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When Heroes Flew #1
When Heroes Flew
For B-24 bomber pilot Al Lycoming, the mission was history in the making.
Dispatched to Benghazi, Libya, on mysterious orders, he finds nearly 200 other B-24 bombers being assembled...and a top secret assignment that will catapult them all into seemingly impenetrable Nazi defenses.
Their mission: a daring low-level attack on Hitler’s extensive oil refineries.
But when his co-pilot falls ill, Albert is forced to secretly find help from an unlikely source—a female pilot who ferried a bomber from America.
Together, the two launch on the most daring bombing raid of WWII...and into the pages of history.
WHEN HEROES FLEW is a novel of extraordinary bravery, based on the true story of one of the most historic air raids ever flown. With perspectives from American and German pilots alike, this gripping thriller will keep you turning pages until the fateful ending.
Dispatched to Benghazi, Libya, on mysterious orders, he finds nearly 200 other B-24 bombers being assembled...and a top secret assignment that will catapult them all into seemingly impenetrable Nazi defenses.
Their mission: a daring low-level attack on Hitler’s extensive oil refineries.
But when his co-pilot falls ill, Albert is forced to secretly find help from an unlikely source—a female pilot who ferried a bomber from America.
Together, the two launch on the most daring bombing raid of WWII...and into the pages of history.
WHEN HEROES FLEW is a novel of extraordinary bravery, based on the true story of one of the most historic air raids ever flown. With perspectives from American and German pilots alike, this gripping thriller will keep you turning pages until the fateful ending.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2020
4352 people are currently reading
4211 people want to read
About the author
H.W. "Buzz" Bernard
16 books87 followersH. W. “Buzz” Bernard is a bestselling, award-winning novelist.
His debut novel, EYEWALL, published in 2011, became a number-one bestseller in Amazon’s Kindle Store.
Three of his next four novels won Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition (EPIC) eBook awards in the suspense/thriller category.
In 2020, with the publication of WHEN HEROES FLEW, Buzz switched from writing suspense/thriller novels to WWII historical fiction and began a new series. The first three novels in the series were awarded Gold Medals by the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA). Buzz himself was honored with the MWSA’s highest accolade in 2023, the Founder’s Award.
WHEN HEROES FLEW: THE ROOF OF THE WORLD, the third book in the series, in addition to garnering an MWSA Gold Medal, won the 2023 Nancy Pearl Book Award for genre fiction. The award is sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.
Buzz is currently working on his fifth WWII historical fiction book.
Before becoming a novelist, Buzz worked at The Weather Channel as a senior meteorologist for thirteen years. Prior to that, he served as a weather officer in the U.S. Air Force for over three decades. He attained the rank of colonel and received, among other awards, the Legion of Merit.
Buzz is a past president of the Southeastern Writers Association as well as a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, the Willamette Writers, the Military Writers Society of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Atlanta Writers Club.
Although a native Oregonian, Buzz lived for 35 years in Atlanta, and now resides in Kennewick, Washington, with his wife Barbara and their fuzzy Shih Tzu, Stormy . . . who doesn’t live up to his name.
Buzz’s website can be found at www.buzzbernard.com.
His debut novel, EYEWALL, published in 2011, became a number-one bestseller in Amazon’s Kindle Store.
Three of his next four novels won Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition (EPIC) eBook awards in the suspense/thriller category.
In 2020, with the publication of WHEN HEROES FLEW, Buzz switched from writing suspense/thriller novels to WWII historical fiction and began a new series. The first three novels in the series were awarded Gold Medals by the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA). Buzz himself was honored with the MWSA’s highest accolade in 2023, the Founder’s Award.
WHEN HEROES FLEW: THE ROOF OF THE WORLD, the third book in the series, in addition to garnering an MWSA Gold Medal, won the 2023 Nancy Pearl Book Award for genre fiction. The award is sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.
Buzz is currently working on his fifth WWII historical fiction book.
Before becoming a novelist, Buzz worked at The Weather Channel as a senior meteorologist for thirteen years. Prior to that, he served as a weather officer in the U.S. Air Force for over three decades. He attained the rank of colonel and received, among other awards, the Legion of Merit.
Buzz is a past president of the Southeastern Writers Association as well as a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, the Willamette Writers, the Military Writers Society of America, International Thriller Writers, and the Atlanta Writers Club.
Although a native Oregonian, Buzz lived for 35 years in Atlanta, and now resides in Kennewick, Washington, with his wife Barbara and their fuzzy Shih Tzu, Stormy . . . who doesn’t live up to his name.
Buzz’s website can be found at www.buzzbernard.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
December 22, 2020
I love a good WWII story. They are heavier (for obvious reasons), but history is important. Especially during such a tumultuous time in history - then and now.
WWII is my favorite period for historical fiction, but I’ve never come across one told from the perspective of pilots. This one is particularly interesting because the two main perspectives are that of both a German and American pilot. Also, there is a female aviator. Which, of course, is awesome.
WWII is my favorite period for historical fiction, but I’ve never come across one told from the perspective of pilots. This one is particularly interesting because the two main perspectives are that of both a German and American pilot. Also, there is a female aviator. Which, of course, is awesome.
August 26, 2021
Disclosure: I stopped reading when the female pilot was introduced. Bear with me, I'll explain later.
I love reading about WW2, particularly the aviation and air combat parts of it. I prefer reading non-fiction, but occasionally I bite on a novel like this.
That was a mistake.
There were a lot of things I disliked about the book right away, which ultimately made me quit reading pretty early into the book.
First of all, the whole book (or at least the whole of what I read of the book) felt like one big cliche. You've already read every scene in other books, or seen them in movies. There's the hunting scene where one character decides not to kill the animal at the decisive moment, although with a slight twist.
There's the scene where a military man is being spoken to in his commanding officer's office, and the CO waves away military protocol to go with a first name basis instead. (never seen that happen in the real military)
The most predictable scene involves the introduction of the female B-24 pilot, and is what ultimately led me to quit reading, because I could see exactly what was coming a mile away. You have this B-24 in an emergency landing. As it plays out, the author repeatedly, and intentionally has the other male characters watching, refer to this unknown pilot by male pronouns. That would be realistic in the real WW2, but it is cringey in this case... Of course the B-24 lands safely, using an impressive tactic, and when the female pilot gets off the plane, the male characters' reactions are exactly what you predicted they would be.
Some of the characters are stock "war movie" characters. You have the "skinny Jewish kid from Brooklyn" who is in every single American WW2 book and movie made in the last 30 years. Then you have the Germans who you are supposed to feel a little sympathetic towards, so they immediately have to make it known somehow that they aren't Nazis, and don't agree with what their government is doing. It's the trope of there being only 2 allowable kinds of German characters in fiction. The first being the de-humanized cartoon monster type, who is just pure evil and has zero redeeming features or character development. The 2nd, being the "good German" who is anti-Nazi and who usually ends up helping enemies of the government.
The dialog is pretty poor in places. There are times when it is obvious the characters are just giving you exposition, and the dialog between the German fighter pilot and his CO when they meet is another bit of unrealistic cringe. One American Major makes a comment about how the B-24s on the low level attack mission will keep from blowing each other up with their own bombs. You're a Major and fly bombers, but you seem to have never heard of delayed fuses on bombs? Again, it's obviously just a bit of poorly written exposition for the reader.
I just eventually had enough of the book. Thank goodness it was on Kindle Unlimited and didn't cost me anything other than my monthly subscription fee. I'm almost tempted to keep reading, just to see if I can predict what other cliche scenes might appear later. Will there be some sexist comments directed at the female B-24 pilot by her male colleagues? Will she be a Mary Sue who is good at everything, and has no character faults? Will the skinny Jewish kid from Brooklyn get to have some personal revenge upon the Nazis? Will the "good German" fighter pilot do something to help the Allies, rather than his own country? Will the B-24 limp home on 2 engines with half the crew wounded or dead from flak and fighters? I guess I'll never know, as I don't want to read another page.
I love reading about WW2, particularly the aviation and air combat parts of it. I prefer reading non-fiction, but occasionally I bite on a novel like this.
That was a mistake.
There were a lot of things I disliked about the book right away, which ultimately made me quit reading pretty early into the book.
First of all, the whole book (or at least the whole of what I read of the book) felt like one big cliche. You've already read every scene in other books, or seen them in movies. There's the hunting scene where one character decides not to kill the animal at the decisive moment, although with a slight twist.
There's the scene where a military man is being spoken to in his commanding officer's office, and the CO waves away military protocol to go with a first name basis instead. (never seen that happen in the real military)
The most predictable scene involves the introduction of the female B-24 pilot, and is what ultimately led me to quit reading, because I could see exactly what was coming a mile away. You have this B-24 in an emergency landing. As it plays out, the author repeatedly, and intentionally has the other male characters watching, refer to this unknown pilot by male pronouns. That would be realistic in the real WW2, but it is cringey in this case... Of course the B-24 lands safely, using an impressive tactic, and when the female pilot gets off the plane, the male characters' reactions are exactly what you predicted they would be.
Some of the characters are stock "war movie" characters. You have the "skinny Jewish kid from Brooklyn" who is in every single American WW2 book and movie made in the last 30 years. Then you have the Germans who you are supposed to feel a little sympathetic towards, so they immediately have to make it known somehow that they aren't Nazis, and don't agree with what their government is doing. It's the trope of there being only 2 allowable kinds of German characters in fiction. The first being the de-humanized cartoon monster type, who is just pure evil and has zero redeeming features or character development. The 2nd, being the "good German" who is anti-Nazi and who usually ends up helping enemies of the government.
The dialog is pretty poor in places. There are times when it is obvious the characters are just giving you exposition, and the dialog between the German fighter pilot and his CO when they meet is another bit of unrealistic cringe. One American Major makes a comment about how the B-24s on the low level attack mission will keep from blowing each other up with their own bombs. You're a Major and fly bombers, but you seem to have never heard of delayed fuses on bombs? Again, it's obviously just a bit of poorly written exposition for the reader.
I just eventually had enough of the book. Thank goodness it was on Kindle Unlimited and didn't cost me anything other than my monthly subscription fee. I'm almost tempted to keep reading, just to see if I can predict what other cliche scenes might appear later. Will there be some sexist comments directed at the female B-24 pilot by her male colleagues? Will she be a Mary Sue who is good at everything, and has no character faults? Will the skinny Jewish kid from Brooklyn get to have some personal revenge upon the Nazis? Will the "good German" fighter pilot do something to help the Allies, rather than his own country? Will the B-24 limp home on 2 engines with half the crew wounded or dead from flak and fighters? I guess I'll never know, as I don't want to read another page.
May 20, 2025
Based on a true story, WHEN HEROES FLEW is a fictional accounting of the B-24, low level run on Ploesti, waged by 175+ bomber teams that began in Benghazi on August 1,1943. The goal: wipe out Hitler’s oil refineries and storage facilities.
Author, H. W. Buzz Bernard, is a retired Air Force Colonel. You can tell he knows the technical material included in the story. For some readers, it might be a bit much but die hard military fans will enjoy the authenticity. Under no circumstances does the book read like a manual. Bernard goes full speed with the fiction, as well.
One main character is an American bomber pilot, an husband and a new dad. He’s the guy you find in every 1950’s war movie played by one of the enduring male stars. The other main character is his counterpart in a German, Nazi uniform. The story telling alternates between these two characters, 65% to the American - 35% to the German.
Almost a full half of the book is devoted to the bombing run. I LOVE THAT. So many current books are spending 90% of the pages working up to building a story and then breezing thru an ending right when readers want more. Bernard gives it all to us. Excellent world building - yup, that’s right. It’s a tight, difficult environment on the inside of a B-24 bomber but it is a world few people know about. Read this book and you will and you’ll be happy it’s over the pages of a book.
There’s another significant character; a female pilot from the Woman’s Airforce Service. She’s a great character but the storyline is predictable and well, a bit tropey. Quite frankly, it’s the reason I downgraded to 4 stars. She deserved to be treated with more respect by the author. He needed to take a lesson from his male characters!
This is book 1 in a series and definitely has me looking at the others📚
Author, H. W. Buzz Bernard, is a retired Air Force Colonel. You can tell he knows the technical material included in the story. For some readers, it might be a bit much but die hard military fans will enjoy the authenticity. Under no circumstances does the book read like a manual. Bernard goes full speed with the fiction, as well.
One main character is an American bomber pilot, an husband and a new dad. He’s the guy you find in every 1950’s war movie played by one of the enduring male stars. The other main character is his counterpart in a German, Nazi uniform. The story telling alternates between these two characters, 65% to the American - 35% to the German.
Almost a full half of the book is devoted to the bombing run. I LOVE THAT. So many current books are spending 90% of the pages working up to building a story and then breezing thru an ending right when readers want more. Bernard gives it all to us. Excellent world building - yup, that’s right. It’s a tight, difficult environment on the inside of a B-24 bomber but it is a world few people know about. Read this book and you will and you’ll be happy it’s over the pages of a book.
There’s another significant character; a female pilot from the Woman’s Airforce Service. She’s a great character but the storyline is predictable and well, a bit tropey. Quite frankly, it’s the reason I downgraded to 4 stars. She deserved to be treated with more respect by the author. He needed to take a lesson from his male characters!
This is book 1 in a series and definitely has me looking at the others📚
April 29, 2020
Novelist H.W. “Buzz" Bernard is a master at gaining reader empathy through sympathetic characters in his fast-paced WWII era novel, When Heroes Flew.
Whether you’re engaged in the viewpoint of Captain Al Lycoming, an affable American B-24 Liberator pilot, or Egon Richter, a German Messerschmitt fighter pilot who understands a code of honor amongst fliers, you find yourself caught up in the chaos of war and wish everyone could return home safe and sound to loved ones.
In tightly woven scenes charged with authentic dialogue and story people who feel as real as family and friends, this novel drops you into a living history book that reverberates with undertones of a cautionary tale. You don’t need to be an aviation buff or a military historian to get swept up into Bernard’s skillful vision that causes you to chuckle and weep in tandem while forgetting everything around you but the story itself.
And for an added bonus, Buzz gives us a mysterious woman we can root for. Her name is Vivian. Who is she and what's her role in the story? Come and meet her in When Heroes Flew! You’ll be so glad you did!
Highly recommendedl!
Whether you’re engaged in the viewpoint of Captain Al Lycoming, an affable American B-24 Liberator pilot, or Egon Richter, a German Messerschmitt fighter pilot who understands a code of honor amongst fliers, you find yourself caught up in the chaos of war and wish everyone could return home safe and sound to loved ones.
In tightly woven scenes charged with authentic dialogue and story people who feel as real as family and friends, this novel drops you into a living history book that reverberates with undertones of a cautionary tale. You don’t need to be an aviation buff or a military historian to get swept up into Bernard’s skillful vision that causes you to chuckle and weep in tandem while forgetting everything around you but the story itself.
And for an added bonus, Buzz gives us a mysterious woman we can root for. Her name is Vivian. Who is she and what's her role in the story? Come and meet her in When Heroes Flew! You’ll be so glad you did!
Highly recommendedl!
August 4, 2023
When Heroes Flew is a World War II story from the POV of both an American and a German pilot and the effects the war had on them and their families.
I am fascinated by all world war stories tbh - both fictional and non fictional and this was the first of its kind that I had the pleasure to read.
It was a bit difficult to get into it at start because I rarely read military and there were a lot of technical terms that made it kinda difficult but once I got used to it, I absolutely loved all the planning for the missions and the interpersonal relationships among comrades.
This book made me realise how much war takes away from people on both sides while the leaders enjoy the fruits of this sacrifice sitting safe and sound on their high chairs. Al visiting Egon's family made me hella emotional towards the end and it was absolutely amazing.
4.5 stars.
I am fascinated by all world war stories tbh - both fictional and non fictional and this was the first of its kind that I had the pleasure to read.
It was a bit difficult to get into it at start because I rarely read military and there were a lot of technical terms that made it kinda difficult but once I got used to it, I absolutely loved all the planning for the missions and the interpersonal relationships among comrades.
This book made me realise how much war takes away from people on both sides while the leaders enjoy the fruits of this sacrifice sitting safe and sound on their high chairs. Al visiting Egon's family made me hella emotional towards the end and it was absolutely amazing.
4.5 stars.
May 3, 2020
Without a doubt one of the best WWII war books I have ever read. Army air Corp is tasked with an extremely low level bombing mission in planes designed for high level bombing missions. This is the story of a Captain named Al and his crew and fellow pilots and how this mission was handled. If you enjoy wartime stories you will not be able to put this book down ! An awesome cast of characters, non stop action and a story line so well written you will feel like you were actually there.
November 5, 2021
I wanted it to be better
January 20, 2024
A amazing real life story from inside the pilots seat
Of a WW2 B24 bomber run with US at war with
Germany. A heartfelt account of in the moment
Like being there. Quick read but great reading
Knowing there is a unconventional female
Co pilot
Of a WW2 B24 bomber run with US at war with
Germany. A heartfelt account of in the moment
Like being there. Quick read but great reading
Knowing there is a unconventional female
Co pilot
August 3, 2025
An honor to read
I was intrigued by the premise of this book as my father was a flight instructor in Sweetwater, Texas. He had many stories of his time with the Wasps and remained fond of them, indeed, maybe a bit in awe of their fortitude and courage. He had several mementos of his time which I treasure greatly. I know he would have enjoyed this telling of those turbulent times and it was an honor to read it for Scotty as he was called. Wonderful book!
I was intrigued by the premise of this book as my father was a flight instructor in Sweetwater, Texas. He had many stories of his time with the Wasps and remained fond of them, indeed, maybe a bit in awe of their fortitude and courage. He had several mementos of his time which I treasure greatly. I know he would have enjoyed this telling of those turbulent times and it was an honor to read it for Scotty as he was called. Wonderful book!
March 4, 2023
Meh
Based on the reviews, I was expecting more but I got less. It is a historical fictional tale of the bombing raid on Ploiesti by American B24 Liberators. The characters are wooden and a bit over the top with their patriotism. The side stories are somewhat predictable and add little to the story. I did find the air combat scenes to be well done.
Based on the reviews, I was expecting more but I got less. It is a historical fictional tale of the bombing raid on Ploiesti by American B24 Liberators. The characters are wooden and a bit over the top with their patriotism. The side stories are somewhat predictable and add little to the story. I did find the air combat scenes to be well done.
August 31, 2025
literally one of the best books I’ve ever read ngl 🤭
April 29, 2020
Review of When Heroes Flew 4/28/2020 Advance Reader Copy
Captain Al Lycoming pilot of a B-24 Liberator and his crew have completed around a dozen missions while based in England, but are now on their way to a new posting in Benghazi Libya in March of 1943. His squadron is joining others to prepare for a major bombing mission to attack the oil refineries at Ploesti the Romanian oil refineries vital to the German war machine.
While in Benghazi and preparing for the mission the crews have heard rumors this would be a low-level ground-hugging effort to fly beneath enemy radar in a surprise attack against a heavily defended target. The Liberator bomber typically is flown at around 20,000 ft for an approach to targets on normal bombing runs and when they are officially given a briefing confirming the method of approach on this particular target, the crews are obviously concerned.
The author gives us a very realistic description of men thinking about their mission but also of their loved ones at home and the implications or concerns about their survival.
In the meantime, we the reader are given a startlingly realistic viewpoint of the enemy by a description of Egon Richter an officer and a fighter pilot of the Luftwaffe based in Greece. These fighter crews also have loved ones at home and we get an accurate picture of the plight of the wives and children when Egon goes home on a short leave to Germany and experiences the Allied bombing in his area. He also knows and acknowledges that he must fight on even while Germany is steadily losing the war.
In Benghazi, Vivian Wright a Women's Auxiliary Ferry Service pilot or WAFS arrives with a spare Liberator and makes a spectacular landing with a plane whose brakes have failed. The men are astounded with her skill as a pilot. She is extremely poised and confident and has many years of flying experience. More in fact than many of the men at the base.
On the day of the mission, Al’s co-pilot Sorrenson has dysentery and cannot fly. It means they cannot go because there are no spare co-pilots. Vivian is secretly brought on as a co-pilot in his place. The whole way there to the target is fraught with chaos and the narrative at this point is gripping, full of tension, and surprises.
Vivian’s skill, strength, and fortitude under extreme fire is a key factor in Al and his crew managing to bring their badly damaged plane through the German heavy defenses and to begin the journey home. Because they were so badly shot up it is understood they will not make it back to Benghazi and they turn toward the island of Crete which is in Allied hands.
Except, Egon Richter and his Me 109 squadron are waiting to pick off the stragglers from the Ploesti raid. The meeting between the fighter ace and the American Liberator is a classic tale and told in a masterful way by the Author. This climactic finish to the story is both highly dramatic and very emotional.
I cannot speak highly enough of the way “Buzz” Bernard has put this story together. It is filled with breathtaking action, deep emotional reflections, and accurate depictions of the time period. I was amused when a character remarks about the film Casablanca as they were heading to Benghazi in March of ’43. The film was in general release in January 1943 so the airman could have seen it while on short leave in England. Attention to detail like that makes for confidence in the narrative as a whole.
I have every confidence this book will be a top seller and for me, it was a page-turner.
David E. Huntley
Captain Al Lycoming pilot of a B-24 Liberator and his crew have completed around a dozen missions while based in England, but are now on their way to a new posting in Benghazi Libya in March of 1943. His squadron is joining others to prepare for a major bombing mission to attack the oil refineries at Ploesti the Romanian oil refineries vital to the German war machine.
While in Benghazi and preparing for the mission the crews have heard rumors this would be a low-level ground-hugging effort to fly beneath enemy radar in a surprise attack against a heavily defended target. The Liberator bomber typically is flown at around 20,000 ft for an approach to targets on normal bombing runs and when they are officially given a briefing confirming the method of approach on this particular target, the crews are obviously concerned.
The author gives us a very realistic description of men thinking about their mission but also of their loved ones at home and the implications or concerns about their survival.
In the meantime, we the reader are given a startlingly realistic viewpoint of the enemy by a description of Egon Richter an officer and a fighter pilot of the Luftwaffe based in Greece. These fighter crews also have loved ones at home and we get an accurate picture of the plight of the wives and children when Egon goes home on a short leave to Germany and experiences the Allied bombing in his area. He also knows and acknowledges that he must fight on even while Germany is steadily losing the war.
In Benghazi, Vivian Wright a Women's Auxiliary Ferry Service pilot or WAFS arrives with a spare Liberator and makes a spectacular landing with a plane whose brakes have failed. The men are astounded with her skill as a pilot. She is extremely poised and confident and has many years of flying experience. More in fact than many of the men at the base.
On the day of the mission, Al’s co-pilot Sorrenson has dysentery and cannot fly. It means they cannot go because there are no spare co-pilots. Vivian is secretly brought on as a co-pilot in his place. The whole way there to the target is fraught with chaos and the narrative at this point is gripping, full of tension, and surprises.
Vivian’s skill, strength, and fortitude under extreme fire is a key factor in Al and his crew managing to bring their badly damaged plane through the German heavy defenses and to begin the journey home. Because they were so badly shot up it is understood they will not make it back to Benghazi and they turn toward the island of Crete which is in Allied hands.
Except, Egon Richter and his Me 109 squadron are waiting to pick off the stragglers from the Ploesti raid. The meeting between the fighter ace and the American Liberator is a classic tale and told in a masterful way by the Author. This climactic finish to the story is both highly dramatic and very emotional.
I cannot speak highly enough of the way “Buzz” Bernard has put this story together. It is filled with breathtaking action, deep emotional reflections, and accurate depictions of the time period. I was amused when a character remarks about the film Casablanca as they were heading to Benghazi in March of ’43. The film was in general release in January 1943 so the airman could have seen it while on short leave in England. Attention to detail like that makes for confidence in the narrative as a whole.
I have every confidence this book will be a top seller and for me, it was a page-turner.
David E. Huntley
November 26, 2024
World War II was a defining event for the Twentieth Century. I was born two months before the events at Pearl Harbor brought the United States into active participation. I have a vague memory of seeing the Hudson River from the George Washington Bridge to the Statue of Liberty full of naval vessels on or about VE Day in 1945. That may be the reason that I love reading about major and minor events of that 4-year period of history. Some of what I read is pure fiction; a few books are straight history; a third category is what I call “faction”, fiction based of fact. WHEN HEROES FLEW falls into Faction.
Author H.W. “BUZZ” BERNARD has taken one event, the saturation bombing of the German/Romanian oil fields located at Ploesti as seen through the eyes of two opposing pilots. Captain Al Lycoming, a U.S. Army Air Force B-24 bomber pilot and Hauptmann Egon Richter, a German fighter pilot, are the two men. I like to broaden my knowledge of events of which I was vaguely aware. It is the first of at least four books Mr. Bernard has written on World War II events. Now, I have a few more books that I need to read.
The events are real. Many of the military leaders are real. Lycoming and his crew are not. Richter is not. The American bomber crew are a diverse group from different regions of the United States. Lycoming is from Oregon. Richter is from Zell on the banks of the Mosel River, wine country. Both men have wives. Richter has a daughter. Before Captain Lycoming was sent to England, he and his wife had a romantic evening at the Glen Island Casino in New York where they danced to Glenn Miller’s music. Both the musician and the location are real.
In late March 1943, Lycoming and his crew are sent to Libya for low level bombing training. Normally, B-24s were high altitude bombers. Richter was stationed in Kalamaki, Greece, located south of Athens. His commander, Oberstleutnant Gustav Rodel (real person) had 80 kills as a fighter pilot.
“Operation Tidal Wave”, the Ploesti raid’s code name, took place August 1, 1943. It was to divided into 5 bomber groups. Close to 170 planes were to take part. After flying over the Mediterranean Sea for the early part of the raid, the bombers turned inland north of Greece. Over land and sea, they had fly at tree top level to avoid German radar.
Three villages in Romania were to be guide points for the bombers. At the third checkpoint, the raid fell apart as the lead group made a wrong turn. Eventually, they realized the error and turned back towards the target. The second group realized the mistake immediately and corrected their path. That was Lycoming’s group. The third group had mostly turned back to Libya because they were flying older planes that were worn out. The fourth and fifth groups arrived late and from a third direction.
As the pilots and their crews progress through the raid, the reader is in the in the cockpits and aircraft. Mr. Bernard did extensive research before writing the book, including taking a ride in one of two remaining flight worthy B-24s. If you are a fan of this category of books, by all means read this book. You will not be disappointed.
GO! BUY! READ!
Author H.W. “BUZZ” BERNARD has taken one event, the saturation bombing of the German/Romanian oil fields located at Ploesti as seen through the eyes of two opposing pilots. Captain Al Lycoming, a U.S. Army Air Force B-24 bomber pilot and Hauptmann Egon Richter, a German fighter pilot, are the two men. I like to broaden my knowledge of events of which I was vaguely aware. It is the first of at least four books Mr. Bernard has written on World War II events. Now, I have a few more books that I need to read.
The events are real. Many of the military leaders are real. Lycoming and his crew are not. Richter is not. The American bomber crew are a diverse group from different regions of the United States. Lycoming is from Oregon. Richter is from Zell on the banks of the Mosel River, wine country. Both men have wives. Richter has a daughter. Before Captain Lycoming was sent to England, he and his wife had a romantic evening at the Glen Island Casino in New York where they danced to Glenn Miller’s music. Both the musician and the location are real.
In late March 1943, Lycoming and his crew are sent to Libya for low level bombing training. Normally, B-24s were high altitude bombers. Richter was stationed in Kalamaki, Greece, located south of Athens. His commander, Oberstleutnant Gustav Rodel (real person) had 80 kills as a fighter pilot.
“Operation Tidal Wave”, the Ploesti raid’s code name, took place August 1, 1943. It was to divided into 5 bomber groups. Close to 170 planes were to take part. After flying over the Mediterranean Sea for the early part of the raid, the bombers turned inland north of Greece. Over land and sea, they had fly at tree top level to avoid German radar.
Three villages in Romania were to be guide points for the bombers. At the third checkpoint, the raid fell apart as the lead group made a wrong turn. Eventually, they realized the error and turned back towards the target. The second group realized the mistake immediately and corrected their path. That was Lycoming’s group. The third group had mostly turned back to Libya because they were flying older planes that were worn out. The fourth and fifth groups arrived late and from a third direction.
As the pilots and their crews progress through the raid, the reader is in the in the cockpits and aircraft. Mr. Bernard did extensive research before writing the book, including taking a ride in one of two remaining flight worthy B-24s. If you are a fan of this category of books, by all means read this book. You will not be disappointed.
GO! BUY! READ!
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June 20, 2020MWSA Review
H.W. “Buzz” Bernard scores with his new novel, When Heroes Flew. In August of 1943, the Allies undertake Operation Tidal Wave to restrict the flow of petroleum products to the German army in hopes of ending the war. To do so, they decide on a complex plan that uses high altitude bombers dropping explosives from tree-top level in hopes of catching the German defenses off guard. The plan requires hundreds of brave men, and one brave woman, and they all won’t make it home. Opposing them is the Luftwaffe, depleted by casualties but still willing to fight. Who lives and who dies will be decided by airmanship, guts, and just plain luck.
I particularly liked how the author wove two personal stories into this very well done work. On one side is Captain Al Lycoming, the commander of a B-24 Liberator crew flying the mission. On the other, Hauptmann (Captain) Egon Richter, a squadron commander for some very junior German fighter pilots. Lycoming’s crew and Richter’s squadron fight it out in the skies over the Ionian Sea, but Bernard does a tremendous job of focusing on the people in the fight, not just the aircraft.
The author also did extensive research to make sure the feel of flying a B-24 comes through, and the technical details are spot on for both the American and German aircraft. There is plenty of action, solid characters, and thought provoking moments regarding morality in warfare. All in all, a difficult book to put down. Fans of World War II, specifically aviation, or fans of historical combat fiction will enjoy this book. Well written and highly recommended.
Review by Rob Ballister (June 2020)
H.W. “Buzz” Bernard scores with his new novel, When Heroes Flew. In August of 1943, the Allies undertake Operation Tidal Wave to restrict the flow of petroleum products to the German army in hopes of ending the war. To do so, they decide on a complex plan that uses high altitude bombers dropping explosives from tree-top level in hopes of catching the German defenses off guard. The plan requires hundreds of brave men, and one brave woman, and they all won’t make it home. Opposing them is the Luftwaffe, depleted by casualties but still willing to fight. Who lives and who dies will be decided by airmanship, guts, and just plain luck.
I particularly liked how the author wove two personal stories into this very well done work. On one side is Captain Al Lycoming, the commander of a B-24 Liberator crew flying the mission. On the other, Hauptmann (Captain) Egon Richter, a squadron commander for some very junior German fighter pilots. Lycoming’s crew and Richter’s squadron fight it out in the skies over the Ionian Sea, but Bernard does a tremendous job of focusing on the people in the fight, not just the aircraft.
The author also did extensive research to make sure the feel of flying a B-24 comes through, and the technical details are spot on for both the American and German aircraft. There is plenty of action, solid characters, and thought provoking moments regarding morality in warfare. All in all, a difficult book to put down. Fans of World War II, specifically aviation, or fans of historical combat fiction will enjoy this book. Well written and highly recommended.
Review by Rob Ballister (June 2020)
November 3, 2022
Excellent historical fiction based on Operation Tidal Wave. In 1943, 178 B-24 bombers took off from a base in North Africa to bomb the oil refineries in Ploiesti, Romania. The B-24s were normally high-altitude bombers, but on this mission they would fly at nearly ground level to ensure they hit their targets.
The idea was to achieve surprise and bomb the target before the Germans could react. But the mission was a bloody mess, with the Americans losing a lot of planes as things go awry, the element of surprise is lost and German resistance is a lot stronger than expected.
This fictionalized account is told from the point-of-view of a B-24 pilot and a German fighter pilot, bringing them into inevitable conflict at the book's climax. The first half of the book introduces the characters and shows the American bomber crews preparing for the mission. The second half details the mission itself.
Both protagonists are admirable. The American is a decent man who wants to both do his duty and bring his crew back safely. The German is a man who has come to loathe the Nazi party, but still feels he has to fight to protect his country and his people. This adds a lot of tension to the book, as we don't want to see either of them killing the other.
The author's description of the tree-top level bomb runs through thick anti-aircraft fire, attacks on the bombers by German fighter planes, and a desperate attempt to fly a damaged bomber back home, is visceral and exciting. Aside from telling an exciting story, "When Heroes Flew" deals with themes such as the randomness of surviving a battle, courage, honor, mercy and loyalty to one's fellow warriors.
The idea was to achieve surprise and bomb the target before the Germans could react. But the mission was a bloody mess, with the Americans losing a lot of planes as things go awry, the element of surprise is lost and German resistance is a lot stronger than expected.
This fictionalized account is told from the point-of-view of a B-24 pilot and a German fighter pilot, bringing them into inevitable conflict at the book's climax. The first half of the book introduces the characters and shows the American bomber crews preparing for the mission. The second half details the mission itself.
Both protagonists are admirable. The American is a decent man who wants to both do his duty and bring his crew back safely. The German is a man who has come to loathe the Nazi party, but still feels he has to fight to protect his country and his people. This adds a lot of tension to the book, as we don't want to see either of them killing the other.
The author's description of the tree-top level bomb runs through thick anti-aircraft fire, attacks on the bombers by German fighter planes, and a desperate attempt to fly a damaged bomber back home, is visceral and exciting. Aside from telling an exciting story, "When Heroes Flew" deals with themes such as the randomness of surviving a battle, courage, honor, mercy and loyalty to one's fellow warriors.
April 19, 2021
A historical fiction book based on a very gutsy bombing raid on a German oil refinery in Ploesti, Romania. The story is told from the outlook of 2 pilots from opposing forces. An American B-24 (Liberator) pilot Al and a German pilot Egon who flies a Messershmitt 109 fighter. Both are seasoned pilots who both have difficult responsibilities. Al is in charge of a crew of 10 and they join a large group of close to 100 B24's that try to surprise the Germans. Al loses his co-pilot at the last minute and goes against regulations and takes on a female WAF pilot on a very dangerous mission. The B24's fly just above the ground from north African coast across the Mediterranean Sea to bomb the Ploesti oil fields. Everything does not go as planned for the Liberators as they complete their mission but lose close to half of their crews. Al and his crew cripple back towards the Mediterranean and are met by a group of Messerschimitt fighters and that is where Al and Egon meet in the air. The ending is very touching and the Epilogue brings everything together. I really enjoyed the book. It is very intense.
March 30, 2024
This novel was based on reality, but the characters were fictional. It all took place at Benghazi, where the Allied Forces during WWII were planning and practicing for a huge bombing run on German petroleum facilities. Due to unforeseen circumstances, one of the air crews almost had to drop out of the raid because of the illness of their co-pilot. Since so many crews were involved, there was not another co-pilot available. In those days, women pilots were employed to fly the bombers into whatever bases needed those aircraft. A very talented female pilot had just flown a plane into the compound at Benghazi, and she had not had the opportunity to catch a flight home to England. At the last minute, the crew of one of the Liberators decided to use the woman who could be their co-pilot, but they had to disguise the fact that she was a woman, it was not allowed to bring a female on a combat mission. Since all the planes were taking off, They were able to sneak her onto the flight deck as a male replacement for their very sick co-pilot. I won't go into the events of the mission, but found I could not put this book down until I was finished. It was a wonderful story.
May 6, 2020
When Heroes Flew, H.W. ‘Buzz’ Bernard
Hard to keep eyes dry at times
I was apprehensive about reading a book all about flying and aerial combat but the Ploesti raid was mentioned in some of my other readings and I wanted t know more. I feared the technical details might be beyond me. But no, the extensive research distilled throughout the novel read easily.
When Heroes Flew is a novel yet at times it is so real that I forgot about it being fiction. The philosophical thoughts that course through Al’s head as he “understood he might not return” and “He stared at the heavens for a long while, feeling his tininess, his fleeting impermanence, and unimportance in the cosmos.” must have been in every pilot’s head when they geared up for combat.
In the novel, Buzz included a WASP, the female pilots who were not and still are not given the recognition they deserve. I expect women pilots all over will cheer Buzz Bernard for that.
A novel worth reading, written by a master of his craft, and based on the real facts of the operation Tidal Wave.
Hard to keep eyes dry at times
I was apprehensive about reading a book all about flying and aerial combat but the Ploesti raid was mentioned in some of my other readings and I wanted t know more. I feared the technical details might be beyond me. But no, the extensive research distilled throughout the novel read easily.
When Heroes Flew is a novel yet at times it is so real that I forgot about it being fiction. The philosophical thoughts that course through Al’s head as he “understood he might not return” and “He stared at the heavens for a long while, feeling his tininess, his fleeting impermanence, and unimportance in the cosmos.” must have been in every pilot’s head when they geared up for combat.
In the novel, Buzz included a WASP, the female pilots who were not and still are not given the recognition they deserve. I expect women pilots all over will cheer Buzz Bernard for that.
A novel worth reading, written by a master of his craft, and based on the real facts of the operation Tidal Wave.
Read
November 11, 2024This was an amazing story of how a few heroic people can overcome the terrible planning of generals who aren't on the ground and clearly saw soldiers as dispensable, but pointless death did not seem to be a consideration. This is a historical novel but I believe it is more fact than fiction based on real characters and events.
Even as they watched their fellow pilots nosedive in flames or parachute into German territory, the dedicated crew central to this story kept on the mission until the last bullet - literally. The pilot who led the whole sortie flew into certain death to keep his oath to his pilots he would get them to the mission no matter what. The descriptions put the reader in the midst of the action. You can hear the wind whistling through the bullet holes that riddled the plane. At one point the crew was engulfed in black smoke that left no visibility. That showed how much ammunition was going off all around them. They could barely communicate over the noise of explosions.
I will definitely read more in the author's When Heroes Flew series.
Even as they watched their fellow pilots nosedive in flames or parachute into German territory, the dedicated crew central to this story kept on the mission until the last bullet - literally. The pilot who led the whole sortie flew into certain death to keep his oath to his pilots he would get them to the mission no matter what. The descriptions put the reader in the midst of the action. You can hear the wind whistling through the bullet holes that riddled the plane. At one point the crew was engulfed in black smoke that left no visibility. That showed how much ammunition was going off all around them. They could barely communicate over the noise of explosions.
I will definitely read more in the author's When Heroes Flew series.
September 24, 2020
A low level WWII bombing raid from Libya to Romania turns out to be more dangerous than expected. Just one simple mission makes up this historical novel. The most interesting characters are Luftwaffe pilots who are beginning to have a Heil Hitler crisis before the battle begins. The main character, Captain Al (USA) is a by-the-booker who has to decide whether or not to break the rules.
I love historical novels and this one credibly shows how the krauts are holding all the cards.
Reading level: easy.
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"The bomber had inexplicably morphed into something else, a swirling, fuzzy memory from many years past--of a huge hog, an old boar, crippled and limping, making its way across a snowy field high in the Hunsruck. Steam jetted from its nostrils as it snorted and glared with malevolence at those who had come to kill it."
I love historical novels and this one credibly shows how the krauts are holding all the cards.
Reading level: easy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0
"The bomber had inexplicably morphed into something else, a swirling, fuzzy memory from many years past--of a huge hog, an old boar, crippled and limping, making its way across a snowy field high in the Hunsruck. Steam jetted from its nostrils as it snorted and glared with malevolence at those who had come to kill it."
January 10, 2021
Loved this novel
I recommend this book to anyone interested in WW II or aviation. A moving story about Operation Tidal Wave, the low level attack on Ploesti by B-24's in 1943, as told through the lens of a fictional crew and German fighter pilot. The story is about more than the mission. A great book.
One error. When the radio operator volunteers to take over the top turret, he says he knows how to operate a machine gun because he was a nose gunner in a B-17 earlier. In reality, machine guns in the B-17's nose were handled by the bombardier and navigator. There was no enlisted man posted as a nose gunner in B-17 's. Ironically, B-17 radio operators also manned a machine gun, so all the Sergeant had to say was he could handle a machine gun because of his prior experience as a B-17 radio operator.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in WW II or aviation. A moving story about Operation Tidal Wave, the low level attack on Ploesti by B-24's in 1943, as told through the lens of a fictional crew and German fighter pilot. The story is about more than the mission. A great book.
One error. When the radio operator volunteers to take over the top turret, he says he knows how to operate a machine gun because he was a nose gunner in a B-17 earlier. In reality, machine guns in the B-17's nose were handled by the bombardier and navigator. There was no enlisted man posted as a nose gunner in B-17 's. Ironically, B-17 radio operators also manned a machine gun, so all the Sergeant had to say was he could handle a machine gun because of his prior experience as a B-17 radio operator.
September 6, 2021
They Flew Well
The title caught my attention and every now and then, I'll read some historical fiction. But when I saw it was about the raid on Palestine I thought I might find it interesting. I remember when I was in my early 20's, my father and I watched a documentary on Ploesti , I believe on PBS. My Dad was a hospital corpsman with the marines in the Pacific Theater. He remembered quite a lot about that raid and we talked about it in some length. I thought that this novel fleshed out characters, and the typical bomber crew hailed from all over the country. It made me feel that I was almost there and amazed by the bravery displayed by those bomber crews. These are truly great heroes who accomplished that. The sad truth is as the years go by from any military conflict, those heroes are forgotten. I doubt 1 in a 1,000 have ever heard of Ploesti.
The title caught my attention and every now and then, I'll read some historical fiction. But when I saw it was about the raid on Palestine I thought I might find it interesting. I remember when I was in my early 20's, my father and I watched a documentary on Ploesti , I believe on PBS. My Dad was a hospital corpsman with the marines in the Pacific Theater. He remembered quite a lot about that raid and we talked about it in some length. I thought that this novel fleshed out characters, and the typical bomber crew hailed from all over the country. It made me feel that I was almost there and amazed by the bravery displayed by those bomber crews. These are truly great heroes who accomplished that. The sad truth is as the years go by from any military conflict, those heroes are forgotten. I doubt 1 in a 1,000 have ever heard of Ploesti.
May 30, 2020
Great Story and Definition of Life and Action!
I enjoyed the storyline and the character definitions! The story was easy to read and kept you interested! I felt it was more a humanistic story that took place in a war! I liked the ending that wrapped up all of the basic characters. During 1963/64, I was stationed with the 6916 Security Service Squadron in Rhine Mein Air Base, where I met and interfaced with a older Tech Sargent. During the next Squadron full dress inspection, I saw the Sargent with a chest full of metals and a Command Pilot Wings. I found out that he had been a B24 Pilot with 25 plus missions. His description of flying a 24 was like flying a “Large Dump Truck”, but he is still thankful for the 24’s getting him back. Good book!
😎🇺🇸
I enjoyed the storyline and the character definitions! The story was easy to read and kept you interested! I felt it was more a humanistic story that took place in a war! I liked the ending that wrapped up all of the basic characters. During 1963/64, I was stationed with the 6916 Security Service Squadron in Rhine Mein Air Base, where I met and interfaced with a older Tech Sargent. During the next Squadron full dress inspection, I saw the Sargent with a chest full of metals and a Command Pilot Wings. I found out that he had been a B24 Pilot with 25 plus missions. His description of flying a 24 was like flying a “Large Dump Truck”, but he is still thankful for the 24’s getting him back. Good book!
😎🇺🇸
Read
June 3, 2020Having read and enjoyed several of Buzz Bernard's previous books, I put in a request for a copy of "When Heroes Flew" for my 74th birthday. Fortunately, my wish was granted, and two days later I have finished reading what I considered to be an incredible story.
Prior to starting the book I had no knowledge that this was based on a true story; and now having finished it during this very trying time in our country's history, I have an even greater appreciation for the men who fought for our freedom. It should be recommended reading for all of our high school students.
The research that went in to this novel puts you into the plane with the crew of the Oregon Grinder and the amazing bravery that was displayed. Gave me an unexpected appreciation for the old crippled, limping boar.
Prior to starting the book I had no knowledge that this was based on a true story; and now having finished it during this very trying time in our country's history, I have an even greater appreciation for the men who fought for our freedom. It should be recommended reading for all of our high school students.
The research that went in to this novel puts you into the plane with the crew of the Oregon Grinder and the amazing bravery that was displayed. Gave me an unexpected appreciation for the old crippled, limping boar.
July 28, 2022
Best Book of the Year
When Hero’s Flew is a ripping good read. I only stumbled on it because the algorithm that promotes “you might like” on my Kindle unlimited account recommended it. There is incredible attention to detail in this story. You feel like you are setting next to the pilot, Al, and watching all the action as it unfolds. I also appreciated the parallel story of the Luftwaffe pilot, Egon. Bringing the human dimensions of “the enemy” into the story humanized the plot in a significant way.
This is the best book I have read this year (2022). I highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction, and especially with a focus on WW II. You will not be disappointed.
When Hero’s Flew is a ripping good read. I only stumbled on it because the algorithm that promotes “you might like” on my Kindle unlimited account recommended it. There is incredible attention to detail in this story. You feel like you are setting next to the pilot, Al, and watching all the action as it unfolds. I also appreciated the parallel story of the Luftwaffe pilot, Egon. Bringing the human dimensions of “the enemy” into the story humanized the plot in a significant way.
This is the best book I have read this year (2022). I highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction, and especially with a focus on WW II. You will not be disappointed.
January 30, 2024
When Heroes Flew by H.W. Bernard was a great read. It kind of reminded me of Top Gun: Maverick but it takes place during WWII and they are in bomber planes, not fighter jets. I've always loved airplanes and flying things in general. I think it would be so cool to fly planes and it was cool to hear about the pilots flying an incredibly difficult mission. One thing I thought that was awesome was that it was from the perspective of an American pilot, and a German pilot. This helped get the point across that the war sucked for both sides. It had a lot of language including several f-bombs so that wasn't great but the story was interesting and enjoyable to read. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars because of the language, and also because some slow parts were kind of boring. I would recommend this to anyone who likes war stories.
October 11, 2022
Well written, exciting, and leaving the reader ready to read more.
Well written, exciting, and leaving the reader ready to read more.
My father flew B-24s in the 8th Air Force from bases in England. He flew 43 missions.
This story resonates in heart and mind about how committed, dedicated, and brave all the young men who fought and are still fighting our “wars” were and are.
Having had Polio when I was a baby I never got to experience the “brotherhood of warriors “. But my heart is with them.
H.W. “Buzz” Bernard has given us a true treasure - a knowledgeable look at the air warriors of WWII.
Thank you Mr. Bernard.
Well written, exciting, and leaving the reader ready to read more.
My father flew B-24s in the 8th Air Force from bases in England. He flew 43 missions.
This story resonates in heart and mind about how committed, dedicated, and brave all the young men who fought and are still fighting our “wars” were and are.
Having had Polio when I was a baby I never got to experience the “brotherhood of warriors “. But my heart is with them.
H.W. “Buzz” Bernard has given us a true treasure - a knowledgeable look at the air warriors of WWII.
Thank you Mr. Bernard.
November 19, 2022
I love historical fiction because it leads the reader to believe that this is truly how these events unfolded: This war was fought. This mission was flown. A female was among the pilots. But history is written by those in power and at that time, men had the power and did not want women in combat, so maybe female pilots were just written out of the reports and in turn, out of the history books. It could have happened. I choose to believe it was so. But no matter what you believe, When Heroes Flew is a story of courage and bravery. An acknowledgement of the will to fight and to do so honorably. A well written book that will leave you clinging to the edge of your seat.
December 26, 2022
Considering this is historical fiction, the story carries one of the bloodiest air operations of WWII. Operation "Tidal Wave" is part of WWII history that happened on August 1, 1943, over Romania. Plsoeti, Romania, was a large fuel depot that fed the German Army, Navy, and Luftwaffe.
March 31, 2023
I'm a big fan of military historical fiction narratives based on true stories. H.W. "Buzz" Bernard did not disappoint in this terrific "premiere" installment of what appears to be a series based on US Air Force assignments during World War II.
The story entwined two faucets of the mission, both friendly and enemy. Bernard graphically details actual events with strong emotional involvement.
This was an Amazon Prime Kindle purchase that I just happened to find. Exceptional heartfelt, patriotic novel I found hard to put down. It personally reinforced pride for my country and respect for those service men and women who defend her.
The story entwined two faucets of the mission, both friendly and enemy. Bernard graphically details actual events with strong emotional involvement.
This was an Amazon Prime Kindle purchase that I just happened to find. Exceptional heartfelt, patriotic novel I found hard to put down. It personally reinforced pride for my country and respect for those service men and women who defend her.
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