Silver Wings Falling Down: Based on a true WWII story

by Yvonne Kays

MISSING IN ACTION—EIGHT MEN BEHIND ENEMY LINES...

After Pearl Harbor, W.T. Eaves swaps the West Texas oil fields for the skies, earning his silver wings as a bomber pilot in the Army Air Corps. While training in Galveston, the beautiful, dark-eyed Jean captures Eaves’ heart and they marry—just months before he’s sent to war.

Called to aerial combat in the Fifteenth Air Force, Eaves and his B-24 crew run the gauntlet of flak and battle the Luftwaffe to deliver their bombloads. Time and again they watch comrades fall from the skies.
But before completing their thirty missions, luck runs out. Flak destroys an engine and somewhere over Yugoslavia, enemy fighters swarm in for the kill.

Back in Texas, the devastating telegram “Missing in Action”. For Eaves and his young bride, grit, courage, and faith are their only lifeline—to impossible hope, and to each other.

Silver Wings Falling Down is a powerful true story of love, loyalty, and survival against impossible odds—a tribute to the generation that risked everything for freedom.

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2025

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a true gift to honor family and others from the past by interweaving their stories, memorabilia and historical facts from such a time in the history of our world! Amid such evil and suffering, so many of that generation stood fast to defeat it. The author has told stories, backed by documentation of some of this time! I would recommend it as an inspiration to us all to remember and honor that. I couldn't put it down, from wanting to know what would happen next! Then to read her epilogue and acknowledgments of where it all came from was a real extra, I thought! Highly recommend this to World War II fans. Very inspirational!

[Cj Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of historical fiction set in World War II focused on bomber pilots are in for a treat! Kays gives an incredibly detailed and obviously well researched account of her uncle’s true life story along with rich details of his crew and even family back home. Silver Wings Falling Down pays tribute to the valiant service of the young men who served in the war in often harrowing circumstances. Kays takes the reader along with Captain W.T. Eaves as he leaves his family and beloved wife at home in West Texas to go overseas flying bomber missions. The author’s exhaustive research shines through with vivid details of many missions, both “milk run” missions and incredibly dangerous missions. I am not an expert in the types of planes or the dangers encountered on a mission, but as a reader I felt like I was on the journey with Eaves and his crew and fellow airmen. When Eaves and his plane go down over Yugoslavia and they become missing in action, Kays will have you completely captivated wondering what will happen to all the men as they avoid capture, or in the case of a few men, become prisoners of war. Telling these stories pays great tribute to the bravery and honor of the men who served as well as the sacrifices of those who had to stay at home.

[Eddie Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend. Based on a true story of a WWII Pilot and crew of B24 Bombers. Draws you into how the family is impacted on the home front and the friendships developed during a war that impacted the world we live in. True Heroes who loved their family and fought for our country bravely. Really makes you feel like you were in the plane with them. The story of their plane being shot down behind enemy lines and how they made it home is inspiring.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the flak-filled skies of 1944, Captain William T. "Red" Eaves (1922–2009) and the 777th Squadron, 464th Bomb Group became legends of the 15th Air Force. Based at Pantanella, Italy, the 777th was a "Heavy" unit flying the B-24 Liberator, tasked with dismantling the Nazi war machine from the south.

​The "All Meat No Potatoes" Crew
​Operating under the call sign "Yellow N," Red Eaves—a Galveston, Texas native—led a crew that exemplified grit. The squad consisted of:
​Officers: Co-pilot Dan Sherman Jr., Navigator Bob Haverkos, and Bombardier Lawrence Lambert.
​Enlisted: James Elder (Engineer), Bill Christel (Radio), Joe Linneman & Sylvester Fangman (Waist), James Petrone (Ball Turret), and George Masterson (Tail).

​Valour at Pardubice
​The crew’s defining moment came on August 24, 1944, during a strike on the oil refineries in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia. Faced with intense anti-aircraft fire and aggressive fighter interceptions, Eaves maintained a steady lead, allowing the 464th to drop their payload with devastating precision. For his gallantry, Eaves was awarded the Silver Star, cited for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity," that saved his formation and ensured the mission's success.

​The Cost of War
​The 777th faced brutal odds. The 464th lost 138 aircraft, and hundreds of men were KIA or became POWs in the "flak alleys" of Vienna and Ploesti. On D-Day alone, while the world looked at France, the Group lost five crews over Romania. Despite the heavy losses that claimed their Squadron Commander, Major Thomas Carter, the Eaves crew survived their tour through a combination of elite skill and the "luck of the Irish."

​Legacy & Aftermath
​After the war, "Red" returned to Galveston, marrying Jean Webb Eaves and building a life defined by the same quiet strength he showed in the cockpit. He passed away in 2009, leaving a legacy as one of the most decorated pilots of the 464th. Today, their B-24, "All Meat No Potatoes," remains a symbol of the 15th Air Force's "all-substance" contribution to the Allied victory.

[Lisa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re into World War II stories—especially ones the airman of the war—this one’s a great choice. It’s got that perfect mix of fast-paced, can’t-put-it-down storytelling and real, meaningful depth. The author weaves together her uncle’s true story with letters, memories, and historical detail, and you can tell she did her homework. It feels personal in a way that a lot of historical fiction doesn’t.

What really sticks with you is the humanity in it all. Yes, there’s danger, intense missions, and the harsh reality those crews faced—but there are also these quieter moments of love, faith, and unexpected kindness that balance it out. You see the weight of what they went through, and it leaves you with a real sense of gratitude for their sacrifices. It's no wonder they are called the "greatest generation".

And the epilogue and photos? That’s like the bonus that makes it all hit even harder. It brings everything full circle and reminds you these weren’t just characters—they were real people with real lives.

It’s inspiring without being preachy, detailed without dragging, and emotional without feeling forced. If you like WWII stories or just want something that pulls you in and stays with you, this one’s absolutely worth your time.

*Thank you to NetGAlley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel. All opinions are 100% my own

[j jenks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling true Survival story of WWII pilot & crew

Could NOT put this exciting true story down. I'm a girl, a pilot, & CFI. Kays' gives accurate thrilling attention to details. 1.During each bomb run, pilots must put on oxygen mask above 10,000 feet. Still true today in small un pressurized airplanes.
2. When the heavy bombs quickly dropped out, the plane pitched up & needed to be managed. When I piloted the plane that dropped sky divers, I was surprised by the immediate up-pitch of my plane. Each & every time.
My awe, respect & gratitude for the author & for the magnificent FLY BOYS exceed mere words.
Well written. Explained military terminology to this civilian.
Jean Jenks
Single engine land pilot license
Certified Flight Instructor

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author that I have read. It was a wonderful read full of well-written history, adventure and a nice sprinkling of Christian content. It is based on the true story of her uncle's life during World War II. It shows the courage and loss of those who fought for our freedom. This is a wonderful read for all those who enjoy war stories, as well as for those who don’t. Well researched and well written. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you can slug through the first half of this book, which is very descriptive and a little slow moving, the second half is worth it. You need the first half to understand the character and setting. But I am came here for what happens in the second half. I really enjoy the writing and storytelling of this book. Especially since it was based on a true story.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy, in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

WWII fans will be delighted with this book! It's a fast-paced story about military pilots and the dangers that they faced. Eaves and his crew suffered many hardships. Throughout these difficulties, Eaves saw the hand of God on him. The author did a fantastic job with research! I really enjoyed the epilogue and the pictures!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anna C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yvonne Kays' debut novel, Silver Wings Falling Down, follows the true WWII story of her uncle W.T. Eaves, a B-24 pilot, and his crew, who fly dangerous missions over Europe. The story is fast-paced and action-packed, filled with moments that require courage in the face of impossible odds and faith in God's providence. The love story of Eaves and his new bride raises the stakes. Will he make it home to her? Read the book to find out!

[Carol Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silver Wings Falling Down generated profound gratitude for the sacrifices made for freedom in this WWII novel. Yvonne Kays did a great job of immersing the reader in the challenging aerial combat missions and in scenarios where “misery stalked their steps.” I appreciated the brighter scenes, too—scenes where love grew and when the kindness of strangers buoyed hearts and perseverance. Definitely worth reading.

[Terri Wangard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is based on the author’s uncle’s experience as a B-24 pilot in WWII. Very well researched with lots of details of life in the Army Air Corp. The account of the airmen’s escape from Yugoslavia with the necessary help of partisans will curl your toes.

[Yvonne Kays · Rating 5 out of 5]

We must remember the heroes who paid the price for the freedoms we enjoy. And give glory to God for the victory over evil.