with some great stories of the great men who fought these battles. I highly recommend reading this book. But a note, you may want to keep a box of tissues handy. Great job Dan!!
September 5, 2014
Powerful and Touching
A grandson, who is soon to be deployed to Afganastan, accompanied his grandfather on a trip to the WWII
Memorial in Washington D.C.. On the flight there the grandfather shared many of his experiences as a young soldier fighting the Germans. He spoke of battles, deaths, friendships and. all his range of feelings at the time. I found it all very touching and powerful.
A grandson, who is soon to be deployed to Afganastan, accompanied his grandfather on a trip to the WWII
Memorial in Washington D.C.. On the flight there the grandfather shared many of his experiences as a young soldier fighting the Germans. He spoke of battles, deaths, friendships and. all his range of feelings at the time. I found it all very touching and powerful.
April 22, 2015
Great read
Just finished reading "My Honor Flight" and have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed every page. While some of the stories were grim, it would be a shame if they were lost forever.
The ups and downs that these young men went through is nothing short of amazing and am glad that the author was able to give a lasting tribute to them all.
Just finished reading "My Honor Flight" and have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed every page. While some of the stories were grim, it would be a shame if they were lost forever.
The ups and downs that these young men went through is nothing short of amazing and am glad that the author was able to give a lasting tribute to them all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews