BOOKS and PRINT on the 456th

456th Bomb Group - Steed's Flying Colts, 1943-1945

A history of the 456th Bomb Group with crew lists, photos, stories, unit history and more. This book is referred to as "the history book" by the veterans of the 456th. Published 1994 by Turner Publishing Company, Paducah, Kentucky, USA. Library of Congress Catalog card No. 94-060249. Follow this link for more: Turner. Also, see the painting of The Lady Corrinne by Robert Carlin from the cover of the history book.

Diary of a Flying Colt by Robert S. Capps

One man's story of flying with the 456th - he happened to be the first 456th Bomb Group pilot to reach 50 missions. A huge book with extensive details written like a diary, with missions covered through July 1944. This is perhaps the most authentic resource one could get to find the truth about the time. Very highly recommended. Published by Manor House, Alexandria, Virginia. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 96-78457, ISBN 0-9640665-1-3. The first printing is out of print but possibly available through specialty bookstores. Update May 2004: Bob Capps has indicated this book will be printed again soon - watch for following announcements.

UPDATE: FLYING COLT NOW IN SECOND PRINTING!

Read >>here<< for more information and to learn how to obtain a copy!

When Surrender Was Not An Option by George G. Crawford with James V. Lee

This book was published in January 2002 and is a concise, engrossing look at one man's struggle with the brutality of being a POW. George seemingly knew well before he was shot down that somehow "his number was up." But through nothing less than seeming providence and determination he survived bailing out of the doomed aircraft, and the long, torturous time as a POW in Germany. The writing style is very conversational, and some of George's exploits border on near incredulity. This is a first-hand account by a member of the 745th squadron, and it ends with some unexpected twists - but George survived and went on to a successful career as prosecutor and judge. Recommended reading. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 2001 126665, ISBN 0-9663870-3-1. Published by Salado Press, P.O. Box 719, Salado, TX 76571, and available at www.amazon.com or www.bn.com.

One Soldier's Story - A Collection of War Stories by Robert W. Reichard

An amazing collection of stories from one of the more prolific writers of the 456th, this book was a lifetime in the making. Robert W. (Bob) Reichard served in or with all four branches of the Services, shoulder to shoulder, during combat operations over a career that stretched three decades. He is an avid writer and has written many stories about his very unusual military career which included serving during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. The subtitle "A Collection of War Stories" is something of a misnomer since the reader will learn about Bob's history in Pennsylvania as well as his experiences in the military. Written in straight-forward conversational tone, Bob provides vivid snapshots of history in a no-nonsense approach that includes numerous photos. Highly recommended reading. Published by Word Association Publishers; Library of Congress Control Number 2003114459; ISBN 1-932205-80-2 Contact the 456th webmaster for ordering details.

Incident Over Mostar – The Story of the Crew of the B-24H Heavy Bomber Boojum, by David F. Abner

“There was no such thing as a milk run. Every mission was fraught with danger. The first flight into enemy territory frequently was the last.”

Sgt. Edward L. DeMent, 745^th Squadron

On April 3, 1944, an incident over Mostar, Yugoslavia would forever change the lives of the ten crewmen aboard the B-24H Heavy Bomber, Boojum. This new book by David F. Abner, son of ball turret gunner T/Sgt. Frederick G. Abner, Jr., tells the story of a top notch crew and the unusual circumstances surrounding the mission that tore them apart. Incident Over Mostar is published by Word Association Publishers, Tarentum, PA (http://www.wordassociation.com) and is a highly recommended read, full of photos and anecdotes that will hold your focus. ISBN 1-59571-012-4, Library of Congress Control Number 2004106259 Read Chapter Five as published in the 456th Newsletter, October 2004 at this link: Newsletter.

Recollections Of A Young Aviator, by James F. "Bud" McIntosh

The rest of the text on the cover states "15th Air Force, 304th Bomb Wing, 456th Bomb Group, 745th Squadron" which makes this a personal account of one of the 456th's veterans. From the back cover and title page of this book, Bud says: "At age 80 I look back on a life that has been blessed with a wonderful wife, family and friends - many happy memories and much to be thankful for! However, the period of my life devoted to this story is indicated by its title..." With numerous photos, maps, stories, anecdotes and very detailed recollection, Bud's book provides a clear and fascinating look into the ordinary routine of the extraordinary times. Published in 2004, ISBN 0-9747330-0-8 from Beaverbrook Publishing, LLC in Franconia, NH. Excerpts will soon by published elsewhere in this site.

Bibliography Section Links:

Bibliography Main Page

BOOKS, Page 2: B-24 and Fifteenth Air Force

BOOKS, Page 3: Personal Memoirs

BOOKS, Page 4: Strategy, Missions and History

TAPES: B-24, USAAF, et al

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Created 8/28/01 RJF

Last Edited 01/09/2005 RJF