Pathfinder Pioneer: The Memoir of a Lead Bomber Pilot in World War II

by Raymond Brim, Celia Straus

One young man’s story of combat in the air, constant battles for survival, and the development of radar technology for use against the Luftwaffe.   This is the story of how an eighteen-year-old miner shoveling ore from deep in the ground in Utah suddenly found himself, only two years later, 30,000 feet in the air over Nazi Germany, piloting a Flying Fortress in the first wave of America’s air counteroffensive in Europe.   Like thousands of other young Americans, Ray Brim was plucked out by the US Army to be a combat flyer, and was quickly pitted against the hardened veterans of the Luftwaffe. Brim turned out to have a natural knack for flying, however, and was assigned to the select squadron developing lead pathfinder techniques, while experimenting with radar. He was among the first to test the teeth of the Luftwaffe’s defenses, and once those techniques had been honed, thousands of other bomber crews would follow into the maelstrom—from which 80,000 never returned.   This book gives us vivid insights into the genesis of the American air campaign, told with the humor, attention to detail, and humility that captures the heart and soul of our “Greatest Generation.” Brim was one of the first Pathfinder pilots to fly both day and night missions, leading bomb groups of six-hundred-plus bombers to their targets. At the onset of his missions in the spring of 1943, B-17 crews were given a fifty-fifty chance of returning. All his raids were nerve-wracking forays into the unknown, struggles to survive the damage to his plane caused by flak and German fighter attacks and bring his ten-man crew home, often wounded—but still alive.

Genres: World War II, History, Nonfiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2020

Reviews

[Arttie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, I found this to be a very well written book, with a good deal of less-than-common knowledge about the Pathfinder program. Books written by members of Flying Fortress crews always fascinate me, as theirs are some of the most adventurous tales to be told. Not overly heavy on technical jargon, and not reading like a history text book, "Pathfinder Pioneer" has found a permanent home in my WWII autobiography collection! Well worth the read!

[Paul Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first hand account of B-17 Pilot

The author kept detailed records of his time flying B-17's in the Eighth Air Force in1943. He was an original Pathfinder pilot. It was very interesting to see that he was the lead pilot for many of the same missions my father was on and I recognized his anecdotes as things my father also said.

[Robert M. Roth MD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting depiction of a B 29 Pilot ‘s War

The book spans much of the life of the pilot, from childhood, through training and his missions in Europe. One of the fortunate men to complete his 25 missions without injury, he becomes part of the original group of Pathfinders. The book concludes with his post war career in the USAF.

[Brad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only one third of the book is about flying in the war. First third is upbringing. Middle is war. Last third is post war career.

Could have been better, but it certainly was not a bad book by any means.

[EDWARD L SEMLER · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book......but

As a retired military person I really enjoy reading other service members stories of their service. This book is good but for me it lacked the detailed description of combat missions that I have enjoyed in other books. Although this was a major point of me reading the book I found that there was more time spent on pre and post combat service then the actual missions themselves and several missions were only a couple of paragraphs. I also felt a little let down that the author mentions having numerous pictures of events but there is not a single picture in the book.

[Douglas Laymon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real life account of what hell they went through!

Exciting rest hand description of what is was like. As a peace time AF pilot it was shocking what these guys went through. Loved the book easy read, well written.

[Lucas Van Meeuwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book.

Super fun to read and very detailed stories about the b-17 and its bombing missions above Europe.
The author kept good records of his missions and told it In an entertaining but very factual way.
10/10 would recommend.

[Steve Whittaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend

Well written book about from a career Air Force officer. Very insightful chapters regarding WWII life while flying highly stressful combat missions.

[Evan l. Bench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed and educational

Learned much about the B17 and the heroic missions these men risked their lives to accomplish. I’m afraid we would be out of luck to find such men today.

[Pduit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, hidden story of one of America’s hero’s of WWII and beyond.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating read!

I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but this was definitely not a dry and dusty tome. This incredible memoir has a great friendly tone with humour, straight-forward facts and vivid descriptions with just the right amount of detail. As I was reading I felt like I was sitting at my grandfather's feet and listening to him tell his war stories!
From the anecdotes of Ray Brim's childhood to the rigours of training, the harrowing experiences of combat, how he became a Pathfinder, and life beyond the war; it's all equally interesting and well-told. There's a lot of information packed in but I still would have liked even more pages!

Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in WW2 aviation and military history, it's worth it!

* I received a free e-copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review