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Richard Eager: A Pilot's Story from Tennessee Eagle Scout to General Montgomery's Flying Fortress
A bet between WWII commanders. An Eagle Scout from Tennessee assigned to pilot one of the greatest leaders of the Allied Forces. This is the story of how young Captain Richard Evans became the B-17 "Flying Fortress" pilot for Field Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery, Commander of the British 8th Army, during missions throughout North Africa and Italy.
Filled with humor and humility, Evans’ recollections of cadet training, combat missions and experiences with the “top brass” provide a fascinating first-hand account of a World War II pilot in both the Mediterranean and Pacific Theaters of Operations. Woven throughout the chapters, Evans interrupts his personal narrative of war to recall pivotal childhood moments with friends and family and as a Boy Scout in the Smoky Mountains. Nicknamed for his over-eagerness as a cadet, “Richard Eager” shares his stories with great optimism for the future and poignant reflections on growing up.
This book includes a chronology of Colonel Evans’ life milestones and WWII details, his own glossary of war terms defined with humor, an appendix filled with original family letters, historic V-Mail, award commendations and primary source documents that shed light on his personal and professional relationships, joys, and fears. Iconic, restored photographs of Tennessee boyhood years and WWII military planes and service, and original maps illustrating the countries over which Evans flew, add to the book’s historical content. An epilogue summarizing Colonel Evans’ Strategic Air Command service after WWII is also included.
100% of profits from the sale of the “Richard Eager” book are donated to the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force non-profit organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes in support of Air Force members and families.
Filled with humor and humility, Evans’ recollections of cadet training, combat missions and experiences with the “top brass” provide a fascinating first-hand account of a World War II pilot in both the Mediterranean and Pacific Theaters of Operations. Woven throughout the chapters, Evans interrupts his personal narrative of war to recall pivotal childhood moments with friends and family and as a Boy Scout in the Smoky Mountains. Nicknamed for his over-eagerness as a cadet, “Richard Eager” shares his stories with great optimism for the future and poignant reflections on growing up.
This book includes a chronology of Colonel Evans’ life milestones and WWII details, his own glossary of war terms defined with humor, an appendix filled with original family letters, historic V-Mail, award commendations and primary source documents that shed light on his personal and professional relationships, joys, and fears. Iconic, restored photographs of Tennessee boyhood years and WWII military planes and service, and original maps illustrating the countries over which Evans flew, add to the book’s historical content. An epilogue summarizing Colonel Evans’ Strategic Air Command service after WWII is also included.
100% of profits from the sale of the “Richard Eager” book are donated to the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force non-profit organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes in support of Air Force members and families.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
508 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 9, 2024
Oh my Oh my did you and your dad write one of the best books I've ever read !
I just finished the book last Saturday afternoon.
As I sat there in our kitchen with tears rolling down my face, I just had to send you an e-mail.
The ending pages as your Dad was paying tribute to his closest buds was very tearful and touching.
Being from Knoxville, I related to the stories as if I were back home. All of the wonderful stories
like tarring the neighbors sidewalk and giving the dog an enema were so typical of what me and my brothers
did in our neighborhood. We lived closer to the UT campus and did a lot of our growing up around that area.
My Dad was a little older that your dad, but he did attend Old Knox High. I took a half credit typing class at Knox High in 1960.
Magnolia Avenue and Linden Avenue area were where my Dad grew up as well. My Mom grew up in Fountain City, TN
She graduated from Central High School. She and my Dad were born 1911 and 1912 . My Dad had to drop out in the 10th grade to support his mom and a younger brother and sister. My Granddad and Grannie separated in the 1930's. Tough times...
Another reason for my absolute love of the book is that my older brother was just like your Dad. He learned to fly at 18 years of age.
His instructor had a plane at Island Home Airport which is literally on an island which separated the French Broad River and the Tennessee River. The airport is still there and active.
My brother wanted to do what your dad did, but could not fly for the services because of bad hearing. Later as my brother became successful he bought a Piper Cub Model J3 in parts and frame only. He re-assembled that plane and put in a Continental engine and literally flew it until he passed 10 years ago. He bought a farm below Knoxville and built a runway as well a nice hanger for his J3 and another Cessna 180 four seater that he flew for business and fun too. Both airplanes are still at his farm. My brother's wife and one of his daughters fly them occasionally. My brother taught them how to fly.
I could go on and on, but I wanted to send this to you as a thank you for sharing your life and your Dad's in such a wonderful way.
Your Dad is now one of my Hero's . Monty Montgomery probably knew down deep that he had the best man ever to fly him around Europe. Their relationship was more special than the world would have known until the writing of the book.
We recently had a crash of a B-17 at an airshow that killed five people. The older WWII Planes are disappearing faster than they should.
I've ordered two more of the books to give to my younger brother and a very close friend who became a pilot after Air Force ROTC. He flew the C-141 Transport planes during the Vietnam war. He now has agent orange disease along with COPD. ( smoked for 40 yrs)
I just finished the book last Saturday afternoon.
As I sat there in our kitchen with tears rolling down my face, I just had to send you an e-mail.
The ending pages as your Dad was paying tribute to his closest buds was very tearful and touching.
Being from Knoxville, I related to the stories as if I were back home. All of the wonderful stories
like tarring the neighbors sidewalk and giving the dog an enema were so typical of what me and my brothers
did in our neighborhood. We lived closer to the UT campus and did a lot of our growing up around that area.
My Dad was a little older that your dad, but he did attend Old Knox High. I took a half credit typing class at Knox High in 1960.
Magnolia Avenue and Linden Avenue area were where my Dad grew up as well. My Mom grew up in Fountain City, TN
She graduated from Central High School. She and my Dad were born 1911 and 1912 . My Dad had to drop out in the 10th grade to support his mom and a younger brother and sister. My Granddad and Grannie separated in the 1930's. Tough times...
Another reason for my absolute love of the book is that my older brother was just like your Dad. He learned to fly at 18 years of age.
His instructor had a plane at Island Home Airport which is literally on an island which separated the French Broad River and the Tennessee River. The airport is still there and active.
My brother wanted to do what your dad did, but could not fly for the services because of bad hearing. Later as my brother became successful he bought a Piper Cub Model J3 in parts and frame only. He re-assembled that plane and put in a Continental engine and literally flew it until he passed 10 years ago. He bought a farm below Knoxville and built a runway as well a nice hanger for his J3 and another Cessna 180 four seater that he flew for business and fun too. Both airplanes are still at his farm. My brother's wife and one of his daughters fly them occasionally. My brother taught them how to fly.
I could go on and on, but I wanted to send this to you as a thank you for sharing your life and your Dad's in such a wonderful way.
Your Dad is now one of my Hero's . Monty Montgomery probably knew down deep that he had the best man ever to fly him around Europe. Their relationship was more special than the world would have known until the writing of the book.
We recently had a crash of a B-17 at an airshow that killed five people. The older WWII Planes are disappearing faster than they should.
I've ordered two more of the books to give to my younger brother and a very close friend who became a pilot after Air Force ROTC. He flew the C-141 Transport planes during the Vietnam war. He now has agent orange disease along with COPD. ( smoked for 40 yrs)
June 27, 2022
My Thoughts:
My first thought is this book targets a specific group of readers because not all readers will want to read detailed information about flight details, the mechanics of flying, and military words. For me, I enjoy reading war memoirs. I enjoy reading a story I’ve not heard before.
Second, the book shares stories of Richard Eager as a child growing up and personal details of life as a family man. The book is not completely chronological in time. As far as his military experiences it follows chronological time, but he reminisces in whole chapters about his childhood.
Richard Eager’s personality is displayed in his writing style. He is matter of fact, determined, confident, detailed, and freely expresses himself. He has a keen sense of humor.
The story is told from Richard’s voice. He is the narrator.
This is a large paperback filled with both story, and black and white photographs of people and maps. I want to mention this because it’s a chunkster size book.
The dedication of the book (located in the opening) is memorable.
I believe this is a splendid war memoir!
Pages: 508.
Format: Large Paperback. 8×10 size.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Books Forward and Barbara Kinnear. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Readers of war memoirs.
Rating: Excellent.
My first thought is this book targets a specific group of readers because not all readers will want to read detailed information about flight details, the mechanics of flying, and military words. For me, I enjoy reading war memoirs. I enjoy reading a story I’ve not heard before.
Second, the book shares stories of Richard Eager as a child growing up and personal details of life as a family man. The book is not completely chronological in time. As far as his military experiences it follows chronological time, but he reminisces in whole chapters about his childhood.
Richard Eager’s personality is displayed in his writing style. He is matter of fact, determined, confident, detailed, and freely expresses himself. He has a keen sense of humor.
The story is told from Richard’s voice. He is the narrator.
This is a large paperback filled with both story, and black and white photographs of people and maps. I want to mention this because it’s a chunkster size book.
The dedication of the book (located in the opening) is memorable.
I believe this is a splendid war memoir!
Pages: 508.
Format: Large Paperback. 8×10 size.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Books Forward and Barbara Kinnear. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Readers of war memoirs.
Rating: Excellent.
August 17, 2022
A wonderful story teller, Colonel Richard Evans recounts his years as a pilot with the US Army Air Corps during WWII through to some years with the US Air Force in the Korean War and finally as a Test Squadron Commander before retiring from military service.
His fascinating stories from WWII in Europe and Japan are interspersed with recollections from his childhood and family which shaped his life. The book includes many illuminating photos and maps which enhance the writing.
The book was lovingly and meticulously completed by his daughter after a nearly final draft was destroyed by fire after the Colonel’s death in 2008.
His fascinating stories from WWII in Europe and Japan are interspersed with recollections from his childhood and family which shaped his life. The book includes many illuminating photos and maps which enhance the writing.
The book was lovingly and meticulously completed by his daughter after a nearly final draft was destroyed by fire after the Colonel’s death in 2008.
October 10, 2022
Entertaining and well written, this book is a must read for anyone whose father flew in WWII. Richard Evans was young and eager, to be sure, but his high personal standards and instinct for knowing the right thing to do at the right time, are reflected in all his actions as a proud American pilot. His childhood experiences are reminders of simpler days with clear values. Both his experiences in the Air Force and his roles during peacetime illustrate an exemplary life lived with purpose and patriotism. The author has done an excellent job providing the historical details. An uplifting read for all of us.
July 5, 2022
I loved this book. It alternates between the author's childhood in Knoxville, Tennessee in the 1920s and 30s and his time as a pilot during WWII. He comes across as really honest and humble. I really appreciated all the pictures in this book that really helped me envision everything that was happening. I also really appreciated the glossary since I was unfamiliar with several of the aircraft terms. This book is well-written and such an important first-hand record of the war experience.
I received a copy of this book from Books Forward.
I received a copy of this book from Books Forward.
May 10, 2022
As someone who grew up with a father in the military, I am always fascinated to hear firsthand accounts of those who have fought for our country, and this book did not disappoint! Heartwarming, humorous, and informative. I love all the attention to historical accuracy and the way that this book felt like sitting in a grandfather's living room listening to his stories about growing up. A must-read!
July 23, 2022
Really enjoyed reading this man's story. I especially enjoy books like these when they add letters, photos of those discussed in the book, and official documents, which this book did. I recommend this book if you like hearing stories of the past and of the World War II era.
June 10, 2022
I love reading biographies and personal accounts from history. It humanizes the experience.
This was well-written and engaging. I'll be keeping this for my daughter's homeschool materials.
This was well-written and engaging. I'll be keeping this for my daughter's homeschool materials.
March 11, 2024
I was lucky enough to be sent a free review copy of this excellent book. I’ve actually had it quite a while now. I was initially somewhat chary of reading it, as it has the look of a self-published work.
And so, I believe, it is. Either that or it’s published by a small specialty publisher. Whatever the case may be, it is sometimes a bit like one might expect such works to be; a bit amateurish, and would’ve benefited from some firm but fair editing.
Having said all of that, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. And, truth be told, it’s actually very well written. Esp’ so for someone who isn’t primarily an author or writer, but a good ol’ U.S. of A. ‘flyboy’!
Many chapters start with Eager’s poems. And whilst they’re not Shakespeare or Longfellow, I think they’re a good inclusion, showing another facet to a military man many might’ve assumed could be lacking in sensitivity or artistic leanings.
Occasionally it’s a tad repetitive. And when Eager relates his conversations, he does so - especially regarding his own ‘voice’ - in a somewhat stiffly formal manner. One suspects recorded transcripts of these moments might’ve been slightly less stuffy, or expository.
Having said that, Eager was the son of a high school principal, a good Boy Scout, and a military man, through and through. So there’s a slim chance, I suppose, that he really did talk as he renders himself here. But I suspect not; his character comes across as too human, and sometimes his speech, as conveyed here, is almost robotically leaden!
But the thing is, he lead a very interesting life. In the course of his duties, as well as all the top brass he meets, inc. Monty et al, he also meets many other potentially interesting folk, such as King George VI, Boris Karloff, and Jimmy Stewart. And Dick was, by the sounds of it (admittedly his own self-portrait) a pretty ‘good egg’, as we Brits might say.*
The book itself was written at the urging of friends and family. And they also helped bring it completion in its current form. How much it owes its interesting back and forth structure - it jumps around from youth to adulthood in a very engaging way - to Eager, and how much to later editorial interventions, I’m not sure. It’s a clever way to make the book more compelling, and works a treat.
We learn about what seems to have been a pretty idyllic all-American childhood - although not without tragedy (his kid brother dies aged only two!) - with trips to a cottage in the mountains, built by his father and others. And how he managed to get himself enrolled on a unique flying course, before the war brought America into the fight.
We learn about his family, and early romances. There’s even a funny bit about a teacher he’s fond of, and a fart in her classroom she mis-attributes to poor lovelorn young Dick! And there’s a particularly touching and moving chapter about his dog and childhood companion, Judge.
All of this is woven into the more ‘officially’ significant story of how he wound up becoming Monty’s pilot, flying the victor of El Alamein around in a U.S. B-17 bomber, converted into airborne office-cum-taxi. But Richard Ernest Evans’ life (earnest and eager!?) is ultimately fascinating for both his civilian and military experiences.
The main narrative is supplemented by lots of pertinent photos, some very personal to Eager, some stock WWII, but still very relevant to the story this book tells. There’s also a detailed ‘chronology’, lots of his correspondence, and a very useful glossary. Much of this extra material is as fascinating as the main text.
This truly excellent book tells the story of a very interesting and seemingly very decent man, living through extraordinary times. I’m not a military man myself, although I love military history, but nevertheless, Richard Evans, I salute you!
I’m writing this review as I near the end of the book. The vast majority of which is given over to childhood and young adulthood (I haven’t yet read the epilogue, which I suspect summarises some of the rest of his life). I’ve really enjoyed the read, and would definitely recommend it.
* He often refers to the various forms of national linguistic peculiarities he encounters, serving in WWII alongside Canadians, Australian, Brits and his own fellow Americans.
And so, I believe, it is. Either that or it’s published by a small specialty publisher. Whatever the case may be, it is sometimes a bit like one might expect such works to be; a bit amateurish, and would’ve benefited from some firm but fair editing.
Having said all of that, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. And, truth be told, it’s actually very well written. Esp’ so for someone who isn’t primarily an author or writer, but a good ol’ U.S. of A. ‘flyboy’!
Many chapters start with Eager’s poems. And whilst they’re not Shakespeare or Longfellow, I think they’re a good inclusion, showing another facet to a military man many might’ve assumed could be lacking in sensitivity or artistic leanings.
Occasionally it’s a tad repetitive. And when Eager relates his conversations, he does so - especially regarding his own ‘voice’ - in a somewhat stiffly formal manner. One suspects recorded transcripts of these moments might’ve been slightly less stuffy, or expository.
Having said that, Eager was the son of a high school principal, a good Boy Scout, and a military man, through and through. So there’s a slim chance, I suppose, that he really did talk as he renders himself here. But I suspect not; his character comes across as too human, and sometimes his speech, as conveyed here, is almost robotically leaden!
But the thing is, he lead a very interesting life. In the course of his duties, as well as all the top brass he meets, inc. Monty et al, he also meets many other potentially interesting folk, such as King George VI, Boris Karloff, and Jimmy Stewart. And Dick was, by the sounds of it (admittedly his own self-portrait) a pretty ‘good egg’, as we Brits might say.*
The book itself was written at the urging of friends and family. And they also helped bring it completion in its current form. How much it owes its interesting back and forth structure - it jumps around from youth to adulthood in a very engaging way - to Eager, and how much to later editorial interventions, I’m not sure. It’s a clever way to make the book more compelling, and works a treat.
We learn about what seems to have been a pretty idyllic all-American childhood - although not without tragedy (his kid brother dies aged only two!) - with trips to a cottage in the mountains, built by his father and others. And how he managed to get himself enrolled on a unique flying course, before the war brought America into the fight.
We learn about his family, and early romances. There’s even a funny bit about a teacher he’s fond of, and a fart in her classroom she mis-attributes to poor lovelorn young Dick! And there’s a particularly touching and moving chapter about his dog and childhood companion, Judge.
All of this is woven into the more ‘officially’ significant story of how he wound up becoming Monty’s pilot, flying the victor of El Alamein around in a U.S. B-17 bomber, converted into airborne office-cum-taxi. But Richard Ernest Evans’ life (earnest and eager!?) is ultimately fascinating for both his civilian and military experiences.
The main narrative is supplemented by lots of pertinent photos, some very personal to Eager, some stock WWII, but still very relevant to the story this book tells. There’s also a detailed ‘chronology’, lots of his correspondence, and a very useful glossary. Much of this extra material is as fascinating as the main text.
This truly excellent book tells the story of a very interesting and seemingly very decent man, living through extraordinary times. I’m not a military man myself, although I love military history, but nevertheless, Richard Evans, I salute you!
I’m writing this review as I near the end of the book. The vast majority of which is given over to childhood and young adulthood (I haven’t yet read the epilogue, which I suspect summarises some of the rest of his life). I’ve really enjoyed the read, and would definitely recommend it.
* He often refers to the various forms of national linguistic peculiarities he encounters, serving in WWII alongside Canadians, Australian, Brits and his own fellow Americans.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews