The subtitle of this book is, "The Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II" and the book does not disappoint.
Painstakingly recreated by author Adam Makos, this story is lovingly told, introducing new generations to the miraculous story of an American pilot and his German savior.
A Higher Call tells the story about Franz Stigler, a German fighter ace of the Luftwaffe who flew a Messerschmitt Bf 109, and Charlie Brown, a 21-year-old American pilot of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress named 'Ye Old Pub'.
Five days before Christmas in 1943, the Ye Old Pub was involve in a bombing mission over Germany. It was a mission that experienced severe casualties, and the Ye Old Pub took on extensive damage. One engine was out. The tail was missing parts which made navigation very difficult. The nose cone was obliterated, which brought the frigid winter air over Germany into the cabin, where the crew was valiantly trying to bug out and limp back to England. One crew member was already dead and the aft gun was useless. Huge holes in the fuselage showed how badly the plane was damaged as it slowly lost altitude over Germany. The remaining survivors of the mission were long gone. It was all alone and friendly skies were a long way off.
Just as it seemed hopeless, a German fighter approached, and the crew knew it was over. The Ye Old Pub was not a fighter; it was a bomber. It could not out maneuver a fighter even in the best condition. But now, with all the damage they had sustained and no guns, the crew maintained their flight path as they waited to be shot from the sky.
And yet, the German pilot, Franz Stigler, did not shoot. He later said his heart broke at the sight of the wounded bomber and its brave, frozen crew, hopelessly damaged over enemy skies. Stigler's duty was to destroy the American aircraft, but he tried to convince the crew to land and be taken captive instead. They refused. He understood. Taking a position on the wing of the bomber, he escorted them to the Atlantic Ocean, past a German stronghold on the beach known as "the gauntlet." Risking his own life from multiple angles, Stigler accompanied the bomber until they were over the Atlantic, where their fate was still very shaky since they were still losing altitude. But he could do no more, so he turned for home.
But make it home they did, and all but one crew member survived to celebrate Christmas. Later reunited with Franz, they tearfully introduced him to their wives and children, who thanked him for bringing their husbands and fathers back to them.
This is an incredible story of bravery and chivalry, expertly and compassionately told by a young author who respects and understands The Greatest Generation. One of the best reads of the year for me.
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