The Man Who Flew the Memphis Belle: Memoir of a WWII Bomber Pilot

by Robert K. Morgan, Ron Powers

A journey into the heart of war above 20,000 feet is told by the leader of the first bombing crew to survive twenty-five daylight missions over the danger-filled skies of occupied France and Nazi Germany and return to the United States. 22,500 first printing.

Genres: History, Biography, Aviation, World War II, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, War

388 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1992

About the author

Robert Knight Morgan (July 31, 1918 – May 15, 2004) was a colonel and a Command Pilot in the United States Air Force from Asheville, North Carolina. During World War II, while a captain in the United States Army Air Forces, Morgan was a bomber pilot with the 8th Air Force in the European theater and the aircraft commander of the famous B-17 Flying Fortress, Memphis Belle, flying 25 missions. After completing his European tour, Morgan flew another 26 combat missions in the B-29 Superfortress against Japan in the Pacific Theater.

Reviews

[Faith]

Well, that was disappointing.

I'm not going to rate this book since, technically, I didn't read it. (I literally skimmed the whole thing in about thirty minutes.) I did make a couple notes though, stuff about B-17s and USAAF life during the war. But as for the book it's self? Nope.

First off, there's loads of language. Augh, it just really irks me. Must you cuss every other sentence?! >_<

Also, I know it's a biography, but I really don't care what the author did in college. Or the bucketful of girlfriends he had...which turned to three wives and multiple affairs. I understand that all that was part of his life, but it inferred with my appreciation for the parts that I DID enjoy (mainly, telling about the plane, the crew, and their missions).

That said, I am glad I got it and skimmed it, and I would like to learn more about the Memphis Belle. :)

[Coriolana Weatherby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Morgan is a bit of an enigma. Having the personality of both a fighter pilot as well as a bomber pilot. A guy who lives for his crew mates, but also thoroughly enjoys the high life and romantic conquests. It was a different read from the bomber memoires I’ve read so far, wilder, and broader in its scope.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn new things about the bomber campaign in the Pacific. A topic I usually shy away from. A good read, with enough personality to entertain even those who’d normally not read non-fiction.

[Kristin Towers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immersive and surprisingly (nicely, thoughtfully) balanced. It’s nostalgic but not forlorn, a little revisionist but not in a problematic way. Morgan does sometimes use phrasing “of his time”, but — if you can get over it — he always gives credit where it’s due and it’s clear he has tremendous respect for his peers, regardless of class, race, or gender; even saving a little empathy for enemy combatants and especially civilians on all fronts of the war.

Ron McLarty’s reading is perfect; someone’s grandpa got caught in the elevator with you who made the best of it.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. I listened to the audio book. The narrator made it feel like you were actually listening to the author. It reads very informally. Like you’re in an auditorium listening to a candid speaker.

I’ve always enjoyed the movie “Memphis Belle.” To have the author mention it, and even point out flaws was okay with me. I still love the movie and this book.

It was a quick read. I must have listened to the abridged version. I wouldn’t have tired of a longer version.

I still have the utmost respect for our military. Especially the men from the WWII era.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about Robert Morgan and his life leading up to becoming the pilot who flew the Memphis Belle to 25 missions while in Europe. I was hoping for more of a description of some of the missions, but his input on everything else that was going on was great. After he was sent home after accomplishing 25 missions he still wanted to contribute and was sent to the Western front in the Pacific and flew another 26 missions, which is amazing. The odds of that happening must have been too high to imagine. His accounts of what was happening during that time were extremely educational. I knew we bombed Japan, but I didn't know there were over 2,000 missions over there. Of course there were a few things not that great and I am sure some people might be put off on his life style, but it was still a very good read.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because this was a true tale of courage and sacrifice. Robert Morgan (and his crew)lived through 25 bombing missions and the writing help of Ron Powers makes this book a well done memoir.

[richard m. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting perspective on the bombing of Europe and Japan in WW II.
Not great writing, but a satisfying read.

[Mike Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morgan is the real deal - 25 missions over Europe in the legendary Memphis Belle and 26 over Japan in the Dauntless Dotty, a B-29. He lived his entire life in the Asheville area, close to where I now live which made his story more vivid. As a memoirist, he's a little sentimental, sometimes unabashedly corny, but authentic. He clearly wants the reader to understand how he felt and what combat was like. He takes a perverse but justifiable pride in his occasionally disobeying orders, his independent and rebellious streak and with few regrets, his womanizing - he was married five times. He devotes a lot of space to his failed romance with the girl for whom the Memphis Belle was named as well. As far as I can tell, he attempts to deliver an honest account of his life including his post war failures an alcoholism. Nevertheless, his story has a happy ending - his last two marriages were great successes, he found faith through Billy Graham, and fully embraced his role as a living monument. I would like to have met him.

[Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reason I chose to read this book is that this is a story of the greatest generation. Humble, average people that did extraordinary things to survive a vicious war. Robert Morgan just wanted to fly an airplane growing up. Things worked out for him in many ways. He enlisted and was able to fly despite a bum left eye. His war experience was captured in the William Wyler documentary, The Memphis Belle.
He and his crew were the first to complete 25 missions over Europe. This was a big thing. Their 26th mission was a publicity tour stateside. He got his 15 minutes of fame. Robert Morgan could have stayed in the states after his Europe tour. He chose to fly the new B-29 with a tour of the Japanese theater.
This guy was born lucky. Along with all the others that survived WWII. Many, many died. His life after the war was atypical of many veterans. They thrived and flourished in the 50s & 60s. If they were lucky, they made it into their 80s. I really like this book

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting read. I love history and I love being able to dive a little deeper than just textbooks go. This book had a beautiful insight of the person behind the massive Memphis Belle. Bob Morgan's experience flying throughout WWII and all the aftermath is a great insight as to how things are for our veteran's. His experiences once he got home and doing the tour all of it took a toll on him but he was able to flourish from that and moved on. The story about the fantastic life of the Memphis Belle is intriguing. I recently got to see it's beauty at the Airforce Museum in Dayton when they brought it to it's new home. It is beautiful and to think of everything that it has been through even after the war amazes me. It's a piece of history that is tangible to me and my kids that they will be able to see for themselves. Beautiful book!

[Stan Blackburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book looks at the life of a famous B17 bomber pilot during the European campaign of WWII; Col. Morgan was the guy who flew the Memphis Belle through 25 successful missions. This was no small task. For he was the first to do it. Most B17s were shot down way before their 25th mission. But the story is more than that. It looks at Bob Morgan's life before and after the "Belle," which makes for some interesting reading. Mostly, however, the book deviates from any one true aim. The narrative bounces around a lot. It often reads like Bob Morgan telling you a bunch of loosely-bound war stories -- some interesting; others . . . well. I find it, therefore, lacking in the "sustaining my interest" department. No disrespect to Col. Morgan, however.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished The Man Who Flew the Memphis Belle: Memoir of a WWII Bomber Pilot by Robert Morgan. They were the first crew to complete 25 bombing missions over Europe. The B-17, Memphis Belle, is currently on display at the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, OH, where I will be attending my USAF Squadron reunion this weekend. Interesting side note, Col. Bob Morgan went on to fly 26 additional bombing missions over Japan in a B-29! Great book!

[Chris Tschirhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got to know some things I did not know before. The book got into a bit of his life that didn't have all that much to do with the Belle and how youth got the better of both of them and they didn't wind up together as they thought they would during the war.

It is interesting that he flew another 26 missions to Japan in B 29's and how it almost took him to the end of his rope. I give the book a 2 to a 3. Robert died a few months after the book came out. Part of the last great generation.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really felt bad giving this book two stars. I tried so hard to like it, but it was poorly written and I simply never grew to like Bob Morgan. Every person has character flaws, but I found his flaws too difficult to get past in order to enjoy the book. He and his crew accomplished incredible feats during the war, but Morgan’s disaster of a personal life overshadows the more important war story here.

[H.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A memoir about a man who happened to fly the Memphis Belle more than a memoir about flying the Memphis Belle. As other readers have noted, a lot of reflection on girlfriends and wives... and then the bombing Germany part seems to fly by! Overall, not a bad read-- just different than what I was expecting.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stupendous!

One of the best of many WWII books I have read. Impeccable writing made it a pleasure to journey through the life of Bob Morgan, his family and each of his fabulous crew!
I loved every word, sweated out every mission, and the insights into his personal life gave it stupendous meaning! Must read!

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging. I'm not usually big on memoirs but this was easy to get into and get lost in.

[Tim Ganotis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This guy humps everything with a pulse. After the war he becomes pals with Billy Graham. Ick.

[Ian A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent personal memoir of an aviation legend.

[Jeff Copsetta]

Meeting the author made this a very special read

[Matt Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awsesome Book!!!!

[Eric Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic and made me realize how lame the movie actually is.

[Steve Ayotte · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pedantic. All the author did was talk about himself and his great achievements.

[Michael Dorosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving aside the question of historical accuracy except for one comment - I was a little unconvinced by Morgan's soliloquy's on WW II grand strategy, such as his explanations of how the war in Russia was fought, and other things that he as a 23-25 year old bomber pilot would have known little about and perhaps cared even less. These parts of the book come across as forced.



Having said that, however, I have no doubt Morgan felt them necessary to put the overall story into context, and they do that well. This makes the book perfect for youngsters or those with no understanding of the larger picture of WW II history, and thus provide this with a broader appeal.



But the meat of the story is Morgan himself. This is not "just" a story of a bomber pilot, this is a wonderfully told story of Bob Morgan, the man, and a blushingly honest discussion of his many demons - his relationship with his departed mother, his father and siblings, his girlfriends, fiancees and wives, his crew (many of whom were fast friends), his superiors, and a terrific look at how he grew up, trained for war, matured as a commander, lived as a returning veteran, and overcame the evils of a pampered upbringing, and learned the value of hard work.



The details about his tour with the 8th Bomber Command were especially interesting, and his revelations about the WW II documentary about his aircraft will answer many questions for ardent Memphis Belle fans who always wondered how much of the 1943 documentary was real (apparently, not much), and also records what Morgan thought of the 1990 film with Matthew Modine (apparently, not much).



His tour in B-29s is also well discussed. This is very much a terrific human interest story which just happens to take place in flak-filled skies. It's certainly more Twelve O'Clock High, with its introspection, than it is Monte Merrick's Memphis Belle, with its cartoon heroics.



Colonel Morgan is to be commended for his bravery in baring his soul to the rest of us, for trying to make sense of his life in a way that we can all learn, for admitting to the hurt he has caused others, and allowing us to relate to his own hurts. He was a courageous man at 23 - he had to be - but then, of his own accord, I think he was even braver in his 80s for writing this thoroughly inspirational book.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert K. Morgan, American hero and flyboy, tells his life story through WWII in The Man Who Flew the Memphis Belle: Memoir of a WWII Bomber Pilot.

Before my review I must be honest about my connections to the story of Robert Morgan. I first fell in love with the movie, Memphis Belle and when picking a research project in college, chose the Memphis Belle, the plane and crew. I've also helped to restore the Belle when it was in Millington, TN with the Memphis Belle Association and when it came to naming my daughter, I could think of nothing else than the Belle and named her Morgan after the pilot.

Robert Morgan begins his story all the way back to childhood in Asheville, NC on the Vanderbilt estate. He fills the book with engaging stories of his childhood and eccentric upbringing. My favorite parts were hearing about his mother's and Gloria Vanderbilt's friendship. He also indulges the readers interest by telling of his whirlwind romance with the Memphis Belle, Miss Margret Polk and his heroics in serving both in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of war.

I greatly appreciate Col. Morgan's perspective looking back at his life. He does so without glorifying his accomplishes or exaggerating his mistakes but instead comes across as a grandfather telling his story as straightforward as possible. I appreciated the truth of his escapades rather than the conformed story the magazines and newspapers shared. He makes the WWII generation seem closer to the present generation by showcasing the true feelings of a young man going off to war.

This is a must read of those wanting an honest look at a war hero. Because of language and some adult content, I would suggest for older high school and adult. I appreciate the story more as I get older and am able to look back on my life with a new understanding.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book, providing both a detailed look at what it was like to fly bombers during World War II (in both the European and Pacific theaters), as well as an incredibly intimate look at the impact it had on the life of the author. Robert Morgan enjoyed a rather privileged childhood, growing up on and around the Vanderbilt’s Biltmore estate in North Carolina. He was a reckless young man who joined the army because he knew his services were likely to be needed and because he wanted to fly. He ended up doing more than his share of both before the war was over. He is famous for his 25 successful missions flying the Memphis Belle, but after returning to the US for the publicity tour in 1943, he learned to pilot the B-29 and found himself on Saipan, flying 26 additional bombing missions over Japan.

While Morgan’s military career was a distinguished success, he was less successful in his personal life. It is in discussing his failures in his relationships that Morgan’s honesty and integrity shine. He is candid about his failings and thoughtful in reflecting on his motives and behavior. He is equally reflective about the impact of his war experiences on his life after the war, and does an interesting job of charting the response of the nation to the war in tracing both his personal story, as well as that of the Memphis Belle herself. It is fitting that both Morgan and the Belle find some peace at the end of the book.

This is an excellent book for anyone who is interested in learning what it was like to be part of the unprecedented bombing campaigns of the Second World War, or anyone who wants to better understand the impact of that war on those who fought it.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Col. Morgan does a great job telling his story. From his early life, living at the Builtmore estates in NC to basic to being the first B-17 pilot to bring his crew home after 25 missions.

He talks about his missions in the Europen theater of the war and even going on to fly in the Doolittle raids over Japan. This man flew a total of 51 missions (25 over Europe and 26 over in the Pacific theater) when the average crew flew about 8 or 10 (i dont recall the exact number it may be higher or lower)
It's easier to keep up with his missions than it is to keep up with how many times he married. It's funny to read about all his antics and wildness then its humbling to read about his losses and courage.
The book goes through his life after the war also.
All in all an amazing read. I had a hard time putting it down to go to bed.

[Jen Hodgson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honour all those who fought in the battles in the sky including Robert Morgan and I'm pretty sure it's nothing to do with the book itself or the way it was written, but sadly I couldn't get into this book.
I found myself skipping large chunks of it which I loathe myself for doing. I think it's one of those books that is going to get popped back on the shelf and one day I'll pick it up and read a few more pages before putting it back until finally getting to the end one day.
From a technical point of view it is well paced and not overly descriptive which can some times be the case with non-fiction; other readers passionate about this element of WW2 will enjoy this book immensely. Happy reading!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have I read a historical autobiography that kept me so engaged until I read "The Man Who Flew the Memphis Belle". Robert Morgan does an excellent job of fusing his entertaining personal life with the grit of flying B-17s and B-29s in the European and Pacific theaters of WWII. Morgan openly and seamlessly discusses his many lovers and failed relationships while integrating the brutal reality of being a bomber pilot in the Second World War. He is clearly a well-spoken individual and it shines through in his writing. I would highly recommend it for anyone with casual interest in WWII or looking for a good primary source on the WWII bombing campaigns.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice personal insight into the generation of WWII and this man specifically. Since I am a history buff and am amazed at what that generation did, I enjoyed the between the lines implications and lessons.