What is interesting about the book is that it was based on
actual happenings and the courage and fortitude of not only American fliers but
of allied friends in Yugoslavia. The
almost civil war among those who supported the Communist Tito and those who did
not like the communist ideals is a sidebar to the story of hundreds of American
fliers shot down and rescued by one band of the Yugoslavs called Chetniks (not
the Communist Partisans).
The story follows one bombardier, Lieutenant Bill Bogdonavich, whose father was from Yugoslavia and he makes a connection with the locals who are all too thrilled to have someone who can speak their language, at least somewhat. The other primary American is another Lieutenant Drew Carlton who is a natural as a pilot but has had a series of mishaps that let some in the USAAF to think he might be a coward.
Carlton and Bogdonavich have stories that parallel and intertwine those of the local people. It is about courage, redemption, and fear. I would guess unless one has had the experience of being put to the test of life and death that this might be as close to what it must feel like. Young does a masterful job of storytelling in this book.
There are up and downs but the ultimate goal of flying into a Nazi controlled area to rescue over 500 American aviators (enlisted and officers) in an unarmed transport plane is the goal. Unlike planes today that have a much better track record for success the cargo planes of WW II are not always dependable.
There are real figures from the time as well as those made up in conglomerate and these are explained in the afterword. But all in all, the story of overcoming fear, comradeship, and courage ring through the story. If you want to vicariously experience some of these emotions and maybe many others, then this book is for you.
