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GREAT story about a German ace (Stigler) who took pity on an American bomber crew and allowed the crippled bomber to flee German airspace. I just have a few issues with it (thus 4 stars instead of 5) as I do most current ww2 revised history books. First of all the author states that he focuses on the German side because there are already lots of American stories in print. Perhaps, BUT the American pilot, Brown, was on his first mission. He had 24 more to go and they are treated with a line or two. So while there are American bomber stories in print, there is NOT any stories about Browns career. This book really is about Stigler and not Brown. The author really needed to devote more print to the American side. The entire crew. Next problem is my main problem and that is the trend so current in history WW2 history today. The trend is that the Germans were 'just like us' and most had no idea what was going on regarding the Jewish people. Sorry. NOT TRUE. They HAD to see the treatment of Jews during the 6 years before war broke out. Didn't they wonder why entire neighborhoods were depopulated? Come on! The German ace in this book obviously was capable of empathy and emotion, and it is a GREAT story as to what he did allowing the American bomber to leave German airspace, yet he did continue to fight for the German cause, which WAS the Nazi cause. Sorry...I don't buy the 'Germans were good guys' ruse. Look on a certain video internet channel and type in ww2 German reactions, you will see WW2 German vets even today staunchly denying or downplaying the holocaust. Unbelievable. One video in particular has a now 90 something years old tank crew saying the holocaust wasn't as big as the allies make it out to be. And for Stigler to downplay his role in it is audacious. Sure, he fought for his country because he HAD to fight for his country, but at least come clean about the cause he was fighting for. Make no mistake, if his side won, we would be seeing, even today, that they were not 'just like us'. Unfortunately the author was duped. Even so this book is well worth the read. 4 out of 5 stars it is.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
As a WW II buff, this is one of the most interesting books I've read. I'm still reading the German pilot's experiences, but the first hand facts really give a feeling of being there. The authors really put a lot of work in putting together a nice, easy read, all factual. I can't wait to read the American pilot's perspective. I would definitely recommend this book.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Chivarly died in the Middle Ages, right? Or Maybe the American Civil War, right? Well this story tells you it still made an appearance in the skies over Europe in 1943! An American B-17, on its very first mission, suffers severe damage from flak during their bombing run and then are set upon by German Focke-Wolfe 190's as it tries to make it back to England. Sufering more damage but maneuvering away from the enemy fighters its crew finds their guns frozen in all but the top turret, and many of the crew injusred during the attack and startes to attend them, when a singe Messerschmidt Bf109 begins to close on them from the rear, But what happens next is utterly amazing! But I won't ruin it for you! Buy the book and find out what the "Higher Call" is all about!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
My husband loved this book a few years ago. I have been giving it to WW II buffs for Xmas for the past several years. Early Xmas shopping this year, in great condition. Thanks
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I just got the book & just started reading. I’m not much on reading but I can’t put this book down. I can’t wait to get on with my reading 📖 great job.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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