Aircrew of the Shady Lady B-24 Liberator from World War II

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One More Mission: A Journey from Childhood to War
by Jesse Pettey
 

I really enjoyed reading about this young boy's life in east Texas during the Depression. Gives one a good idea of what life was really like back then. The small town boy then grows up to go fight in a world war as a bomber pilot. Interesting accounts of each mission he flew over Europe. A well-written book.

With a special interest in World War II and the 461st Bombardment Group in particular, I found this book excellent. Most of the men who fought during WWII were in their late teens and early 20s. It's amazing to be able to read about their activities.

I highly recommend this book for readers of any age. However it was particularly interesting to me as a fellow member of the same squadron and group. We were both on many of the same missions and his recollections matched my own. An excellent contrast of what bomb raids were like in those days with 700-800 bombers compared to more precision bombing done today with far, far fewer planes. The first half of the book describes life in the 20's, 30's and 40's in Texas. Although my experiences were in NJ many were similar and for those not living in those times a glimpse of what it was like.

Ploesti: Into the Fire & Fury
William S. Phillips.

On August 1, 1943, Col. Leon Johnson led a squadron of B-24Ds over target Ploesti in operation 'Tidal Wave', losing 53 of 179 aircraft in the attack. 850 S/N by artist. 31"x 22" print.
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