Shot Down: The True Story of Pilot
Howard Snyder and the Crew of the B-17 Susan Ruth by Steve
Snyder
Shot
Down is set within the framework of World War II in Europe and
recounts the dramatic experiences of each member of a ten man B-17 bomber crew
after their plane, piloted by the author's father, was knocked out of the sky by
German fighters over the French/Belgian border on February 8,
1944.
Some men died. Some were
captured and became prisoners of war. Some men evaded capture and were missing
in action for months before making it back to England. Their individual stories
and those of the courageous Belgian people who risked their lives to help them
are all different and are all remarkable.
Even before the dramatic
battle in the air and the subsequent harrowing events on the ground, the story
is informative, insightful, and captivating. Prior to the fateful event, the
book covers the crew's training, their journey to England, what life was like on
base as well as in London and the English countryside, and the perils of flying
combat missions over occupied Europe and Germany.
Through personal
letters, oral and written accounts, declassified military documents, and
interviews - all from people who took part in the events that happened over 70
years ago (even the German Luftwaffe pilot who shot down the Susan Ruth) - the
stories come alive. Adding to the feeling of "being there", are more than 200
time period photographs interspersed throughout the book.
To add background and
context, many historical facts and anecdotes about and surrounding World War II
are entwined throughout the book so that the reader has a feel for and
understanding of what was occurring on a broader scale. Shot
Down is an account about brave individuals, featuring pilot
Howard Snyder, set within the compelling events of the greatest conflict in
world history.