![]() Shot Down follows the story of Howard Snyder, who recorded much of his harrowing story in a personal journal he kept, chronicling the events leading up to and including being shot down over Belgium, hidden from the Germans by local townspeople, and eventually making his way across the border into France to join the Maquis (French resistance fighters). Utilizing information taken from personal letters, interviews, declassified military records and verbal and written accounts, Steve Snyder has crafted together a fascinating and incredibly vivid account of the life and events of the crew of the Susan Ruth throughout the bombing campaigns in Europe during WWII.Įxhaustively researched and full of vibrant detail, Snyder gives the reader a very real feel for what it was like living in the tumultuous period of history- especially for the pilots and crew members. It is a wonderful snapshot of people preforming admirably under the worst of conditions, where some gave everything they had to give.Īuthor Steve Snyder pens the exciting true account of the WWII B-17 Susan Ruth and it’s crew, piloted by his own father Howard Snyder. ![]() ![]() This was a memoir, a love letter from son to father, honoring him for his quiet dignity and courage. Heartbreaking and poignant, families and wives at home, showed equal bravery and support. I loved this band of brothers, their camaraderie and courage, and when I read the parts of the outcome, the unfair vagary of fate, I was saddened by the wastefulness of war. The book tells of their insecurities and fears, the heartache from being away from loved ones, missing births and other milestones in the home front. This is how we should learn about war, through the eyes of those who sacrifice so much to keep others safe. Training, deployment to England and the grueling and dangerous conditions are described in harrowing details. The budding romance with his mother, courtship and finally marriage is tenderly told through personal letters that paint a vivid picture of their relationship. In a clear and crisp voice, Synder describes both his father and the world he lived in. Complied by letters and records left behind, author Steven Snyder, son of the pilot, Howard Synder, recounts the exploits of the crew from their family background, to training to the fiery crash that caused them to parachute and survive in enemy territory. Meticulous and endearing tribute to the crew of the B17 Flying Fortress, the Susan Ruth during World War II. Snyder gets his crew out of his B-17 when bailing out over Nazi occupied Europe. You are there, almost holding your breath as Lt. Shot Down moves history out of the footnotes into reality, keeping the stories of real people alive as they experience being shot down. World War II fades in importance as each year goes by. Centered around the 306th Bomb Group in Thurleigh, England, it is informative, insightful and captivating.įor most, 70 years is a long time ago. Shot Down was created from the vast number of letters and journals of Howard Snyder diaries of men and women on the ground who rescued, sheltered and hid the crew and interviews conducted by historians. creation and dedication of the monument to the Susan Ruth and its crew located in Macquenoise, Belgium in 1989.behind-the-scenes stories of the Belgium civilians who risked all to save American flyers who were in the air one moment, spiraling down in flames the next. ![]()
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