Wild Blue

Stephen E. Ambrose’s books shoot straight up the best-seller lists upon release. Widely regarded as America’s finest World War II historian, Ambrose here turns to the story of the B-24 Liberator and the men who flew it. Focusing primarily on the experiences of former senator and presidential candidate George S. McGovern, Ambrose brings the war over Europe to life in all its terror and wonder. McGovern flew the maximum of 35 missions, enduring the hardships faced by all who served in the terribly uncomfortable B-24. Temperatures well below freezing, cramped stations, skies filled with anti-aircraft fire and German fighter planes led to an extraordinary 50 percent casualty rate. A spellbinding account of courageous men facing terrible odds, The Wild Blue is an important contribution to WWII literature. It captures the war in the skies through the experiences of those who were there. Ambrose puts you behind the controls as wave after wave of Liberators pounds away at the German war machine.