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Aircraft Wrecks in the Mountains and Deserts of the American West Recommended Reading
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Title: Fate On A Folded Wing
Highly Recommended Author: Tiffany Ann Brown ISBN-13: 978-1-943588-82-4
The aviation achievements of Mrs. Joan Merriam Smith are well told in this book. The author emphasizes Mrs. Smith’s solo around the world flight accomplished in 56.5 days between March and May of 1964. The flight was made in a twin engine Piper PA-23 Apache N3251P named The City of Long Beach. The fate of 51Papa in the Mojave Desert, and the tragic flying accident that claimed the lives of Mrs. Smith and her passenger, Trixie Ann Schubert less than a month later are well examined. The author is the granddaughter of Trixie Ann Schubert.
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Title: The Marines Lost Squadron the Odyssey of VMF-422
Highly Recommended Author: Mark Carlson ISBN: 978-1-62006-747-5 Publisher: Sunbury Press, 2017, 348 pgs. Illustrations: b/w photos & maps included Size: 8.5 x 5.5 inches Published: 2017 Price: $19.95
How could twenty-four U.S. Marine Corps Vought F4U-1D Corsair fighter aircraft disappear on a flight from Tarawa to the Ellice Islands in 1944? You’ll find out in this well written and researched book. Tropical storm fronts, raging winds, high seas, and shark make this tale well worth the readers time. The role of piloting skills, pure luck, and other factors are explored in this gripping story. Was this the largest loss of aircraft and men on one mass flight during WWII in the Pacific? You’ll find out the answer to that too. The author is legally blind, but his work is visionary. |
Title:
Aircraft wrecks of the Pacific Northwest Volume 3
Highly Recommended An interesting read that is very well illustrated, and a must have book for those who want to visit crash sites in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest.
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young adult nonfiction / biography “Part concise history of the WASPs and part unsolved mystery, Seized by the Sun is a long-overdue tribute to a determined and talented young woman as her identity changes from a shy and stuttering society girl to a confident military pilot. A deftly reported, shining portrait of an inspirational woman.” —Elizabeth Wein, award-winning author of Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire “Seized by the Sun is a compelling slice of Americana and a wonderfully detailed glimpse at life in the WASPs from the perspective of a privileged yet tortured young woman.” —Kathryn J. Atwood, author of Women Heroes of World War II Of the 38 Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) confirmed or presumed dead in World War II, only one—Gertrude “Tommy” Tompkins—is still missing. On October 26, 1944, the 32-year-old fighter plane pilot lifted off from Mines Field in Los Angeles. She was never seen again. Seized by the Sun is the story of a remarkable woman who overcame a troubled childhood and the societal constraints of her time to find her calling flying one of the fastest fighter planes of World War II. It is also a compelling unsolved mystery. Born in 1912 to a wealthy New Jersey family, Gertrude’s childhood was marked by her mother’s bouts with depression and her father’s relentless search for a cure for the debilitating stutter that afflicted Gertrude throughout her life. Teased and struggling in school, young Gertrude retreated to a solitary existence. As a young woman she dabbled in raising goats and aimlessly crisscrossed the globe in an attempt to discover her purpose. As war loomed in Europe, Gertrude met the love of her life, a Royal Air Force pilot who was killed flying over Holland. Telling her sister that she “couldn’t stop crying, so she focused on learning to fly,” Gertrude applied to join the newly formed Women’s Airforce Service Pilots. She went on to become such a superior pilot that she was one of only 126 WASPs selected to fly fighter planes. After her first flight in the powerful P-51 Mustang, her stutter left her for good. Gertrude’s sudden disappearance remains a mystery to this day. Award-winning author James W. Ure leads readers through Gertrude’s fascinating life; provides a detailed account of the WASPs’ daily routines, training, and challenges; and describes the ongoing search for Gertrude’s wreck and remains. The result of years of research and interviews with Gertrude’s family, friends, and fellow WASPs, Seized by the Sun is an invaluable addition to any student’s or history buff’s bookshelf. James W. Ure is a former staff writer and editor at the Salt Lake Tribune and wrote features for the Deseret News, as well as other newspapers and magazines. He is also a former publicist and executive director of the Sundance Film Festival. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. Excerpt: A woman with gray eyes walked toward the aircraft. Her curly dark hair bounced lightly against the collar of her leather flight jacket. As a Women’s Airforce Service Pilot, or WASP, Gertrude Tompkins’s job was to fly this sleek plane across the country to Newark, New Jersey. From there it would be shipped to Europe for combat against Nazi Germany. . . . Gertrude climbed into the cockpit and settled in the metal bucket seat, using her parachute as her cushion. She latched the seat belt and shoulder harness. Gertrude punched the ignition switch. The four-bladed propeller made a slow, hesitant turn. The exhaust ports exploded noisily, streaming acrid smoke back into the cockpit as the big paddles bit into the air faster and faster. She ran up the throttle. The engine reached a high-pitched snarl. The exhaust ports breathed clear now. It had come alive, this airplane, and was shivering to be away. Women of Action is a lively, accessible biography series that introduces young adults to women and girls of courage and conviction throughout the ages. |
Title:
BENEATH HAUNTED WATERS Highly
Recommended Peter Stekel has achieved a penultimate success with this compelling must read work about two B-24 Liberators that vanished in California during WWII. The Hester and Huntington Lakes B-24’s are part of High Sierra lore. The author has provided an in-depth understanding of what happened and why. He pays close attention to the suffering of the next of kin, and the determined heroism of one crewman’s father in searching for his lost son. BENEATH HAUNTED WATERS by Peter Stekel will be available on Amazon on September 1, 2017 for $18.95. The author tells a compelling story about two B-24 Liberator bombers that vanished over the High Sierra in 1943. This book is well illustrated, and is Highly Recommended! |
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Title: The Complete
Book of the SR-71 Blackbird
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED The penultimate book about the Lockheed A-12, YF-12, and SR-71 aircraft. This comprehensive work is both visually satisfying, and intellectually engrossing. Twelve Blackbird accidents are also described, along with the disposition of surviving aircraft today. This is a must have book! |
Title: Finding Carla
Highly
Recommended I was privileged to read a preview copy of this most interesting book. There has never been a more compelling story of survival against all odds, with such a sad end than Finding Carla The Story That Changed Search & Rescue Forever. Ross Nixon is an experienced Alaskan bush pilot, and active duty airline Captain who has spent years researching this legendary tale. The author worked with next of kin to provide in-depth details about the pilot and his two passengers aboard Cessna 195 N9388A who flew into aerospace history on March 11, 1967. Excellent use of photos and maps add this fine work. |
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Title: Flights Of No
Return
Recommended This well written work describes all of the famous missing aircraft stories we’ve heard of, plus some new ones too! Mysteries intrigue, so dive into this these tales of mostly unresolved losses spanning 230 years! |
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Title: Nebraska's
Fatal Air Crashes of WWII
Highly Recommended! In-depth, WWII subject specific, a model for authors in other states. Aviation accident history and aircraft archaeology rolled into one fine book. Well researched and documented with excellent maps and photographs. |
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Title: 81 Days Below
Zero Highly
Recommended Survival against all odds in the most difficult environment imaginable are hallmarks of this book. A long missing B-24 in Alaska spotted from the air in June 1994 leads to a research project that details how one man, by courage, and good fortune achieves a unparalleled record of survival in North America. A must read, that reminds us of those who crashed, and did not make out of the wilderness alive. |
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This reasonably priced coffee table book is loaded with outstanding photos of nineteen historic military aircraft owned by the Flying Heritage Collection. An operational history accompanies each warbird, including where it was acquired, and restored. Flying characteristics and the choice of paint schemes and national insignia are described. The full color cockpit and engine photos are intriguing, and a personal favorite of mine. Historical black & white images enhance the readers understanding of the operational use of these now rare aircraft. The author does an outstanding job of blending eye catching photographs with a well written history that will hold the attention of every warbird expert, and casual reader alike. |
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Broken Wings Books about Alaska have always intrigued me, especially when aircraft crashes are involved. This is the author’s second work dealing with aviation accidents in the high latitudes. The first chapter discusses losses involving notable Alaskan aviation pioneers, and the four chapters that follow describe accidents within specific geographic regions. All of the more than thirty stories in this edition are about civilian aircraft including private, charter, and airline accidents. The extensive use of maps, charts, and photos adds to the readers interest and enjoyment. |
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A must have companion for HIDDEN WARBIRDS I. HIDDEN WARBIRDS II features more than twenty stories and more than 150 photos. I can highly recommend this book for several reasons. The author takes the reader to places and times that few of us can reach or know in their lifetime. The unique quality of photos that compliment each and every story effectively captures the reader’s imagination. If you’re interested in warbirds, especially the rarest of the rare, then this book is definitely for you. How many of the rare Hawker Tempest remain in existence today? The author provides the latest statistics for those still flying, on display only, under restoration, or in storage. These are the details that give this book the depth that aviation aficionados especially appreciate. |
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Please read the forward to Pat's book by Eric Blehm Available at Barnes & Noble, Planes of Fame Shop, Amazon.Com, and book sellers everywhere. |
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Well written and illustrated with extensive use of color photos. Crash site lists, with coordinates, for Washington, Oregon, and Idaho are included. 34 crash sites are described in detail, plus a chapter on desert war relics. Dave and his co-authors have nailed the aircraft wrecks of the Pacific Northwest region with this second of two volumes on the subject. |
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Fatal Crossing Good read about the the disappearance of Northwest Airlines Douglas DC-4 on 6/23/50 with fifty passengers and crew on board. Flight 2501 vanished in a thunderstorm over Lake Michigan, and debris, along with some human remains were found shortly after the accident washed up on the beaches of west Michigan State. Where did the DC-4 hit the water, and where is the lakebed wreck site? That’s the mystery, and local wreck hunters assisted by Clive Cussler make a multi-year effort to find it, but do they? Read and find out. |
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An excellent tale of what determination, research, and field work can accomplish in searching for three B-24J’s lost during 1944 in Palau area of eastern Micronesia. One particular B-24J is the focus for possible recovery aircrew remains. The role of JPAC, independent searchers, and next of kin of the missing airmen are featured. |
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HIDDEN WARBIRDS
The Epic Stories
of Finding, Recovering, and Rebuilding WWII’s Lost Aircraft
The title says it all! I can highly recommend this easy to read well illustrated book that will enlighten readers about historic aircraft that have been discovered, recovered, and restored. The reader will also gain an in-depth understanding of what it takes to locate, legally recover, and rebuild rare aircraft that will be preserved for future generations to enjoy. This book will prompt aviation enthusiasts to wonder about undiscovered veteran and vintage aircraft in the jungles, mountains, deserts, lakes, seas, and oceans of our vast planet. There will be discoveries to come, that’s for sure! Hidden Warbirds is also available as E-Book. G. Pat Macha |
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My new book, Aircraft Wrecks of the Pacific Northwest is now available for purchase. This 8 1/2 x 11" full color book is 241 pages, including 33 chapters describing various military and commercial aircraft crash sites as they still exist throughout the northwest region today. Books are available through me at a cost of $49.95 with free shipping throughout the United States. Copies can also be purchased through Merriam Press or Amazon Books at the same cost. Anyone interested in purchasing a copy from me can make payment though PayPal at dvmccurry@yahoo.com or by mailing a personal check, cashiers check, or money order to:
David L.
McCurry |
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I read
Fearless twice because the story of Adam Brown and his team mates is
so compelling. This is not an against the odds tale; Thanks to the writing and research skills of noted author Eric Blehm the reader is enmeshed in the lives of these selfless warriors who every day are serving, protecting, and sacrificing on our behalf. SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown’s life and death proves that the ideals of the WWII “Greatest Generation” resonate still. |
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I highly
recommended this fine book that has just been released in May 2012. |
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Recommended for all those interested in aviation accident history, and the special circumstances that make many of the included stories so intriguing. This book also offers helpful tips on equipment, do’s and don’ts of wreck hunting, legal issues concerning wreckage removal, placing memorials, how to obtain accident reports, plus much more. |
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Well researched and written this is a must read book about an epic story of survival against incredible odds. Battling the effects of injuries, lack of food, and extremely low temperatures makes every page a tense and gripping reading adventure. The extensive use of photos and maps, many in color, adds to the value of this fine book. |
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AVIATION MYSTERIES OF THE NORTH Thoroughly enjoyable book that leaves the reader wanting more, well researched and focused on seventeen disappearances. Only two of these cases have been solved to date, and the others tantalize us with a myriad of questions and possibilities. |
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Peter Stekel’s well crafted book demonstrates his understanding of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and through his extensive research he confirms the fate of four U.S. Army aviators after their tragic disappearance in November 1942, while on a routine training mission. The author weaves a tale of mystery and intrigue that blends the 1947 discovery of this missing aircraft with the discovery this century of two of the four crewmembers. Mr. Stekel’s remarkable work on the Mendel Glacier earns well deserved praise for contributing to the resolution of this mystery. |
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A compelling read by the sole survivor of a the 2/19/79 crash of Cessna 172 N1527V in the San Gabriel Mountains near Mt. Baldy village. The survivor was only eleven at the time, and his descent on the fog enshrouded, snow and ice encrusted west flank of Ontario Peak brings the reader to the very edge of his seat in more ways than one. |
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Here’s a must have work by two experts in the field. With 160 pages, almost 300 photos, and the detailed accident stories of the most famous and obscure X-aircraft will leave the reader well satisfied. Years of painstaking field work and research by the authors provide us with a clear picture of where the X-wrecks are and how they got there. This book also includes a valuable chronological listing of more than five-hundred accident sites in and around Muroc/Edwards AFB and Area 51 in Nevada. |
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The Restoration This well written 350 page book documents the location, recovery, and restoration of Northrop N3PB Serial Number 320 flown by the Royal Norwegian Air Force and seconded to RAF 330 Squadron based in Iceland during WWII. The history of 330 Squadron is also discussed and the fate all twenty N3PB’s flown by the Royal Norwegian Air Force is included as well. Dozens of photographs, maps, diagrams, and three view drawings add to the quality of this book as does this unique story of aircraft restoration from the wreckage on up. |
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This book is about a Sequoia and Kings Canyon Park Ranger who disappeared in the High Sierra in 1996 and the extensive search for him that followed. While the focus of this well written book is not about missing aircraft the author does discuss the story of the Consolidated B-24E that vanished over the High Sierra in December 1943 and how difficult it was to locate that crash site despite years of searching. The Last Season provides the reader an understanding and a sense of how the vast and rugged wilderness can seemingly swallow a large aircraft as well as a veteran ranger of the back country. The stories of the missing haunt us, we need to know their fate, and this book does a fine job of engaging the reader in this enthralling mystery. (G. Pat Macha) |
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FINDING BILLY: An Internet
Odyssey |
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The Last
Flight of Bomber 31 A must read for those interested in WWII air operations against Japan that originated from Alaskan bases. This book is not just about one loss, Lockheed PV-1 BuNo 34641 that crashed in Russia with the loss of the entire crew, it’s also the story of those interned in the Soviet Union during WWII. The appendices of this book provided the researcher with details of many USAAF and USN aircraft losses in and around the Aleutian Islands during the Second World War. |
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Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation
Accidents in the United States 1941-1945 Published by McFarland Publishing Box 611, Jefferson, North Carolina 28640, Phone orders: (800) 253-2187. Softcover three volume set, 7x10, 2006, 1336 pages includes appendices, notes, bibliography, and index. $195 for the complete set or $75 each individual volume. Anthony Mireless obtained the microfilm for every fatal USAAF aircraft accident in the continental United States and wrote a crash summary for each one including location, aircrew names, and probable cause if known. While there are no photographs the unique content makes this research work a must for students of WWII, aviation history, and those with an interest in aircraft archaeology. The appendices at the back of volume three include; accident statistics, Army Air Force Stations in the U.S. 41-45, crashed aircraft by manufacturer including serial numbers, location index by state, and name index of those who died. Few people realize that more United States military aviators and aircrew lost their lives in routine training, ferrying, and testing of aircraft here in the U.S. than were lost in combat! This book does an outstanding job of remembering those who lost their lives here at home. It is an essential reference for relatives tracing the fates of loved ones. Reviewed by G. Pat Macha |
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Mayday! Mayday! Aircraft Crashes in the Great
Smokey Mountains National Park 1920-2000 |
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Death Daring and Disaster, Search and Rescue
in the National Parks |
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Faded Contrails Last Flights Over Arizona
(military aircraft 1942-1977) Good photos and twenty detailed stories make this an excellent read about historic accidents and crash sites in Arizona. |
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Santa Catalina Island Goes To War World War II 1941-1945 William Sanford White ISBN 0-9659793-7-4 |
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KOGA'S ZERO The Fighter that Changed World War II Jim Rearden ISBN 0-929521-56-0 |
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Disappearance: A MAP, A MEDITATION ON DEATH AND LOSS IN THE
HIGH LATITUDES Sheila Nickerson ISBN 0-385-48170-5 |
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WRECKCHASING A Guide to Finding Aircraft Crash Sites Nicholas A. Veronico ISBN 0-9636332-0-1 |
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WRECKCHASING 2 Commercial Aircraft Crashes & Crash Sites Nicholas A. Veronico ISBN 0-9626730-3-X |
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WW II WRECKS of the Kwajalein and Truck Lagoons Dan E. Bailey ISBN 0-911615-05-9 |
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BROKEN WINGS Tragedy & Disaster in Alaska Civil
Aviation Gregory P. Liefer ISBN 0-88839-524-8 |
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The Lost Squadron A Fleet of Warplanes Locked in the Ice for 50 Years David Hayes ISBN 0-7868-6048-0 |
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Colorado's Lost Squadron Troy Turner ISBN 97-90101 Highlights WWII bomber training losses in the Rocky Mountains. |
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SAFELY REST A Father's
Quest to Discover the Fate of His WWII Soldier Son |
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The Bomber Mountain Crash:
A Wyoming Mystery |
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Courtesies of the Heart |
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