455th Related Books

Ongoing 455th BG Reading List:

Below is a list of reviews on known books (including the 455th unit history and 741st unit history) from the 455th perspective. In addition, there are 2 additional books that mention stories of 455th crews. I will review one a month, and keep them listed here.

"A Kriegie Recall” by Daniel McKee

This recall is written by 742nd Co-Pilot of #238 “Miss Lincoln Heights”, one of the (6) 742nd ships (out of 7) shot down on June 26th mission. A unique perspective, this book does not focus on McKee’s air missions, but instead is based on a series of letters/journal entries from his time as a POW and his trip home. The book also covers his return to those locations many years later.

"Diary of a Co-Pilot” by James Smith

This book has to be one of not only the top 455th related books, but overall WWII air war books I’ve read. Co-Pilot of #476 “Peel Off”, James was one of the original 455th/741st crew members. The book uses his day to day journal entries to cover his experience in the origin days of the 455th through his day to day missions out of Italy. Just as thrilling was his great recollection of rest camps and his adventure to get home.

"Ghost of a Chance” by Bill Somers

740th BS/455th ball turret gunner Bill Somers wrote his love story memoir in his final days using his collection of love letters to his future wife Dorothy. The memoir starts with an early recollection of his childhood, followed by his story through letters and additional memories from his time in basic training and pre-war service. Eventually the letters move on to cover his journey overseas, the crews adoption of B-24 #234 “Ghost of a Chance”, and his time flying combat missions in Italy, along with his transition from military to civilian life once home.

"The Whole Nine Yards” by Alfred Asch

The only issue I’ve seen with this book is that some of the mission memories are not 100% accurate (which is completely understandable but is important to keep in mind while reading). One example is that Asch recalls the Lundwall/Pidcock collision on his July 22nd mission but it was actually March 19th.

"The Orphan” by Chet Hosac

Chet served as a waist gunner with the 743rd BS aboard the famous “Teepee Time Gal”. His story opens up on an extremely personal level, starting with his experiences growing up as an orphan. Be warned: a lot of these memories are sexual is nature, which brings a few unique stories.

"GOODBYE LIBERTY BELLE” by J. Merritt.

One of the first 455th books not written directly by the veteran, my reservations were soon cleared as I was hooked from chapter one. Merritt did a great job of capturing both wartime accounts, and the post war hunt of his father’s crew and trip back to the crash site, into one compelling story. Merritt’s father, Lt. Jim Merritt, was the pilot of 42-50425 “Liberty Belle”, lost on October 7, 1944.

"Bombing Hitler’s Hometown” by Mike Croissant

Mike did a great job capturing multiple accounts of the April 25, 1945 mission to Linz, Austria. From the 455th perspective, he followed John Greenman’s crew from mission start to being shot down in their B-24 “Rodger the Lodger” and their adventures on the ground. A few stories from one of the 455th’s most famous crew members, George McGovern, are also included along with some history on Lt. Councilman.

Magazines

September 2001 World War II Magazine

The September 2001 edition of World War II Magazine features a great article about Stephen E. Ambrose’s book “In the Wild Blue”.

March 2010 Aviation History Magazine

The March 2010 issue features the harrowing story of tail gunner Sergeant Francis J. Lashinsky.

The article can be read here:
https://www.historynet.com/return-to-gordisa/