This book tells of growing up Jewish in Norway during and after WWII. As a young child; the author escaped from the Nazis to neutral Sweden with her immediate family. The author's identity as a Norwegian and a Jew led her to explore previously unopened doors in writing this memoir.
#889459 in Books imusti 2015-09-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.38 x 1.00 x 6.38l; .0 #File Name: 0760348529256 pagesZenith Press
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy William C. ArmisteadExcellent; enjoyable read and it takes you back to World War II with those who fought the air battles.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. This is what is was like flying for the Allies as well as the Axis in WW II -- real and unvarnishedBy Joseph MayJames P. Busha has literalized important World War II history which has too often been unaddressed in past historical accounts. These individual accounts by service people (both Allied and Axis) recall the context of the times and are not the stuff of grand overview where the ugly details are often dismissed to; coincidentally we are sure; to place things in the best of light.We learn so much in Wings of War that it is a challenge to write a succinct review; but here are a few stories which may enlighten even the most well-read of us:• An OS2U Kingfisher pilot backing his aircraft onto a beach to rescue two pilots from the shores of Japan; and under fire no less• Many aircraft were knowingly sacrificed; crews would have to ditch their aircraft and await ocean rescue after their attacks due to fuel starvation; in order to sink the last of Japan’s aircraft carriers• How the Battle of Britain was a close run thing• What is was like to be in a fighter formation which was thirty abreast attacking dozens of heavy bombers• What is was like to be in a heavy bomber as thirty fighters flying in abreast formation came in for the attack• How little combat flight training new pilots often received—in all services• Some pilots loved the often maligned Brewster Buffalo• What it was like to fly and fight in a Curtiss Helldiver as well as a Douglas Dauntless• Living as a fighter pilot during a losing effort and against ever increasing odds• What is was like to be in victorious bombing and attack missions—in all services• What is was like to be in a disastrous bombing mission—in all servicesBusha pulls no punches and does not smooth over rough spots. These are the recollections of warriors who were at the pointy end of the stick where truth is unvarnished; raw and a cold calculation amid racing minds and adrenaline boosted hearts. The context of the war is felt moment by moment—not in comfortable retrospect aware of the end of the story. Engines often performed poorly; surprise enemy appearances were common; flak was either effective or extremely effective; bailing out over enemy ground often had pilots stay with fatally wounded aircraft (often to save wounded crew aboard)—all these and more were some of the everyday experiences by Allied; as well as Axis; airmen so well described by their own words.Wings of War is important to read and occasionally review while reading about the strategies and overviews of World War II; or any war. Important because the humanity; suffering and selflessness which mark war are generally lost in most historical accounts as they address courses; speeds; tonnage; tactics and results—but not in Wings of War.Zenith Press provided a copy of this book for an objective review3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. World War II Air Combat Tales!By Mike O'ConnorJames Busha's WINGS OF WAR offers up first-hand; 'I-was-there' reminiscences from three dozen Allied and Axis pilots who flew in World War II. Ranging from the skies of Germany to the North African desert wastes to the Pacific Theater; Busha's book provides a fascinating and entertaining glimpse of war as experienced by the likes of Besby Holmes; Alex Vraciu; Jerry Collinsworth and Oscar Boesch. A 2015 Zenith Books release; WINGS OF WAR will delight all air combat enthusiasts.Busha's book covers the full scope of wartime flying from Paul Poberezny's experiences flying PT-19s to Chuck Minahan's memories of the St. Valentine Day's massacre of his B-26 outfit; Heinkel 111 bomber pilot Willi Kriessman's Russian Front bailout to P-38 pilot Joe McManus' P-38 crash-landing in the Arctic; Phil Adair's P-40 missions over Burma to Lou Loma's nightfighter kills in a Mosquito. The stories are fresh and compelling and give the reader a real 'in-the-cockpit' view of air combat.The book is nicely illustrated with vintage and contemporary bw and color photographs; illustrations and profiles; all in all; a very pleasing package.In short; WINGS OF WAR is a great read...and a fine tribute to all those brave airmen. Highly recommended.
