They Seemed to Know No Fear

Two books about the heroic exploits of pilots in wartime illustrate the fragility of man, and his capacity for courage.

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B-17 Flying Fortresses over Germany, April 1945.

U.S. Air Force/Public Domain

You’re over the middle of the ocean. Freezing air blows through your half-destroyed cockpit. Your only means of communication is an experimental radio set, and you’re rapidly losing blood from multiple shrapnel wounds. By your rough estimation, it’s 40 minutes until you’ll find a place to land.

You’re in the air over Germany, trying to fly in formation while protecting a bomber squad. Gunfire erupts around you, and though you give as good as you got, your bombers explode and their crews plummet to the ground.

Sarah Schutte

About the Author

Sarah Schutte

Sarah Schutte is the podcast manager for National Review and an associate editor for National Review magazine. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, she is a children's literature aficionado and Mendelssohn 4 enthusiast.

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