Bombing Hitler's Hometown: The Untold Story of the Last Mass Bomber Raid of World War II in Europe

by Mike Croissant

During the waning days of World War II, five thousand American airmen embarked on a
white-knuckled mission to bomb one of Europe’s most heavily defended targets—Linz, Austria—the town Hitler called home. This riveting account reveals the never-before-told true story of the mission and the epic journey the surviving airmen endured to return home.

In April 1945, Linz was one of Nazi Germany’s most vital assets. It was a crucial transportation hub and communications center, with railyards brimming with war materiel destined for the front lines. Linz was also the town Hitler claimed as home and had long intended to remake as the cultural capital of Europe, filling its planned Fuehrermuseum with world-famous art stolen from his conquered territories.

Inevitably, Linz was also one of the most heavily defended targets remaining in Europe. The airmen of the Fifteenth Air Force were a mix of seasoned veterans and newcomers. As their mission was unveiled in the predawn hours of April 25th, audible groans and muffled expletives passed many lips. The reality of that mission would prove more brutal than any imagined.

In the unheated, unpressurized B‑24 Liberator and B‑17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers, young men battled elements as dangerous as anything the Germans could throw at them. When batteries of German anti‑aircraft guns opened fire, the men flew into a man‑made hell of exploding shrapnel. Aircraft and men fell from the sky as Austrian civilians on the ground also struggled to survive beneath the bombs during the deadly climax of Hitler’s war.

Drawing on interviews with dozens of America’s last surviving World War II veterans, as well as previously unpublished sources, Mike Croissant compellingly relates one of the war’s last truly untold stories—a gripping chronicle of warfare, the death of Nazi Germany, and the beginning of the Cold War. It is also a timeless tale of courage and terror, loss and redemption, humanity and savagery.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, War, Audiobook

352 pages, Hardcover

First published March 26, 2024

Reviews

[William Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Bombing Hitler's Hometown: The Untold Story of the Last Mass Bomber Raid of World War II in Europe" by Mike Croissant and published by Kensington Books is a book designed to shed some light on the nuts and bolts of strategic bombing as it was practiced in the European Theater of War during World War II by examining, from a number of perspectives, the last significant raid on Linz, Austria made in May of 1945. I am working from an ARC graciously provided to me by the publisher. The strength and greatest virtue of the book is in its examination of what a "typical mass raid" over the Reich might have looked like to the men participating and precisely what had brought those men to volunteer for the AAF. Note that by this point in the war, the Luftwaffe exercised a mostly nuisance role in interfering with the whole, highly structured, methodology painstakingly developed over the course of the war. Not as graphic as some accounts but more rounded in the sense that the text examines the raid from beginning to end and then extends beyond that to the fate of individual crewmembers who did not make it back in the conventional way (in many ways this is one of the most curiously interesting features of the book). Some ended up as prisoners of the Soviets, some actually baled out and landed in a concentration camp, and others were saved by Tito's partisans in Yugoslavia. The author does make some, very limited, reference to the impact on the enemy combatants and non-combatants, but that is clearly not his major interest here, and this should not be thought of as being intended as a comprehensive and well rounded approach. The author's writing style is accessible and anecdotal making this a peculiarly useful kind of introduction to the war in the air for readers not well versed in the subject. There is a place for this in general collections as well as specialized libraries. It is useful and worth the read..

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-done look at the last bombing mission from Italy in WW2. The author tells the stories of many of the crews involved as well as the civilians. The stories are inspiring and heartbreaking to see what those involved had to endure as well as the issues and trauma after the war. Overall, I highly recommend this book. A great read!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike Croissant’s book, “Bombing Hitler's Hometown: The Untold Story of the Last Mass Bomber Raid of World War II in Europe,” is a gripping and eye-opening account of a crucial moment in history that has been largely overlooked. Croissant brings to life the harrowing events of the last mass bomber raid of World War II, shedding light on the bravery and sacrifices of the pilots and crews involved in this daring mission. A compelling aspect of Croissant’s book is his meticulous research and attention to detail. Drawing on first-hand accounts, official records, and previously unpublished documents, he paints a vivid picture of the planning, execution, and aftermath of the raid on Hitler’s hometown. Through his meticulous reconstruction of the events, Croissant allows readers to experience the tension, fear, and adrenaline of the mission as if they were right there in the cockpit alongside the pilots. In addition to the gripping narrative, Croissant also delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the bomber crews as they carried out their missions. He explores the conflicting emotions of duty, patriotism, and humanity that weighed heavily on the minds of these young men as they rained destruction on enemy territory. By humanizing the pilots and crews, Croissant challenges readers to consider the complex moral implications of war and the difficult choices faced by those on the front lines. Furthermore, Croissant’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex military tactics and strategies easy to understand for readers of all backgrounds. His vivid descriptions and evocative language bring the story to life, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the bombing raid. Croissant’s thorough research, compelling narrative, and thought-provoking insights make this book a standout in the genre. It is a testament to the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the men who fought in the skies over Europe, and a reminder of the lasting impact of their actions on history.

[John Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bombing Hitler’s Hometown, by Mike Croissant; Citadel Press: New York; $28.00
Relentless. Utterly fatigued, yet hyper-alert, young, often teen-aged American aviators descended into the Danteesque Hell of desperate Nazi Germany. A mammoth sheet of anti-aircraft shot and shell arose like Moloch to await, then kill them. Mike Croissant, retired CIA analyst and master researcher, pursues his family’s quest for absent stories which might explain why their relatives lost life and others heart during and after the war. We learn, as we read through Croissant’s gimlet eye for research, of the final bombing raid on Linz, Austria’s marshaling rail yards. We conclude knowing what it meant to be on that flight during the Apocalyptic final collapse of the Third Reich.
Croissant has sought out public and private records, diaries, and people who were there, both pilots and Austrians, who survived the onslaught. Indeed. Some 5000 aviators took part in this attack. It is little known because it played out only a few days before the more cataclysmic Gotterdammerung playing out in Hitler’s bunker in Berlin, April, 1945. Best of all, Croissant tells this story from the human perspective. Follow as he examines an actual pre-attack briefing. We see how operations security for th mission kept even the target unknown until the last minute for the assaulting aviators. Then the flight itself was wrought with horrors. Anti-aircraft ‘flak’, exploding bullets and shells, might pierce the plane’s body, severing limbs, cutting off oxygen, causing electrical ignitions to explode live ammunition. A thousand doors to death are explained, making the reader cringe to realize that young aviators would brave this Deadman’s scythe for mission after mission after mission.
Croissant personalizes the horror. We follow the flight back from the bombing mission. We meet aviators who survived, those whose tales were told by others, and Austrians who were bombed. Their reactions are explained in graphic detail. We discover SS torturers who brought one flight’s crew, and an OSS man, to the living death of Mauthausen Concentration Camp; this against all Geneva Convention rules. We meet other Austrians whose Christian decency saved American lives. How technical ingenuity and veteran’s skills and training salvaged planes long enough to get back to the safety of Italian bases is a tale in itself. Then the obverse. Planes ditched in lakes, in villages where revenge was sought by die-hard Nazis not under the Wehrmacht, and worst of all, Soviet ‘liberators’ who took one aviator off as a ‘German spy’, to be tortured and held prisoner.
You’ll find you can’t put this book down. It engages your senses in such a visceral way that you truly imagine what it might have been like to be there. You come away with an utter respect for those who fought Fascism in this way.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Croissant leads us on mission to connect with the young airmen who would mark April 25, 1945 as the day their lives were turned upside down. Why was Linz, Austria chosen as the target? What made this mission different from so many other American bombing raids over Europe? What happened to the many men who did not return to their air bases in Italy that evening? You will try to imagine yourself folded into a freezing ball turret, hearing only the roar of the engines and watching the explosions of flak from anti-aircraft as the bomber heads toward the smoky haze. Your pulse will quicken as a parachute malfunctions. You might not remember the numbers of the Bomb Wings, Groups and Squadrons but you will remember the Miss I Hope and Rodger the Lodger crews. You may not fathom that more than 500 aircraft and more than 5,000 men took to the sky that day, but you will not soon forget the stories of Hal Millett, Dale Shebilsky and John Dominey among others. And you will feel the losses suffered by families like Mike's own whose boys didn't live to tell their stories of that day. Most importantly, you will remember to honor Americans who fought their fears to secure the freedoms we so often take for granted today.

[Reggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was amazed by this book. I am an avid reader, and a critical reader, especially when it comes to the history of war. Mike Croissant has provided a perspective that translates from not just the raid on Linz, but every bombing raid of the war. You are in the cockpit as these amazing patriots willingly went into this battle, most knowing the risks of this battle in particular. This book puts you into the perspective the risks that were taken, especially in this time period where the war was all but won, but there was still work to be done. Juxtaposed with the kindness of many of those on the ground, particularly the Austrians, you get an amazing look at the human condition under such challenging conditions. No spoiler here, but Mike rounds out this story with the subsequent history of the chief characters, including his uncle. It is an inspiring, yet heartbreaking story, and needs to be told on the screen. Think the first scene of "Saving Private Ryan", throughout the entire book. Well done.

[John Purvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Mike Croissant’s first publication. Bombing Hitler’s Hometown: The Untold Story of the Last Mass Bomber Raid of World War II in Europe was published last March. It is the 29th book I completed reading in 2024.

I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to some scenes of combat violence, I categorize this book as PG.

This book is the story of the 15th Air Force and their April 25, 1945 raid on Linz, Austria. Adolf Hitler considered Linz as his hometown. It was where he had planned to build the massive museum to house the many art treasures stolen from across Europe. But that was not the reason for the attack. In 1945, Linz was one of the few remaining communications centers of the Reich. Its rail yards filled with rolling stock carrying material destined for Nazi forces. The bomber raid consisted of 360 B-24s and 168 B-17s, with 200 fighters in escort. It was the last mass Allied bombing raid of WWII in Europe.

The author addresses this raid from the point of view of the men of the 15th, as well as from some of those on the ground in the target area. He gives the backgrounds of several crews and follows them through this mission. He tells many vignettes about individuals and crews.

I enjoyed the 9.5+ hours I spent reading this 463-page WWII-era history. The author invested years of his time investigating those involved in this bombing raid. He sought to understand what his uncle, the navigator on a B-24 in the raid, had experienced. I give this book a rating of 4.6 (rounded to 5) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don’t often read straight history books, I'm always interested in learning new things about what happened in the past. Especially looking at the lives of the individuals effected by the events. This book does an excellent job of looking at one specific moment in history and how it effected the lives of so many of the participants.

As the title says, this looks at one bombing run by the American Air Force at the tail end of WWII. It does a very good job of explaining why it was important, and giving a large group of people to follow. The cast was a bit hard to keep tabs on, but the author does a good job of reminding the reader who people are before telling more of the story. Very well researched, and the author has interviewed many of the participants himself, including some of the Austrians who witnessed the bombing first hand.

One of the most intriguing parts if the book, is the bit of mystery that it begins with. The author started this journey because he wanted to know what had happened to one of his relatives. I won't spoil the ending for you, but the answer isn't what he first thought, but it is very satisfying to find the answer. I found myself paying more attention each time I saw his name.

Overall, a very readable book focused on a very small point in the European portion of WWII, that takes great care to place itself within the overall story of the war. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would and kept picking it up to read until I had finished it within 3 days.

[Zeb Kantrowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was just at the end of the war (April 25 1945), and turned out to be the last big bombing in Europe. With hundreds of planes (B 17s and B 24s) from the Fifteenth Air Force involved, the railyards at Linz Austria were to be bombed. Hitler had planned to turn Linz into a monument to himself and Nazism, but the war would be over in two weeks.

Linz had to be bombed for two reasons, it was the last remaining transport center that could send military material up to Berlin and northern Germany. The factories in Linz and the surrounding area were still operating and by blowing up the railyards would starve the Nazi war machine of additional planes and tanks.

In addition, by destroying the transport center at Linz, it would prevent the remaining German Armies from turning Bavaria and western Austria into a final redoubt from where they could continue to fight the war.

Though the Luftwaffe had been swept from the skies, there were still some of the new jet fighters available to trouble the bombers. In addition, the veteran Air Men were to state after the mission that it was the heaviest flack they encountered during the war. This is the story of the pilots and crews who made this bombing run and those who died and bailed out and survived landing in Austria.

[Steven Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's on your reading list?

Book by book, I'm finally getting caught up and reducing the size of the five stacks of books to be read in my office. This week, I finally got around to one I've been really eager to read, "Bombing Hitler's Hometown," a brilliant book from Mike Croissant that details the allied strike on Linz, Austria, by the Fifteenth Air Force near the end of World War II.

Linz was a crucial hub for the Nazis, a major transportation hub and central to their ability to sustain Hitler's war effort. It was also heavily defended. On the same day that Soviet and American troops met at the Elbe River near Torgau, a mix of B-24 and B-17 heavy bombers launched in the predawn light on what would be one of the most dangerous and vital missions of the war.

What made this book so thoroughly enjoying to read was how Mike weaved in personal narratives from interviews with traditional historical research. The result was a book that keeps the reader engaged throughout, page after page.

You can learn more about the book from the publisher's website: https://lnkd.in/gCGmnnEf

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent nonfiction book about the bombing of Linz. It begins with the training of the young men who flew during that last raid. Their experiences in their planes are extraordinary. They displayed courage, ingenuity, and a fierce desire to survive.

The next stage is the recounting of the experiences of those men who either parachuted out or endured crash landings. Their treatment by the citizens of Linz, Nazis, and Russians varied greatly. Their bravery reminded me of experiences shared by survivors of other wars. Somehow many of them managed to survive and return home.

The number of casualties of citizens and pilots and crews is terrible. It is important that we remember the sacrifices veterans make.

Be sure and read all of the introductory pages.

[Laura M. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge WWII history buff and I absolutely loved this book. Mike Croissant delivers a gripping and meticulously researched account of one of the lesser-known yet vital air campaigns of World War II in Bombing Hitler’s Hometown. His ability to weave together strategic analysis with personal stories makes this book both informative and deeply moving. The focus on the Allied bombing of Linz, Austria—Hitler’s childhood home and industrial hub—sheds light on a critical aspect of the war that’s often overlooked. Croissant’s writing is clear, compelling, and full of vivid detail that brings the era to life. This is a must-read for any World War II enthusiast or anyone interested in the complex decisions and human stories behind strategic warfare.

[Patricia Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy to read book about bombing Hitler's hometown. many stories of flying and dropping bombs over the city to cripple the rail system there. impressed by the common desire to get the job done so that those nearing their goal of completed missions could return home. hard to imagine hundreds of planes filling the air coming toward Linz. puts a new light on Russian help or lack of help for downed airmen. does not seem that the Soviets were on the same plan to relocate these men. also the damage done at the local extermination camp. the amount of accumulated ash is mindboggling to believe that many people died here.

[Chet Slonina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The waning years of World War II and bombing becomes more intense and more continuous with the Allies stepping on the gas to get bring the war to and end. But Hitler’s hometown of Linz offers railway yards and industry to help end the war sooner. Hitler has dream to make this beloved town of his be of an epic change rivaling architecture of ancient worlds so that when destroyed, the ruins would look like that of ancient ruins looking like the same we see today! A great read for all historians to add to their historical knowledge.

[Joshua Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable and entertaining book about a section of WW2 that I knew nothing about. This nonfiction books reads like fiction, getting beyond the low hanging fruit of strategy and statistics, and getting to reader into the bombers with their aircrews. Taking on the challenge of showing their feelings, hopes, and fears as they took this mission head on to an audience that will never face what they did.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story about the brave men who fought for our freedom during WWII. The detailed stories that the author was able to capture after speaking with the crew members while they were still living are unbelievable. I usually don’t read many historical books but this one kept me captivated.

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a battle that took place in the closing days of the war. And yet this was no cake walk. The stories shared about what happened to these bomber crews are terrifying. Many would die and those who lived would never be the same.

[Yehaskel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, read good stories of the pilots and crew on the last mass bombing run of the war in Germany.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank the Goodreads Giveaway Program and Citadel Press for the opportunity to read this book.

Interesting and Intense at times.
A very good read

[Sarah Holloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are stories of so many flight crews that it is difficult to keep them all straight and remember their story.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0

[Chantelle J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written historical piece, thank you @bookbub for the reading recommendation. I could not put this read down, just fascinating historical storytelling.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened on audiobook provided by dod library. The narrator had a monotone voice that made it difficult to understand what he said. Overall content great- narrator 1 star.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making war very close up and personal. Looking back at individual experiences can help guide us in our personal choices and responsibilities. You don’t know who you are until have to be who you are.

[Glenn Stenquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and interesting

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this as a Goodreads Giveaway.
I've really started to get into more history. And this was a wonderful book. Be sure to read the appendix, reading all those names was just heartbreaking

[Patricia Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very detailed.

[JerryDeanHalleck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well written and well researched, this book details one of the last mass bombing raids of the 15th Air force, the bombing of Linz, Austria, Hitler's birthplace on April 25 1945.

Croissant highlights the patiotism and technical skill of the bomber crews. Unforunately, I had a hard time enjoying the book since the "raid" - bombing the railroad yards - was completely unneccessary and accomplished nothing except get a lot people killed - both German and American.

It needs to be remember that we had reached the Elbe River on April 12th, and the Ruhr pocket had been liquidated on April 18th. VE-day would come just 13 days later. So why bomb the hell out of small town in Austria? To the Air Force Generals, the bombers were just sitting on the ground "Doing nothing" so they decided to bomb Linz, one of the few targets left. The military mind at work.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really connected you with the men who took part in the last bombing. Their courage and commitment is reflected throughout the book and acknowledges those who lost their lives during this mission.
Thank God for our Military and the Freedom we have because of them.

[Jason Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author had to have spent countless hours researching the multiple groups, airmen, citizens, leaders, and more about their experiences. He was able to put so much information into this account that you can’t help but capture a sense of how massive this last major air raid in Europe was. The experiences for each person was different, but they all shared a bond of being part of the war. I’m glad he was able to document their experiences and share them with so many others so we - in today’s world - don’t forget the price these people paid to bring peace to the world. Well done.