Those Brave Crews
by Ray Ward
Colonel Ray Ward's magnificent THOSE BRAVE CREWS,
The
Epic Raid to Destroy Hitler's Oil Fields, follows the fortunes of American
aircraft on their suicidal mission against the vital Ploesti (Roumania)
oil field complex. With him you will follow each different crew,
sit in the pilot's seat, and share the unique experience of gunners dueling
eye-to-eye with enemy flak crews. The sacrifice and dedication of these
men rivals other famous events of history, such as the cavalry charge
of the Crimea, Pickett's assault at Gettysburg, or Xenephon's March.
It is a sweeping epic work you will long remember.
"You describe very interestingly the experiences of the
combat pilot."
James H. Doolittle, Gen., Ret.
"More than anything I have read, this brought back memories
long dormant. Perhaps someday it will take its place alongside such
epic poems as Homer's Illiad and the Odyssey."
William H Brandon, May. Gen.
Ret. Lead Pilot 44th BG Ploesti Mission
"This indeed is a mammoth effort. My heartiest congratulation."
Sam Keith National
President, Air Force Association
"Excellent work ... For all the crews and the entire Air
Force."
James Stewart, actor and
Brig. Gen., Ret.
"To say I am impressed is to put in mildly - with your
knowledge of these early years, and the feelings you have for them."
William Cameron, Col., Ret.
Squadron Leader, Ploesti Mission
(credited with most combat hours in bombers, WWII)
"You have captured the feel of those times: the wonder,
grandeur, and passion we all experienced."
Gerald V. Hasler National Director,
Past President, Air Force Association
"Amazing. Astounding. Tremendous!"
Leon Johnson, Gen. Ret.
44th Bomb Group Commander
(Recipient, Congressional Medal of Honor)
"Your epic poem deserves much praise. Congratulations
on your momentous undertaking."
Ramsay D. Potts, Maj. Gen. Ret.
Squadron Leader, Ploesti Mission,
93rd Bomb Group
"What a wonderful surprise!"
Philip Ardery, Maj. Gen. Ret. 2nd
Wave,
Commanding Pilot 'Red Target',
Ploesti Mission, 389th Bomb Group
"An incredibly fine piece of work. It impressed
me in a very special way, as an old B-24 'driver' of the 8th Air Force."
Robert Vickers, Director,
50th Anniversary of the Liberator
"A truly outstanding work ... fascinating reading ...
This deserves its place along all historical writing about WWII."
Norman C. Appold,
Major commanding 'B' Section,
376th Bomb Group, Ploesti Mission