Fly Boy Heroes

On the morning of December 7, 1941, Chief Aviation Ordnanceman John W. Finn, though suffering multiple wounds, continued to man his machine gun against waves of Japanese aircraft attacking the Kaneohe Bay Naval Station during the infamous Pearl Harbor raid. Just over three years later, as World War II struggled into its final months, a B-29 radioman named Red Erwin lingered near death after suffering horrific burns to save his air crew in the skies off Japan. They were the first and last of thirty U.S. Navy, Army, and Marine Corps aviation personnel awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions against the Japanese during World War II. They included pilots and crewmen manning fighters and dive bombers and flying boats and bombers. One was a general. Another was a sergeant. Some shot down large numbers of enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Others sacrificed themselves for their friends or risked everything for complete strangers. Who were these now largely forgotten men? Where did they come from? What inspired them to rise “above and beyond”? What, if anything, made them different? Virtually all had one thing in common: they always wanted to fly. They came from a generation that revered the aces of World War I, like Eddie Rickenbacker, the civilian flyer Charles Lindbergh, and the lost aviator Amelia Earhart—and then they blazed their own trail during World War II.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, Aviation Chief Ordnanceman John W. Finn, though wounded, continued to man his machine gun against the waves of Japanese attacks around Pearl Harbor. Just over three years later, as World War II struggled into its final months, a B-29 radioman named Red Erwin died to save his fellow crewman in the skies near Japan. They were the first and last of thirty U.S. Navy, Army, and Marine Corps aviation personnel awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions against the Japanese. They included pilots and crewmen manning fighters and dive-bombers and flying boats and bombers. One was a general. Another was a sergeant. Some shot down large numbers of enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Others sacrificed themselves for their friends. Fly Boy Heroes is the story of the Pacific theater of World War II through the men who received the Medal of Honor in the air war against Japan. They served in U.S Army air squadrons, on U.S. Navy carriers, in U.S. Marine Corps air units. Who were these now largely forgotten men? Where did they come from? What inspired them to rise "above and beyond"? What, if anything, made them different? Virtually all had one thing in common: they always wanted to fly. They came from a generation that revered the aces of World War I, like Eddie Rickenbacker, the civilian flyer Charles Lindbergh, and the lost aviator Amelia Earhart--and then they blazed their own trail during World War II.

Robbie's father is a spitfire pilot who was shot down during World War II and is now a POW. At only seventeen, Robbie lies about his identity to enlist in the Royal Canadian Air Force under the guise of going to a boarding school so that his mother doesn't find out. He starts training in Brandon, Manitoba, but after acing all his classes, he's dealt a disappointing blow when he's assigned to be a navigator on a Lancaster. He wanted to be a pilot, just like his father, but the commanders of the air force have other ideas. Robbie is soon on his way to England, where he completes his training on missions bombing German targets in enemy territory. It is during one of these missions that his Lancaster is fired upon and the pilot and many of the crew are shot. It's up to Robbie and his limited piloting experience to save the crew...and himself.

This is the story of a WW2 P-40 pilot from induction to separation. The narrative takes the reader from 1941 to 1946 and includes the China, Burma, India theater of operations. Excerpts from letters home and photos bring to life this fascinating tale of adventure. Publication of this book celebrates the 100th birthday of the author who resides in the Pacific Northwest.

p>Searching for Heroes in Life takes the recollections of its author, Charles Brookins Taylor Sr., who narrates his lifelong search for heroes, and turns these accounts into an inspiring witness that encourages others to search for the heroes who populate their own lives. Through this combination of reminiscence and guidance, Searching for Heroes in Life shows how one may look at the ordinary people who cross ones path and see in them the special qualities that make them heroic. Searching for Heroes in Life draws upon Abraham Maslows famous Hierarchy of Needsphysiological, security, social, esteem, and self-actualizationas a tool for understanding humanitys deep need for heroes. In particular, he shows how the need for self-actualization includes a need for spiritual self-actualization, which is where real-life heroes may make their special contributions to ones well-being. Then the search for heroes, illustrated with accounts from the authors life, culminates in an exploration of the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is both Hero and Savior of all who believe. In a world that so often seems to grow grey and dim under the weight of trouble and discord, you may find yourself wondering what has become of the good and noble people worthy of respect and admiration. Searching for Heroes in Life will help you to see clearly that heroes who can guide and inspire are living all around you and that Jesus Christ desires to come into your life as the ultimate Hero and Savior.

Allan Andradehas conducted his own investigation of the Leopoldville incident. The American, British and Belgian governments engaged in a cover-up, filed the papers away as secret Dennis Hevesi, The New York Times This story should hold a special place in every states history. Simply put, the soldiers that lost their lives deserve the proper respect and remembrance for their sacrifice, and those that survived need to be recognized for their valor. New York City Congressman Gary L. Ackerman On behalf of the residents of New York City I express my appreciation to Allan Andradefor researching and writing a book on this tragedy. New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani With skills developed over 20 years as a New York City Police investigative lieutenant he started digging into the dusty, hidden files with the tenacity of a real-life Columbo. Andrade tracked down not only survivors but also relatives of the victims: sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, wives. Andrade had the difficult task of telling the truth about the sinking of the SS Leopoldville and finding again that it is not for the dead that we grieve but for the living. Reuters Television Investigative Reporter, Lawrence Bond Retired NYC Police Lieutenant Allan Andrade has investigated and put together the facts and poignant individual stories of the Leopoldville disaster. Future historians of this incident will be compelled to use his research as a starting point for their own work. Originally published in 1997, the book has been revised to include new material and photographs. Allan Andrade was the American historical consultant for a TV documentary regarding the Leopoldville disaster. The documentary was produced by Norther Sky Entertainment Ltd., Toronto, Canada during 2008. I was flown to England & revisited the sites directly connected to the tragedy. He was aboard a research vessel directly over the wreck when professional divers dove to film it. He also visited Cherbourg, France, destination of the Leopoldville and Normandy American Cemetery where some of the Leopoldville victims are buried. With him were a Leopoldville survivor & 2 relatives of 2 different soldiers who were killed. ( one where body recovered & one where body never found.) The program, Deep Wreck Mysteries:Sunk on Christmas Eve, aired on the National Geographic Channel during February 2009.

****USA TODAY BEST SELLING AUTHOR**** Tim Reisher is a debonair pilot with a cocky attitude. He is well known throughout the airline community thanks to his penchant for beautiful women. Melissa Hansen is a new member of the National crew with a past she is attempting to escape. When the past does catch up, Tim finds himself caught in the middle. Will the two bring an attacker to justice? Will they lose their hearts to each other in the process? A Cocky Hero Production inspired by Playboy Pilot