What do you think?
Rate this book
Screaming Eagle: Memoirs of a B-17 Group Commander
The commander of an American bomber unit describes the role it played in the air war against Nazi Germany
- GenresHistory
241 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1990
1 person is currently reading
13 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 29, 2024
If you want to know what it was like to command a Bomb Group in the 'Mighty Eighth' during WWII, this book is the place to be. The author commanded the 384th BG at Grafton Underwood aka 'Grafton Undermud'.
From the prewar days to the end of the war we follow the author's career that started in the anti U-boat field. What I found interesting to read is that he flew patrols, after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, to search for a French fleet that was rumored to head for the US East Coast. Had not heard of this before.
When stationed in the UK, to take over command of the 384th, we see how a not so well preforming Bomb Group gets converted into a well oiled and highly respected group of men. Obviously the road to get there is bumpy and losses are high. The 'hands on' stories take you into the skies. You get to see how the groups assemble their formations, how the bombers thunder towards their targets, and how these young men get back to base. Aircraft are shot up at times, but the B-17 often brought them home safely, despite large amounts of damage.
War obviously comes with a price and the author's private life also suffered.
Overall this makes for an excellent read.
From the prewar days to the end of the war we follow the author's career that started in the anti U-boat field. What I found interesting to read is that he flew patrols, after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, to search for a French fleet that was rumored to head for the US East Coast. Had not heard of this before.
When stationed in the UK, to take over command of the 384th, we see how a not so well preforming Bomb Group gets converted into a well oiled and highly respected group of men. Obviously the road to get there is bumpy and losses are high. The 'hands on' stories take you into the skies. You get to see how the groups assemble their formations, how the bombers thunder towards their targets, and how these young men get back to base. Aircraft are shot up at times, but the B-17 often brought them home safely, despite large amounts of damage.
War obviously comes with a price and the author's private life also suffered.
Overall this makes for an excellent read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review