FLY True Stories of Courage and Adventure from the Airmen of World War II

The author undertakes a personal mission to interview WWII pilots from both sides and record their war experiences before they disappear. He encounters many rich characters who are eager to talk, introducing them with dry wit in an Australian accent. Assuming the intonation of the senior citizens, even if Russian or German, he re-creates the excitement of their air battles and the sadness of remembering fallen comrades. As Veitch describes the interviews, one feels a personal involvement. After recounting a harrowing mission, one pilot remembers, "Oh, yes. That was the first time I came back with [expletive] in my pants." Like a good wine or a rare cheese, it seems as though these tales have become better with age, some for 60 years. J.A.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]