Flight of the Forgotten: A True Story of Heroism and Betrayal

by Mark Vance

Flight of the Forgotten is the true story of one of the most closely-guarded American military secrets of all time. It is intriguing, controversial and thought-provoking. It traverses 50 years, two generations, and the realities of our physical world. Flight of the Forgotten represents a 50 year-old aviation mystery, officially "forgotten" by the United States Government.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1998

About the author

MISSION STATEMENT: "Bringing Darkness into the Light."
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"To fully appreciate "Angels of Light - Beyond The Veil", please read the source document "Flight of the Forgotten - A True Story of Heroism and Betrayal"

"When it comes to things of the spirit, the majority are almost always wrong."

Mark A. Vance is a veteran airline captain for a major US airline with over 27,000 flying hours. He also has C-Suite experience as the President/CEO of a successful capital management firm. His academic credits include an A.S. and B.S. Degree in Air Commerce-Transportation Technology from Florida Institute of Technology, an M.B.A. Degree in Accounting from Indiana Wesleyan University, an M.S. Degree in Strategic Management from Indiana University, a Graduate Certificate in Treasury Management from Duke University and Graduate Certificates in Aviation Management and Advanced Project Management from Stanford University. He has the academic distinction of Beta Gamma Sigma membership, a scholarly entity reserved for the top ten-percent of global business school graduates from AACSB accredited institutions.

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Well-Written World War II Novel — Go Get This Book and Read ASAP!

So, first let me say, this tale is written such that it’s quite hard to know how much is fiction, how much is real. [I say this despite the title stating it’s a “True Story”.] Certainly, The Author took liberties retelling life stories and daily activities of the primary characters, who are admitted to have died at the end of WW2. And, The Author admits that the last Chapter is fictional, in that it “should have happened” but didn’t. Whichever way you tend to follow this book — The Author did a great job of tying together all of the pieces to make it understandable — and believable —- to The Reader.

If you’ve read past the above preface of mine, you’ll find that this book takes The Reader through the many joys and difficulties of flying B-24 Bombers in Europe during WW2. All of the inherent dangers of poorly maintained aircraft are elaborated on time after time, and The Author provides great insight to the planes being shot up or knocked out of the skies during bombing runs, crash landings, and in general the nastiness of war as seen from the aircraft crews.

All of this book’s horrors and brilliance center around one particular B-24 crew; people who are thrown together in a chaotic situation, where every day in the air is a fight for their lives — and how they bonded together. The latter is also an important point that The Author gets you to understand, since the ghosts of these crew members is also a critical part of this book. (Which in turn gets back to wondering if this tale is fictional or not! Clearly, if you think NOT — then you also have to believe in the ghost aspect!)

So, all in all — this is not just another World War 2 story, and it’s not so much about flying or war or destruction. There is deceit, murder, greed, spies, innocent casualties, love, family, comradeship and more. Go read this book and see what YOU think of it!

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Government Betrayal

Even though part of this book was fiction, there was enough truth to add to the cynicism I feel towards the US government, even though I am a conservative. Why was this book brought to my attention? The US GOVERNMENT killing US citizens, who have defended our way of life. Just to keep secrets.
Isn't it time for truth?

[Scarlett Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My uncle was a pilot in WWII. He was shot down over the Ploesti Oil Fields, was a prisoner in a German camp for 18 months and then was part of the long march across Europe at the end of the war. He shared many stories but I never truly understood his sacrifices. This story fleshes out the raw reality of war. It’s spellbinding. The descriptions Mr. Vance uses in telling of the horrors of what the pilots and their crews endured is awe-inspiring. Bombing the enemy, surviving the bitter conditions the men experienced in the open planes and the patriotism of Americans and the other allies during that war brought my uncle’s experiences alive. It is truly one of the most exciting, gripping and tragic stories I have ever read. The corruption and evil of that era has again raised its evil head. The corruption, lies and greed of men seeking power in the 1940s is once again being played out in this era of the 2000’s Thant yo9, Mr. Vance, for exposing what many of us are beginning to realize in our era. Greed, pride, and a lack of any moral compass brings tragedy to all!

[Don Paske · Rating 3 out of 5]

True story? I don’t think so! Apparitions talk to him; the author writes fiction because he doesn’t know the truth...

[John Grantham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Touted as a true story, this simply isn't and the author himself admits that part 3 is fiction, describing it as how the story 'should' end. Part 1 is partly back story about the author's 'paranormal' experiences and his reasons for starting his quest, but even that is padded with alleged killings and threatenings to people he turned to for help, all disjointed and unsubstantiated. We are introduced to a character called Joe McDermot, allegedly an American who joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in WW II and whilst this is entirely possible (many did) the assertion that he was knighted is sheer nonsense. Non Brits cannot be knighted. Part 2 is just as rambling and incoherent, relying on fictional dialogue between members of the Ketchum crew built around what appears to be some information from 44 Bomb Group mission records. Using real men and a real tragedy to spin his fantasy is, to me, akin to grave robbery. He compounds this by asserting that the local Scots from Gairloch plundered the bodies for personal effects and valuables, something unthinkable to the highly moral and religious people of the Highlands of Scotland. I have visited the crashsite, as do many people each year, to pay respects at the memorial. It is wild and lonely country, but beautiful, peaceful and sad. There is no sense of foreboding or evil and I would happily camp there. If I could give the book minus five stars, I surely wood.

[Mark Lukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Highly Suspicious Accident Claims Lives of Heroes

This book resonated with me because my father was in the Army Air Corps and flew missions, out of the UK, to Germany. Its only in later life that I learned the danger and courage it took to do that. This book tells the story of one crew that survived the perils of war only to lose their lives, on the way home. The author is candid with the fact, he mixed fact with fiction. He is a pilot himself and acknowledges a supernatural aspect to this story. Some readers may be put off by this, but I believe anything is possible and he certainly tells a convincing story. Even after all these years, it is impossible not to grieve the loss of these men and the heartache inflicted on their families. I wish the final fictional chapter was reality and hope that someday that might happen.

[Uma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and staggering!!!

This book has shocking, appalling, disgraceful and disgusting account of what was done to the brave members of Jack Ketchum and his crew after they won the World War II and were trying to return home. It truly makes the readers feel ghastly and dreadful at what was done to these heroes!!

One needs to read this book to experience the horror and savagery of the terrible violence inflicted on the Ketchum crew including Ketchum himself!! They deserve our heartfelt everlasting gratitude !!!

Thank you for making us aware of these events, Mark A. Vance. My eternal gratitude to you for bringing this to light. I pray and hope that everyone reads this book!!

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flight of the Forgotten - A True Story of Heroism and Betrayal by Mark Vance is a true story that reads like a novel. Mark Vance wrote this so the true story and the facts can not be hidden or swept away. It is well documented. Mark Vance writes this story to keep your interest. It makes you wonder what has been swept under the rug in the past.

I won this thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flight of the Forgotten by Mark Vance

I really enjoyed this book, it had good times but also sad times. Mark Vance did an amazing job telling this story ,These Men are true hero's and very much needed their story told . There are I'm sure more hero's out there that hat need their stories told

[Bill Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book compelling and fascinating. After the first few chapters, it became almost impossible to put it down!

I found the details of the air war of WWII and of the work of the bomber crew gripping and immersive. I became invested in their stories and their plight.

There is no way to know to what extent the subversive elements of the book were real, but from the perspective of 2025, they certainly seem plausible and the question of their reality still haunts me.

[Lewis Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

My apologies to the author, and to those readers who "buy into" this story. To me, it's just too unbelievable. Maybe this really is non-fictional account of a classified event, but I don't think so. Sorry . . . .

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept my attention, the story line was intriguing and well written. The authors comments about flying kept my attention, as did his knowledge of World War II Pilots and their experiences. It left me wanting to learn more about the event. Will definitely follow this author.

[Toni Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This is an amazing story. Glad I read it. It opened my eyes to true heroes and how evil simple men can turn over Nothing! Thankfully Justice finally prevailed even if it WAS 50 years later.

[RALPH BURDICK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be public knowledge for all!

Writing a true story such as this iis an art in itself, one this author has surely mastered. It’s surely not a fairytale ending, but will be an eye opener on what can and does happen in our lives.
Read it, you will be glad you did!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

[coli james campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave airman

What a great read the author should be honoured for what he has achieved very interesting book I enjoyed 😀 it a lot but very sad story

[Ron · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed in this book. The history parts are poorly written and boring.

[Suki Jantzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Truly Wonderful Book

This entire story left me in tears. The justice that COULD have been is overwhelming. Truly sickening of my own country.

[Mailmanr5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well told story of true events. Characters come alive better than any fictional ones. Unsettling thoughts about what an entity, like a big government, can do.

[Charles Reumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sturnman

Terrific book, loved it. Would of liked it to include what happened with Tom Sturnman, but overall a great read.