Colonel Paul Irvin "P.I." ("Pappy") Gunn was a fascinating character who served as a naval aviator during World War II missions in Southwest Asia. Living with his wife, two daughters, and two sons in the Philippines in 1941, Gunn later became a manager for Philippine Airlines. After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Gunn was ordered to fly important Allied diplomats out of the Philippines. Bruning (coauthor,
Outlaw Platoon) explains that during that mission, Japan took over the islands, capturing Gunn's family and placing them in an internment camp. Gunn's guilt, ferocity, technical know-how, and piloting experience led him on a three-year quest to gain his family's freedom. Using the B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-25, and A-20 planes, he drastically altered not only their firepower but also changed their style of attack. Gunn's family endured starvation, severe health issues, and a maniacal commander in the camp before being rescued.
VERDICT Fans of World War II history, aviation and military technological leaps, and stories of the human spirit conquering terrible odds will enjoy this tome.
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