[MaryAlice]

The book...Masters of the Air,

by MaryAlice on Sun Feb 14, 2010 11:09 pm

is a great read. As some of you know, I have started reading this book, to learn and educate myself more so, on the War and the one's that served our country. I must say that I have learned SO much about the War, and what is even more amazing is this book techinically speaking is NOT "about" the War. Sure, it describes it and tells us briefly about why we did this, or what happened because of that, it's main purpose is to (as most of you guys know) tell us about the Eighth Air Force. So, I can only imagine what I would learn if I picked up a book about the War itself.

Anyways, back on topic....I have taken on a whole new admiration for teh guys of the air. The things that I have learned about, to me anyways, is so mind blowing. I can HONESTLY say this...I really had no idea what our guys went through up there. I basically thought, "yeah, they go up there, some planes try and shoot them down, all teh while guns from teh ground are firing "flak" to shoot them out of teh sky". With all due respect, I never thought it was "easy" by any means, I just never thought about how difficult it was. Dealing with frost bite. Goggles freezing up. Fellow crew members becoming wounded, most times fataly wounded. Crew members trapped in their gunners on landing, landing gear stuck up and have to land on its belly. The statistics on the crew/planes we lost.

I could go on and on, but I believe YOU guys already know all of this. I guess what I am trying to say is, I am not real sure I CAN describe how I feel right now, on how I have taken on a MUCH different look on how I see things pertaining to the War now. It's more of a "shocker" to me on what i am no learning. And even though of course, my Grandpa being in the War, and of course flying, and him telling me stories....he NEVER, EVER told me the stories of things that I am reading now. He NEVER told me about shooting another plane down, he NEVER spoke of other crew members being hurt, etc...and now looking back, I can see WHY he didn't.

I can say that I am a much more educated (still learning of course) person because of THIS site, and in the direction you guys are pointing me. SO, thank you!

Also want to tell anyone, that if you have not picked up and read Masters of the Air, DO SO! Very good read.

And last but not least, again, I want to say THANK YOU to all of our present and past members of our military, and those that have put their lives on the line for our country, I am REALLY beginning to understand what you guys go through. I also realize that unless I am THERE, and having bullets fly by my head, and actualy experience it, that I will never TRULY understand, but out of respect for you guys, I am trying the best that I can to be able to.

[MaryAlice]

Re: The book...Masters of the Air,

by MaryAlice on Fri Mar 05, 2010 9:48 pm

Wow, getting better. @ halfway through the book, and is one fine read. Stuff I am learning..... (shaking head in disbelief)

[MaryAlice]

Re: The book...Masters of the Air,

by MaryAlice on Fri Mar 12, 2010 10:44 pm

WOW!! ALmost done with it. Let me tell you, GREAT BOOK!

Book is very well written, stays in "date order" for most part, and basically is one heck of a read. I have learned SO much from this book, and NOT just on the Eighth, but WWII in general. I guess the ONLY thing that I was slightly disappointed in (but not books fault) was did not talk much at all about the 401st. In fact, I am pretty sure that it mentioned teh 401st once, MAYBE twice.

Next book I get, gonna see if I can find something a little more dedicated to teh 401st, as well as pick up the "blue book" (which I am high bidder on right now on one on ebay).

[MaryAlice]

Re: The book...Masters of the Air,

by MaryAlice on Sun Mar 14, 2010 7:35 pm

FINISHED! Very good read..very inspiring. I learned WAY more than I could have hoped for from that book, and is simply a book that has set the wheels in motion. I need MORE knowledge/info on our men that flew and fought in WWII. Not sure what book is next, but I can say that another one will be read....