The crew of the Reba Jean, a B-17 bomber in the U.S. Eighth Army Air Corps, takes to the skies above WWII Europe. Flying at an altitude of twenty-five thousand feet (twenty-five angels), the crew, including a pilot with an overly acute sense of responsibility for his men, a Jewish officer, and an anti-Semitic non-com, strive to achieve victory over the elite German Luftwaffe, and survive. The events that occur along the way make for a compelling story, culminating in a breathtaking ending sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.
Another excellent book by Mr. Hooker (I previously read "The War Never Ends", which he co-wrote and was also great). It always moved along; while the story of the crew of a US bomber crew based in England in the latter days of World War II centered around the several bombing runs, they never felt repetitive, and he used the characters well to keep the perspective fresh. I was greatly enjoying my time with the crew of the "Reba Jean" and was sad to realize I was getting to the end. I think that's a sign of a good book.
This book has everything : historical accuracy; a memorable cast of characters; and exciting action. I especially enjoyed the WWII humor. It takes a look at the last days of the War from the view of the crew of the Reba Jane a B-17 Bomber. As the book progressed I found myself rooting for all of them as they faced fighter plane attacks and anti-aircraft fire, as well as dubious decisions by their command. It was a good read through and through.
Written from the vantage point of each crew member of a B-17 operating out of an airbase in England, this is an in interesting account of their lives on the ground and in the air. The airmen are all too human, each with his own personal perspective.