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Red Burning Sky: A WWII Novel Inspired by the Greatest Aviation Rescue in History
A powerfully authentic and thrilling saga based on the true story of Operation Halyard, WWII's most daring and successful rescue mission, from air combat veteran and acclaimed author Tom Young...
Summer 1944: Yugoslavia is locked in a war within a war. In addition to fighting the German occupation, warring factions battle each other. Hundreds of Allied airmen have been shot down over this volatile region, among them American lieutenant Bill Bogdonavich. Though grateful to the locals who are risking theirlives to shelter and protect him from German troops, Bogdonavich dreams of the escape.
With three failed air missions behind him, Lieutenant Drew Carlton is desperate for redemption. From a Texas airbase he volunteers for a secretive and dangerous assignment, code named Operation Halyard, that will bring together American special operations officers, airmen, and local guerilla fighters in Yugoslavia’s green hills. This daring plan—to evacuate hundreds of stranded airmen while avoiding detection by the Germans—faces overwhelming odds. What follows is one of the greatest stories of World War II heroism, an elaborate rescue that required astonishing courage, sacrifice, and resilience.
Red Burning Sky is a riveting and ultimately triumphant military thriller based on true events, all the more remarkable for being so little known—until now.
Summer 1944: Yugoslavia is locked in a war within a war. In addition to fighting the German occupation, warring factions battle each other. Hundreds of Allied airmen have been shot down over this volatile region, among them American lieutenant Bill Bogdonavich. Though grateful to the locals who are risking theirlives to shelter and protect him from German troops, Bogdonavich dreams of the escape.
With three failed air missions behind him, Lieutenant Drew Carlton is desperate for redemption. From a Texas airbase he volunteers for a secretive and dangerous assignment, code named Operation Halyard, that will bring together American special operations officers, airmen, and local guerilla fighters in Yugoslavia’s green hills. This daring plan—to evacuate hundreds of stranded airmen while avoiding detection by the Germans—faces overwhelming odds. What follows is one of the greatest stories of World War II heroism, an elaborate rescue that required astonishing courage, sacrifice, and resilience.
Red Burning Sky is a riveting and ultimately triumphant military thriller based on true events, all the more remarkable for being so little known—until now.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published February 22, 2022
48 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Tom Young
12 books109 followersTom Young served in Afghanistan and Iraq with the Air National Guard. He has also also flown combat missions to Bosnia and Kosovo, and additional missions to Latin America, the horn of Africa, and the Far East. In all, Young has logged nearly five thousand hours as a flight engineer on the C-5 Galaxy and the C-130 Hercules, while flying to almost forty countries. Military honors include three Air Medals, three Aerial Achievement Medals, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
Young is the author of SILVER WINGS, IRON CROSS; THE HUNTERS; SAND AND FIRE; THE RENEGADES; SILENT ENEMY; and THE MULLAH'S STORM.
His nonfiction publications include THE SPEED OF HEAT: AN AIRLIFT WING AT WAR IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN. His narrative, "Night Flight to Baghdad," appeared in the anthology OPERATION HOMECOMING: IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, AND THE HOME FRONT IN THE WORDS OF U.S. TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
Young is the author of SILVER WINGS, IRON CROSS; THE HUNTERS; SAND AND FIRE; THE RENEGADES; SILENT ENEMY; and THE MULLAH'S STORM.
His nonfiction publications include THE SPEED OF HEAT: AN AIRLIFT WING AT WAR IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN. His narrative, "Night Flight to Baghdad," appeared in the anthology OPERATION HOMECOMING: IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, AND THE HOME FRONT IN THE WORDS OF U.S. TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 29, 2021
“Red Burning Sky” is a well-researched, very well-written WWII novel about the real-life effort to rescue hundreds of American airmen shot down over Yugoslavia. Based on real events, billed as a “historical thriller,” it is a fictional tale that fans of films like “The Great Escape” and “12 O’Clock High,” and books such as “Unbroken” (the Louis Zamperini story), “Flyboys,” or “Beneath a Scarlet Sky” may well enjoy.
When his B-24 is shot down, bombardier Lieutenant Bill Bogdonavitch parachutes into his father’s Serbian homeland where he is rescued by guerilla fighters. Able to speak the language, Bill soon learns that he is not the only American airman Serbs are hiding. There are 500 more, some sick or wounded, all in need of repatriation. Their first challenge? Getting word to the US Army Air Force that they need to be rescued.
Meanwhile in Texas, Lieutenant Drew Carlton trains other men to fly the bombers he did not have the fortitude to fly in combat. Thought of as a coward, and struggling to regain his self-respect, Carlton volunteers to return to Europe to fly unarmed C-47s through German-held skies and onto barely land-able fields to bring the airmen home.
Author Tom Young has written an absorbing tale of rescue and redemption. I was particularly impressed by the high level of historical detail, both with respect to flying the aircraft of the period and conditions on the ground in Serbia and Italy (where the rescue missions are staged). Having been a combat pilot, Young adeptly places his readers into the cockpits of the aircraft being flown. And he ably describes the politics affecting, and the hardships faced by, Serbian guerillas and citizens at war not only with the Germans but also Yugoslavian communist “partisans.”
My one criticism would be that, although this is billed as a “historical thriller,” in some places it lacks the “edge-of-your-seat” tension and suspense that thrillers require. Yes, there are battles and perilous missions. But, particularly in the scenes depicting guerilla enclaves and the hiding of airmen, a sense of danger—of catastrophe waiting just around the corner—seems to be missing
Nevertheless, all in all, I found “Red Burning Sky” a worthwhile read.
When his B-24 is shot down, bombardier Lieutenant Bill Bogdonavitch parachutes into his father’s Serbian homeland where he is rescued by guerilla fighters. Able to speak the language, Bill soon learns that he is not the only American airman Serbs are hiding. There are 500 more, some sick or wounded, all in need of repatriation. Their first challenge? Getting word to the US Army Air Force that they need to be rescued.
Meanwhile in Texas, Lieutenant Drew Carlton trains other men to fly the bombers he did not have the fortitude to fly in combat. Thought of as a coward, and struggling to regain his self-respect, Carlton volunteers to return to Europe to fly unarmed C-47s through German-held skies and onto barely land-able fields to bring the airmen home.
Author Tom Young has written an absorbing tale of rescue and redemption. I was particularly impressed by the high level of historical detail, both with respect to flying the aircraft of the period and conditions on the ground in Serbia and Italy (where the rescue missions are staged). Having been a combat pilot, Young adeptly places his readers into the cockpits of the aircraft being flown. And he ably describes the politics affecting, and the hardships faced by, Serbian guerillas and citizens at war not only with the Germans but also Yugoslavian communist “partisans.”
My one criticism would be that, although this is billed as a “historical thriller,” in some places it lacks the “edge-of-your-seat” tension and suspense that thrillers require. Yes, there are battles and perilous missions. But, particularly in the scenes depicting guerilla enclaves and the hiding of airmen, a sense of danger—of catastrophe waiting just around the corner—seems to be missing
Nevertheless, all in all, I found “Red Burning Sky” a worthwhile read.
December 18, 2021
I thank netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with this e book in exchange for my review.
This historical fiction is inspired from real life events from a little known part during the later part of WWII. This inspiration for story draws from event that not many would know, but will be known to the world due to this book. This is one of the reasons I love when fiction/non fiction books come on history, we learn about events that a handful people know about and Tom Young has written a very good one.
Bill Bogdonavich's plane has been shot down in Yugoslavia, and fortunately, he knows Serbian, since his father is one and had taught him. He, along with other American troops have been sheltered by the one of the group factions, while fighting against the other.
In another part of a distant continent, Drew Carlton volunteers to save and bring American soldiers back home.
Tom Young's writing is good and brings forward a part of history that would have been shadowed and only few people would have remembered. Now it is out throughout for all to know.
This historical fiction is inspired from real life events from a little known part during the later part of WWII. This inspiration for story draws from event that not many would know, but will be known to the world due to this book. This is one of the reasons I love when fiction/non fiction books come on history, we learn about events that a handful people know about and Tom Young has written a very good one.
Bill Bogdonavich's plane has been shot down in Yugoslavia, and fortunately, he knows Serbian, since his father is one and had taught him. He, along with other American troops have been sheltered by the one of the group factions, while fighting against the other.
In another part of a distant continent, Drew Carlton volunteers to save and bring American soldiers back home.
Tom Young's writing is good and brings forward a part of history that would have been shadowed and only few people would have remembered. Now it is out throughout for all to know.
September 15, 2022
I have worked in the former Yugoslavia; it is a beautiful Country full of wonderful people with a tragic history and Young’s story allowed me to relieve that experience. Tom Young is writing as someone who has experienced the drama of war and his experience as a flyer added authenticity to his narrative.
His story is modelled on true events, namely the Halyard Operation that rescued over 500 downed flyers in the former Yugoslavia. The book cover states, “A WWII novel inspired by the Greatest Aviation Rescue in History” there is some hyperbole here, yet the story is truly amazing, where is the movie?
While based on the aviation miracle rescue this work is fiction. It is an exercise in melodrama full of cliches with an unnuanced style. Young has his moments in describing the operation of the C-47 planes that were used in the rescues. Also, his description of a battle between the guerilla forces and the Nazi’s was compelling.
Many novels are based on the brave guerilla fighters who while outnumbered and out gunned display incredible courage as they fight superior forces out of love of Country. You find these incredibly brave men and woman throughout the world they fight invading armies at times with only sticks and stones. Their bravery stems from the fact that they are defending their own Country, their own town or village but what makes them most dangerous is that they have nothing else to live for. We see this story played out in most invasions, a good example of the guerilla fighting for his Country is in present day Ukraine where they fight the Russian invaders.
This was a feel-good story based on an actual rescue mission. Our author has a background of expertise in war, and this helped, yet in the final analysis the fictional development of plot and characters makes this a very mediocre book.
His story is modelled on true events, namely the Halyard Operation that rescued over 500 downed flyers in the former Yugoslavia. The book cover states, “A WWII novel inspired by the Greatest Aviation Rescue in History” there is some hyperbole here, yet the story is truly amazing, where is the movie?
While based on the aviation miracle rescue this work is fiction. It is an exercise in melodrama full of cliches with an unnuanced style. Young has his moments in describing the operation of the C-47 planes that were used in the rescues. Also, his description of a battle between the guerilla forces and the Nazi’s was compelling.
Many novels are based on the brave guerilla fighters who while outnumbered and out gunned display incredible courage as they fight superior forces out of love of Country. You find these incredibly brave men and woman throughout the world they fight invading armies at times with only sticks and stones. Their bravery stems from the fact that they are defending their own Country, their own town or village but what makes them most dangerous is that they have nothing else to live for. We see this story played out in most invasions, a good example of the guerilla fighting for his Country is in present day Ukraine where they fight the Russian invaders.
This was a feel-good story based on an actual rescue mission. Our author has a background of expertise in war, and this helped, yet in the final analysis the fictional development of plot and characters makes this a very mediocre book.
December 21, 2021
“We must be better than our enemies”
“One must be wise, as well as brave”
“You seek vengeance for yourself, Vasa concluded. You seek justice for everyone else.”
These few quotes stood out to me the most in this book. They provide a good idea of the high morals, kindness, and bravery that each character displays throughout the novel.
The book starts slow introducing our three main characters, already capturing my attention as I love reading novels with multiple POV’s.
Bogdonavich, Drew, and Vasa all three from different circumstances but brought together for the same mission to save all the fallen soldiers in Yugoslavia. One is a solider stranded with no way home, a local kid in the guerrilla who wishes nothing more than to return home to his village, and a pilot looking for redemption.
We as readers are given an in-depth look into how complex a mission is in war and how long and difficult it can become especially when they are unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Each move has to be taken with every precaution as to not alert enemies and also provide a safe landing and loading zone.
We see friendships form, a romance bloom, loss, and an incredible journey of hard work and strength amongst troops and local people in the community.
Each page left you wanting to learn more about the small but important mission of this war, the characters and if they would succeed. This book does an incredible job of tying everyone’s ending in so that you are left at peace with how their story has ended.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Kensington books, and Tom young for giving for the opportunity to read this arc. I am very grateful to have had the chance to read and review this novel so that other people are able to enjoy this book as much as I have!
“One must be wise, as well as brave”
“You seek vengeance for yourself, Vasa concluded. You seek justice for everyone else.”
These few quotes stood out to me the most in this book. They provide a good idea of the high morals, kindness, and bravery that each character displays throughout the novel.
The book starts slow introducing our three main characters, already capturing my attention as I love reading novels with multiple POV’s.
Bogdonavich, Drew, and Vasa all three from different circumstances but brought together for the same mission to save all the fallen soldiers in Yugoslavia. One is a solider stranded with no way home, a local kid in the guerrilla who wishes nothing more than to return home to his village, and a pilot looking for redemption.
We as readers are given an in-depth look into how complex a mission is in war and how long and difficult it can become especially when they are unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Each move has to be taken with every precaution as to not alert enemies and also provide a safe landing and loading zone.
We see friendships form, a romance bloom, loss, and an incredible journey of hard work and strength amongst troops and local people in the community.
Each page left you wanting to learn more about the small but important mission of this war, the characters and if they would succeed. This book does an incredible job of tying everyone’s ending in so that you are left at peace with how their story has ended.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Kensington books, and Tom young for giving for the opportunity to read this arc. I am very grateful to have had the chance to read and review this novel so that other people are able to enjoy this book as much as I have!
October 31, 2025
I enjoy historical fiction and this one didn’t disappoint. It kept me involved from the very beginning and the way the story arcs of the main characters all coincide with the main story gives you a great sense of the story. If you like historical fiction, this is with a look
April 15, 2022
Great story based on truth. I knew absolutely nothing about Operation Halyard. This story caught my attention from the very first page and made a very tough situation easy to read. Loved the feeling of being right in the planes with the characters - or on the ground. Totally engrossing.
August 20, 2025
absolutely amazing
September 13, 2022
Wonderful WWII fiction based on real events. I had heard of Operation Halyard but had not realized the scope of it. I had no knowledge of Yugoslavian history during the war or in general so I found that very enlightening. I read this book in one sitting and will now search the other novel by the author. A very good read!
November 22, 2021
I received an advanced reader copy of this novel from the author and I agreed to write an unbiased review after I finished.
Another excellent read by a talented author who manages to make events from 75+ years ago read like some of the great techno/political thrillers of 2021. This novel is also especially remarkable today considering current events surrounding American airlift operations and the the author's personal history with them.
I would recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in World War 2 or modern American history in general. The novel doesn't read like a history book as some historical fiction authors have a tendency to get bogged down in dates and names and figures.
Pros: This a great action/adventure/survival story that sheds light on a forgotten or glossed over chapter of the war that often gets outshined by Normandy and various tank battles. The fate of downed aviators trying to survive or awaiting rescue is rarely mentioned and its refreshing to see an author shining light in this corner. There are many great lessons on family, loyalty, culture and duty that allow the reader to identify with the characters without reducing them to GI Joe type cut outs. The characters have personal struggles and self doubts like everyone and allow the reader to connect on a human level. The restraint in graphic language and descriptions of atrocities keeps the novel accessible to a majority of readers who might not be ready for an immersive experience. There is one scene that struck me as overly brutal but you can see it coming and only lasts 1-1.5 pages and could be skimmed over if sensibilities require.
Cons: As with the author's other historical fiction novel my cons are petty and don't change my overall recommendation of an otherwise fantastic read.
Some of the character's struggles and inner monologues get redundant at times and you wonder if you accidentally started a book section back over again by mistake.
A few of the characters have secrets from their pasts as we all do but we wait for a big reveal that doesn't have near the payoff you were expecting. Kind of "Was that it?" Maybe my imagination got the better of me and I was expecting much more heinous back stories.
A couple anachronistic phrases and dialog lines that were a bit out of place but nothing to remove you from the historic experience.
Once again a home run by an author that doesn't disappoint each time he shares his gift.
Another excellent read by a talented author who manages to make events from 75+ years ago read like some of the great techno/political thrillers of 2021. This novel is also especially remarkable today considering current events surrounding American airlift operations and the the author's personal history with them.
I would recommend this novel to anyone with an interest in World War 2 or modern American history in general. The novel doesn't read like a history book as some historical fiction authors have a tendency to get bogged down in dates and names and figures.
Pros: This a great action/adventure/survival story that sheds light on a forgotten or glossed over chapter of the war that often gets outshined by Normandy and various tank battles. The fate of downed aviators trying to survive or awaiting rescue is rarely mentioned and its refreshing to see an author shining light in this corner. There are many great lessons on family, loyalty, culture and duty that allow the reader to identify with the characters without reducing them to GI Joe type cut outs. The characters have personal struggles and self doubts like everyone and allow the reader to connect on a human level. The restraint in graphic language and descriptions of atrocities keeps the novel accessible to a majority of readers who might not be ready for an immersive experience. There is one scene that struck me as overly brutal but you can see it coming and only lasts 1-1.5 pages and could be skimmed over if sensibilities require.
Cons: As with the author's other historical fiction novel my cons are petty and don't change my overall recommendation of an otherwise fantastic read.
Some of the character's struggles and inner monologues get redundant at times and you wonder if you accidentally started a book section back over again by mistake.
A few of the characters have secrets from their pasts as we all do but we wait for a big reveal that doesn't have near the payoff you were expecting. Kind of "Was that it?" Maybe my imagination got the better of me and I was expecting much more heinous back stories.
A couple anachronistic phrases and dialog lines that were a bit out of place but nothing to remove you from the historic experience.
Once again a home run by an author that doesn't disappoint each time he shares his gift.
April 26, 2022
Tom Young https://tomyoungbooks.com is the author of ten books and novels. The novel Red Burning Sky: A WWII Novel Inspired by the Greatest Aviation Rescue in History was published in February of 2022.
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of delivering a fair and honest review. Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as ‘R’. The novel has two main characters. US Army lieutenant Bill Bogdonavich is the bombardier on a B-24. US Army Lieutenant Drew Carlton was formerly a bomber pilot. Now he is working with the OSS.
The Allies have finally made their landing in Normandy. War is still being fought aggressively in Italy and Eastern Europe. US Army B-24 bombers out of bases in Italy are hitting targets behind the German lines. On one of these missions, the plane with Bogdonavich on board is shot down over Yugoslavia. He parachutes to safety and connects with the local resistance, the Chetniks.
Carlton had been a bomber pilot out of the UK. But scrubbed missions found him assigned as a training pilot. He is offered the opportunity to join the OSS and get back into the fight. Thought dangerous, he jumps at it. Now he is flying defenseless transport aircraft on clandestine missions behind German lines.
Over the months of the war, hundreds of Allied pilots and crew have been shot down over Eastern Europe. The OSS devised a plan, Operation Halyard, to rescue them. In the novel, Carlton is the pilot of one of the transport aircraft that carries out the evacuation of the downed airmen.
Before they can be evacuated, the downed airmen and Chetniks must carve an airfield out of the forest. They do this under the nose of the German and Axis forces while also evading the communist resistance forces under Tito. The novel has Bogdonavich as one of the downed airmen preparing the field.
I enjoyed the 6.5+ hours I spent reading this 300-page WWII-era historical novel. I had not heard of this operation before reading this novel. Surprisingly, though operation Halyard successfully rescued more than 500 Allied airmen, it has not been well-publicized. The author does take some artistic license, but he portrays the general story of the operation. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4.3 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of delivering a fair and honest review. Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as ‘R’. The novel has two main characters. US Army lieutenant Bill Bogdonavich is the bombardier on a B-24. US Army Lieutenant Drew Carlton was formerly a bomber pilot. Now he is working with the OSS.
The Allies have finally made their landing in Normandy. War is still being fought aggressively in Italy and Eastern Europe. US Army B-24 bombers out of bases in Italy are hitting targets behind the German lines. On one of these missions, the plane with Bogdonavich on board is shot down over Yugoslavia. He parachutes to safety and connects with the local resistance, the Chetniks.
Carlton had been a bomber pilot out of the UK. But scrubbed missions found him assigned as a training pilot. He is offered the opportunity to join the OSS and get back into the fight. Thought dangerous, he jumps at it. Now he is flying defenseless transport aircraft on clandestine missions behind German lines.
Over the months of the war, hundreds of Allied pilots and crew have been shot down over Eastern Europe. The OSS devised a plan, Operation Halyard, to rescue them. In the novel, Carlton is the pilot of one of the transport aircraft that carries out the evacuation of the downed airmen.
Before they can be evacuated, the downed airmen and Chetniks must carve an airfield out of the forest. They do this under the nose of the German and Axis forces while also evading the communist resistance forces under Tito. The novel has Bogdonavich as one of the downed airmen preparing the field.
I enjoyed the 6.5+ hours I spent reading this 300-page WWII-era historical novel. I had not heard of this operation before reading this novel. Surprisingly, though operation Halyard successfully rescued more than 500 Allied airmen, it has not been well-publicized. The author does take some artistic license, but he portrays the general story of the operation. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4.3 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
February 21, 2022
I know a historical fiction is good, when after reading, I personally carry out my own research. Red Burning Sky by Tom Young was really good. This book was based on Operation Halyard, known in Serbia as Operation Air Bridge.
As recorded, this was an allied air lift operation that took place during World War 2. Over five hundred american air men were secretly rescued out of Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia, with the help of the local Serbian people.
The story is told from multiple point of views. It follows Lieutenant Bill Bogdonavich, who immediately connected with the Yugoslav locals, because his father was born there. The lieutenant was able to speak their language. One of the other characters was Lieutenant Drew Carlton, an amazing US pilot who've made a few mistakes and trying hard to do better.
My favourite character was Vasa, a young local in the militia, helping the americans to get home.
I respected the author for remaining as close to the true story as possible. I was amazed at the selflessness and kind nature of the Yugoslavian people, to total strangers. Outside of the German war, these people were also dealing with their own civil war. They risked literal death to help those airmen.
The book was well researched, even the technical descriptions were easy to understand.
However, I wish there was a little more tension in the novel. Something to make my heart beat a little faster. After all, these men were in Nazi territory. Despite all that, the pace flowed effortlessly and there was even a small "brush" of romance. There were lessons about sacrifice, strength and community. I truly enjoyed this book.
Thank you to author Tom Young, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this ARC copy. Thank you for showing me a part of history that if not for this book, I never would've known. In return I've given my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HAPPY READING!❤
As recorded, this was an allied air lift operation that took place during World War 2. Over five hundred american air men were secretly rescued out of Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia, with the help of the local Serbian people.
The story is told from multiple point of views. It follows Lieutenant Bill Bogdonavich, who immediately connected with the Yugoslav locals, because his father was born there. The lieutenant was able to speak their language. One of the other characters was Lieutenant Drew Carlton, an amazing US pilot who've made a few mistakes and trying hard to do better.
My favourite character was Vasa, a young local in the militia, helping the americans to get home.
I respected the author for remaining as close to the true story as possible. I was amazed at the selflessness and kind nature of the Yugoslavian people, to total strangers. Outside of the German war, these people were also dealing with their own civil war. They risked literal death to help those airmen.
The book was well researched, even the technical descriptions were easy to understand.
However, I wish there was a little more tension in the novel. Something to make my heart beat a little faster. After all, these men were in Nazi territory. Despite all that, the pace flowed effortlessly and there was even a small "brush" of romance. There were lessons about sacrifice, strength and community. I truly enjoyed this book.
Thank you to author Tom Young, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this ARC copy. Thank you for showing me a part of history that if not for this book, I never would've known. In return I've given my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HAPPY READING!❤
January 23, 2022
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
The “Miss Carolina’s” mission is to disrupt the oil field and production of fuel for the Nazi’s, but the flight path is over Yugoslavia where they are also in the midst of a civil war between the Partisans led by Marshal Tito and the Chetniks.
The B-24 has taken heavy fire and many of the crew are dead. The plane shudders and reports of burning wings and engines cause the pilot to order the evacuation of the plane.
Bogdonavich leaves the plane and wonders how many men were able to exit the aircraft. Cutting his parachute cords he approaches a tree-line and sees three people approaching him; a young boy, an old man, and a pretty young lady. They take him to a farmhouse. The 17 year old boy named Vasa the Wolf is part of the Chetnik group that is aiding downed allied aircrew. They supply hiding places, food, and medical assistance to the airmen at the peril of instant death.
Nearly 500 US and allied airmen are rescued by these freedom fighters, classified top secret during the war! The final reward for the rescue of the pilots was silence. No air medals nor ribbons for bravery were ever awarded. That 500 airmen could have been rescued by the Chetniks and never recognized seems unthinkable.
I recommend this book as a means of understanding the sacrifices for anyone who is a war buff. The writing will help to understand some of the unsung heroes of WWII. 4.5 stars - CE Williams
We received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.
The “Miss Carolina’s” mission is to disrupt the oil field and production of fuel for the Nazi’s, but the flight path is over Yugoslavia where they are also in the midst of a civil war between the Partisans led by Marshal Tito and the Chetniks.
The B-24 has taken heavy fire and many of the crew are dead. The plane shudders and reports of burning wings and engines cause the pilot to order the evacuation of the plane.
Bogdonavich leaves the plane and wonders how many men were able to exit the aircraft. Cutting his parachute cords he approaches a tree-line and sees three people approaching him; a young boy, an old man, and a pretty young lady. They take him to a farmhouse. The 17 year old boy named Vasa the Wolf is part of the Chetnik group that is aiding downed allied aircrew. They supply hiding places, food, and medical assistance to the airmen at the peril of instant death.
Nearly 500 US and allied airmen are rescued by these freedom fighters, classified top secret during the war! The final reward for the rescue of the pilots was silence. No air medals nor ribbons for bravery were ever awarded. That 500 airmen could have been rescued by the Chetniks and never recognized seems unthinkable.
I recommend this book as a means of understanding the sacrifices for anyone who is a war buff. The writing will help to understand some of the unsung heroes of WWII. 4.5 stars - CE Williams
We received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.
February 15, 2022
Red Burning Sky It takes place in Yugoslavia during the summer of 1944 and tells the little known story of Operation Halyard, the actual, and incredible, rescue of more than 500 downed allied airmen from behind enemy lines. Until now, this tale of heroism was known by only a select few . . . most of whom were mission participants.
As Mr. Young’s novel begins, a B-24 Navigator named Bill Bogdonavich parachutes into enemy territory over Yugoslavia when his plane is shot down. He’s rescued by Chetnik guerillas. They’re Serbian civilians, fighting a civil war against Josip Tito and his USSR supported army of communists, as well as the German Wehrmacht which occupies all of the Balken Peninsula. Because Bogdonavich’s father emigrated to the U.S. from Yugoslavia, his son knows some Serbian and is soon translating between the guerillas and the hundreds of downed allied air crewmen they’re hiding from the Germans. At the same time, Lieutenant Drew Carlton has been assigned to pilot training duty in Texas after being sent home from Europe, where he showed a lack of courage. As the pilot of a B-24 Flying Fortress, he turned back to base for minor and insignificant reasons rather than fly the bombing mission he’d been assigned. Now, he’s training C-47 cargo pilots. He jumps at a chance to redeem himself by volunteering for a secret mission dubbed “Operation Halyard,” and soon finds himself in Italy, training to fly the unarmed, two-engine C-47 cargo ship into occupied territory behind enemy lines in order to attempt a rescue of the downed air crews. With a deft touch, Mr. Young lays out Carlton’s personal struggle to overcome his paralyzing fear of death and his fight to survive the war. It’s touch and go all the way to the heroic end of the mission. As usual, Young puts the reader in the cockpit as only a veteran of air combat can do.
As Mr. Young’s novel begins, a B-24 Navigator named Bill Bogdonavich parachutes into enemy territory over Yugoslavia when his plane is shot down. He’s rescued by Chetnik guerillas. They’re Serbian civilians, fighting a civil war against Josip Tito and his USSR supported army of communists, as well as the German Wehrmacht which occupies all of the Balken Peninsula. Because Bogdonavich’s father emigrated to the U.S. from Yugoslavia, his son knows some Serbian and is soon translating between the guerillas and the hundreds of downed allied air crewmen they’re hiding from the Germans. At the same time, Lieutenant Drew Carlton has been assigned to pilot training duty in Texas after being sent home from Europe, where he showed a lack of courage. As the pilot of a B-24 Flying Fortress, he turned back to base for minor and insignificant reasons rather than fly the bombing mission he’d been assigned. Now, he’s training C-47 cargo pilots. He jumps at a chance to redeem himself by volunteering for a secret mission dubbed “Operation Halyard,” and soon finds himself in Italy, training to fly the unarmed, two-engine C-47 cargo ship into occupied territory behind enemy lines in order to attempt a rescue of the downed air crews. With a deft touch, Mr. Young lays out Carlton’s personal struggle to overcome his paralyzing fear of death and his fight to survive the war. It’s touch and go all the way to the heroic end of the mission. As usual, Young puts the reader in the cockpit as only a veteran of air combat can do.
November 16, 2021
Although I don't often venture into the mainstream of traditional historical fiction, once in awhile a title will tempt me because of its underlying context. This is what brought me to request an ARC of Tom Young's "Red Burning Sky" soon to be offered under the Kensington imprint. Since the book is set in Yugoslavia late in WWII and is based upon the underlying history of the region and a specific and little known event that occurred there, I was quickly hooked. The story revolves around a number of characters, principally airman involved in the bombing campaign in Europe. It relates a fictionalized narrative about a mass rescue of downed Allied airmen being sheltered by the resistance in Yugoslavia. Of course, this brings us into the complicated relationships between warring partisan groups in that region as well as the Allied nations supporting them. In essence the country, like much of Europe, was fighting an intense civil war, even as all sides were also opposing their German occupiers. This has always fascinated me. The author skillfully uses his characters to illustrate some of the many challenges confronted by both the resistance on the ground as well as Allied airmen evading capture and flying in to facilitate their escape by air under less than optimum conditions. It is worth reading, from my point of view, primarily for its insights into this troubled regional struggle that looms large in the Balkans to this day.
April 25, 2024
Tom Young goes to the top of my favorite historical fiction writers! Walked into this book totally unprepared for what turned out to be one of my best reads of the year.
Meticulously researched, Young brings WWII's Operation Halyard--the largest rescue operation of American airmen in history--to life by setting fictional characters into an oft-overlooked airlift miracle. The author delivers characters we care about, immerses us in the Balkans, and subtly shares a history lesson.
But here's how Tom Young takes Red Burning Sky from good to great: first, Young knows flying. He's an aviator himself and has worked with these dinosaur aircraft of the past. If you've ever flown props, then you'll appreciate his line, "...held the throttles to keep them from creeping backward due to vibration." His flying scenes make me feel like I'm in the seat.
Second, his tangents give this story so much depth. A crewmember's interest in Seneca's stoicism, the anecdote about Antoine de Saint-Exupery (author of The Little Prince), and the epic Serbian play "The Mountain Wreath"--all of these intertwine with minute details about Yugoslavian peasant life to give the novel atmosphere. You're not reading about Operation Halyard. You're there.
5-stars. My reading list continues to grow. Young has eight other books out there. Can't wait!
Meticulously researched, Young brings WWII's Operation Halyard--the largest rescue operation of American airmen in history--to life by setting fictional characters into an oft-overlooked airlift miracle. The author delivers characters we care about, immerses us in the Balkans, and subtly shares a history lesson.
But here's how Tom Young takes Red Burning Sky from good to great: first, Young knows flying. He's an aviator himself and has worked with these dinosaur aircraft of the past. If you've ever flown props, then you'll appreciate his line, "...held the throttles to keep them from creeping backward due to vibration." His flying scenes make me feel like I'm in the seat.
Second, his tangents give this story so much depth. A crewmember's interest in Seneca's stoicism, the anecdote about Antoine de Saint-Exupery (author of The Little Prince), and the epic Serbian play "The Mountain Wreath"--all of these intertwine with minute details about Yugoslavian peasant life to give the novel atmosphere. You're not reading about Operation Halyard. You're there.
5-stars. My reading list continues to grow. Young has eight other books out there. Can't wait!
April 28, 2024
Tom Young goes to the top of my favorite historical fiction writers! Walked into this book totally unprepared for what turned out to be one of my best reads of the year.
Meticulously researched, Young brings WWII's Operation Halyard--the largest rescue operation of American airmen in history--to life by setting fictional characters into an oft-overlooked airlift miracle. The author delivers characters we care about, immerses us in the Balkans, and subtly shares a history lesson.
But here's how Tom Young takes Red Burning Sky from good to great: first, Young knows flying. He's an aviator himself and has worked with these dinosaur aircraft of the past. If you've ever flown props, then you'll appreciate his line, "...held the throttles to keep them from creeping backward due to vibration." His flying scenes make me feel like I'm in the seat.
Second, his tangents give this story so much depth. A crewmember's interest in Seneca's stoicism, the anecdote about Antoine de Saint-Exupery (author of The Little Prince), and the epic Serbian play "The Mountain Wreath"--all of these intertwine with minute details about Yugoslavian peasant life to give the novel atmosphere. You're not reading about Operation Halyard. You're there.
5-stars. My reading list continues to grow. Young has eight other books out there. Can't wait!
Meticulously researched, Young brings WWII's Operation Halyard--the largest rescue operation of American airmen in history--to life by setting fictional characters into an oft-overlooked airlift miracle. The author delivers characters we care about, immerses us in the Balkans, and subtly shares a history lesson.
But here's how Tom Young takes Red Burning Sky from good to great: first, Young knows flying. He's an aviator himself and has worked with these dinosaur aircraft of the past. If you've ever flown props, then you'll appreciate his line, "...held the throttles to keep them from creeping backward due to vibration." His flying scenes make me feel like I'm in the seat.
Second, his tangents give this story so much depth. A crewmember's interest in Seneca's stoicism, the anecdote about Antoine de Saint-Exupery (author of The Little Prince), and the epic Serbian play "The Mountain Wreath"--all of these intertwine with minute details about Yugoslavian peasant life to give the novel atmosphere. You're not reading about Operation Halyard. You're there.
5-stars. My reading list continues to grow. Young has eight other books out there. Can't wait!
April 14, 2022
Another great historical WWII offering by T. Young! In this book I learned of action taking place in 1944 in Yugoslavia during WWII, & specifically, Operation Halyard....a huge secret rescue mission. Young talked about the civil war going on in Yugoslavia at the same time WWII was going on.
I've actually read some of Tom Young's books prior to this, & he always does an excellent job of describing the weaponry & vehicles/aircraft of the time period....& does it in a way that any reader could appreciate. He's really good at making this history interesting.......I would read anything by Tom Young! I consider myself pretty well read, re WWII......but I sure learned something in reading this.....so I give 5 stars! As usual, his Historical Notes at the end tell the reality of what the book is based on... & is definitely worth reading!
I received an e-ARC from publisher Kensington Books via NetGalley after offering to read it & post my own fair/honest review.
I've actually read some of Tom Young's books prior to this, & he always does an excellent job of describing the weaponry & vehicles/aircraft of the time period....& does it in a way that any reader could appreciate. He's really good at making this history interesting.......I would read anything by Tom Young! I consider myself pretty well read, re WWII......but I sure learned something in reading this.....so I give 5 stars! As usual, his Historical Notes at the end tell the reality of what the book is based on... & is definitely worth reading!
I received an e-ARC from publisher Kensington Books via NetGalley after offering to read it & post my own fair/honest review.
August 11, 2022
This was a fiction book based on the "Forgotten 500" during WWII over in Yugoslavia, I think it was. 500 allied pilots were living amongst the peaceful townspeople, dodging capture by the Germans, while the American military tries to assemble a team to do what had never been done before, STOL (short take-offs and landings) on makeshift runways, disguised to look like hayfields, some even with the occasional few cows roaming around to make it look more believable. All at night, with nothing but burning hay bales for "runway" lights. It was a successful mission, aided by the Yugoslavian freedom fighters, and every one of the pilots made it out alive. It is an incredible true story, written with fictional characters (some based on real people who were monumental in the success of this recovery mission), and of course the way Tom writes the story it makes you feel like you are there, living the story, feeling all the feels... it was full of love, friendship, duty and patriotism.
January 19, 2022
I have read many WWII books, but this is the first I’ve read about these 500 men that were trapped behind enemy lines. This is one of the better WWII books, well written and kept true to the story it represents. I am always amazed at the heroism, courage, dedication and honor our military men/women were and still are when they defend our country. And then we can’t leave out the courage and sacrifice of the unknown people that risked their lives to protect, hide and help get our boys/women home.
This is a really good read; the story has a good flow, and I didn’t find any lull points. The descriptions of the planes landing, and flying was great. The research was excellent. I highly recommend.
Received an ARC from Kensington Books and NetGalley for my unbiased review – This one comes in with high 5 stars.
This is a really good read; the story has a good flow, and I didn’t find any lull points. The descriptions of the planes landing, and flying was great. The research was excellent. I highly recommend.
Received an ARC from Kensington Books and NetGalley for my unbiased review – This one comes in with high 5 stars.
March 16, 2022
RED BURNING SKY is Tom Young's best yet--and all of his books are well done. The latest, though, is superb. It tells the story of a minimally publicized and seemingly impossible airborne rescue mission that took place during WWII. Young's flying scenes certainly put you in the aircraft, but it is his descriptions of the actions of the Chetnik guerrillas in Yugoslavia that really make the book take off. The heroic Chetniks risked their homes, villages, and very lives to help downed American airmen in Nazi-controlled territory. Young does an absolutely stellar job of bringing the tale of one young fighter to life, and thus carries the book to great heights.
Don't miss RED BURNING SKY, a drama set against one the least known but most audacious rescues of WWII.
Don't miss RED BURNING SKY, a drama set against one the least known but most audacious rescues of WWII.
September 7, 2025
Red Burning Sky brings a little known part of history alive with the story of Operation Halyard during World War II. Hundreds of Allied airmen were shot down and trapped behind enemy lines. This is the story of their survival with the help of Serbian men and women who were fighting a civil war while a world war raged within their country. The book depicts the heroics of the men who risked their lives to fly behind Axis lines to participate in the largest rescue mission of American Airmen in US history. It also reminds us of the horrors and atrocities of war, something that should never be forgotten. I recommend this book for those who wish to learn more about our history during World War II.
June 12, 2022
Red Burning Sky is an interesting war story. I felt that the book was a little flat, perhaps because I didn't like his portrayal of one of the principal characters. Dialogue moved the plot, but for the most part, it was flat. Good war stories need some tension. I don't recall having that sense of tension, even as the pilots took C47s into short airfields, loaded the wounded, then took off from those short fields, a major feat. The characters are fictional with a couple of exceptions. It's worth reading because of the importance of the event, I just wish Young had made the characters more interesting.
January 6, 2022
Neither fiction nor pure fact, this entwined account (really, aside from Anne Frank who records conversations for posterity) captures the international politics of one struggling country during a very nasty war. The characters are aggregates of real people facing real dilemmas and acute dangers as a consequence of their beliefs. The part (aside from the history) that most impressed was the immersion of the reader into a past reality previously unknown to me. Excellent read.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
March 15, 2024
The awesomeness of this novel is also accompanied by the thought that the allies kept throwing so many young men away. This book mentions 500 rescued. And there were more than than that in other rescue missions. How many more were killed? Although lack of a piece of paper and a piece of metal do not negate the heroism of these men, it is tragic that politics prevented them from receiving their due reward. A 5 star rating means this is a book everyone should read. It is fiction but based on a true event. Another 5-star read is The Forgotten 500. It is also a must-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2022
Historical fiction centered around WWII is one of my favorite genres. This was my first by Tom Young and I was hooked from start to finish. It was a story I wasn't familiar with and am saddened that more is not included about this event in American history classes.
Most of the characters were fictional, with a couple that were actually part of this heroic event. The intertwining of fiction and nonfiction was well done.
Highly recommend this.
Most of the characters were fictional, with a couple that were actually part of this heroic event. The intertwining of fiction and nonfiction was well done.
Highly recommend this.
June 14, 2023
Overall, this was an excellent book. The author does a great job of tying up all of the storylines in the book, and creates a very compelling story around what is already a thrilling narrative. The book left me wanting to know more (specifically, what actually happened to the Yugoslav soldier’s village and family), but told the majority of it extremely well. I’ll definitely be looking further into the true story of this rescue, and also into other books by Tom Young.
October 31, 2021
An outstanding novel with a background of a little known true event in WW2. The story and the characters were compelling and I find this book hard to put down once I started it. This is a great read. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 20, 2022
Another WWII historical novel, but this time not one of the major or famous battles. It’s a dedication to C-47 pilots and crews and the Serbian resistance. The war/battle scenes are a little graphic—it’s a war book, right?—but that shouldn’t deter anyone from reading the book. There are some personal elements of individual failure and growth as well. It’s a Good Read.
March 16, 2023
I was a little disappointed in this book and the lack of story line. I have read this author before and liked his books and the story of rescuing hundreds of pilots behind enemy lines had the chance for a great story but I felt that it was hard to get through and that the story fell flat, missing the drama.
August 5, 2024
I had never heard about this mission but I was thoroughly engrossed with the story of how they built a runway and then rescued the airmen. This was like reading some type of make-believe book but it was based on real events and over 500 airmen were rescued. Plan was drawn up and done by the OSS which makes this story even better and worth the read.
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