Overview

From the hellish skies over Europe to the unforgiving terrain of the Himalayas, this is the first complete history of the C-47 aircrew who helped turn the tide of war. One of the most perilous combat roles of World War II was that of the Allied aircrews who flew unarmed transport planes into enemy territory, often just hundreds of feet above the battlefield. Tasked with delivering paratroopers and towing combat gliders packed with troops and equipment, the crews braved anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters without the means to shoot back. Drawing on after-action reports, letters, and personal diaries, Into the Firestorm takes readers into the cockpit of the C-47, revealing the extraordinary courage of these crews in the first complete history of their experiences. Aircrews of the C-47 were ordered to fly straight, low, take no evasive action, and arrive “on time and on target.” On every single mission they were, quite simply, sitting ducks. Readers are introduced to the college students, farmhands, and store clerks who were thrust into service, many of whom would never return. Yet their contribution to the war was crucial. Without resupplies from C-47s, Patton would have lost the Battle of the Bulge. Without the willingness of these aircrews to fly directly over the Himalayas, Japan’s war in the east may well have prevailed. Award-winning author Scott McGaugh restores these unsung heroes to their rightful place in the legacy of the Greatest Generation.

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9781472872456

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Reviews

With gripping storytelling and meticulous research, Scott McGaugh shines a long-overdue light on the unsung aircrews who flew unarmed and unarmored into the deadliest skies of World War II. * James M. Fenelon, author of 'Four Hours of Fury' and 'Angels Against the Sun' * Scott McGaugh has thoroughly researched an important piece of World War II history that few historians have truly examined. This book stands as a great testament to and document of the courage and endeavor of these brave heroes. * Mark S. Copeland National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force * Scott McGaugh has showcased for the first time the gripping legacy of the aircrews flying defenseless aircraft that made paratrooper and glider infantry operations possible. * Colonel Donald G. Patton, U.S. Army (Ret.) *

Author Information

Scott McGaugh is the author of New York Times bestseller Surgeon in Blue (Arcade, 2013), Midway Magic (CDS/Perseus, 2004) and his most recent title, Brotherhood of the Flying Coffin: The Glider Pilots of World War II (Osprey, 2023). Midway Magic became the basis for a History Channel program, Hero Ship. McGaugh served as the founding marketing director of the USS Midway Museum. TV appearances have included the History Channel, Travel Network and Discovery Channel. He lives in San Diego.

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