BOMBS AWAY! WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN FINISHED without the assistance and support of many people. First, a huge thanks to Scott Pearson for his diligence and patience. Hope I haven’t caused you too many gray hairs this time around! As always, it has been a real pleasure working with you. Thanks to you and your staff for making me look good, even when I don’t deserve it. The talent and dedication at Zenith is truly special, and it is always a pleasure to work with everyone there.
To Richard Kane, I owe a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid with mere words. Richard ensured I’d have the opportunity to write this book, which has served as an expression for a passion I’ve retained since my childhood back home in Saratoga, California. Having the opportunity to share some of these amazing photos and tell the story of the strategic air war in Europe represents one of the longest-held dreams I’ve had, both as a man and as a writer. Thank you, Richard, for helping me realize that goal.
To my family, Ed, Renee, and Jenn. You three continue to suffer through my crazy schedules and long, long days with patience and love, and I would never be able to pursue this difficult career without your support. Renee, you’ve been a constant source of inspiration for me, and I have loved seeing you bloom as a writer in your own right this summer. Congratulations on your first two published articles, and I cannot wait to see how your skills develop and lead you forward in whatever you choose in the years ahead. Ed, my nine-year-old son, has been able to identify and talk about almost every major aircraft used in World War II since he was able to talk. One memorable summer day when he was barely three, Ed sat in my lap next to my dear friend Bill Runey, who flew P-40s with the 49th Fighter Group during World War II, and successfully named every aircraft in a World War II aviation book. Bill was absolutely astonished. In later years, as Jenn and I ran a photo archival service, Ed would sometimes identify images and aircraft for my bride when I was out on a business trip.
Jenn, you’ve been my partner and best friend for my entire adult life. Your support and faith in me is what carried me through the dues-paying years. When everyone else gave up, you remained loyal and rock-steady in your support. That means everything to me, and whatever success I will ever achieve will be yours too.
Bob and Laura Archer, your friendship over these past fifteen years has been an integral part in my success as a writer. Thank you for all you’ve done for my family, and Laura, thanks for your diligence with Vol. You’ve saved him from Simon’s fate, at least for now, and I’ve treasured the time we get to share together.
Denice, Andy, Brenda, Larissa, and Bob—thank you for making my mornings go smoothly and taking care of me even on days when I’m sullen and grumpy. Shawna Akin, your dedication and support these past twelve years have been vital for me. You keep me organized and sane. Thank you for all you’ve done for me.
Taylor Marks—your inspiration has guided me this past year. It will continue to do so as I negotiate the road ahead. Not a day goes by without you in my thoughts and prayers. And as time has passed, I’ve found myself missing you more and more instead of less and less.
Part of this manuscript was finished in the barracks at North Fort Hood, Texas. Among the crickets, the 107-degree heat, and fireflies, I wrote many of the captions in the base’s MWR, or on the lower bunk of my rack while embedded with 1-168 Aviation, Oregon and Washington National Guards. I was living with a group of pilots whose dedication to their mission is second to none, one that served as a reminder that the legacy and tradition established during World War II continues to flourish in the ranks of America’s combat aviators today. Daryl Jones, whose bunk was next to mine, kept my nose to the grindstone as the clock ticked down to our departure for Afghanistan. Everyone else—Nate, Will, Eric West (thanks for those tips . . .), Brian, Alex, Captains H. and U., Heidi, Craig, Jim—your support and encouragement, as well as your acceptance of me joining you in this difficult journey, means the world to me. Since Emily Shumate pulled me from the flight at Fort Hood August 5, I’ve focused on finding a way out to you.
These new friends of mine fly CH-47 Chinook heavy lift helicopters. Deployed to Eastern Afghanistan in August 2010, my friends have been split up and sent to FOB Salerno and FOB Shank. On August 28, 2010, Taliban fighters assaulted FOB Salerno while dressed in U.S. Army uniforms. Some wore suicide vests. The men I lived with at Fort Hood, including Daryl Jones, Will, Nate, and Brian, faced the same situation the pilots of the 7th Fighter Command faced on Iwo Jima in the spring of 1945 when Japanese hold-outs launched a banzai charge through their encampment. One Taliban fighter breached the wire and came very close to the 1-168 before he was killed. Thank God none of these incredible Americans were lost in such a desperate and dangerous event.
Lastly, to Allison Serventi Morgan, your work chronicling the U.S. military’s relief operations in Pakistan following the catastrophic earthquake there in 2005 is incredibly important and will show your audience a side of America’s heart few ever get to see. I expect to see your book on the shelves someday soon. I have no doubt that your talent and drive will bring you rich success in this new path you’ve chosen. Your assistance on Heart for the Fight, Manhunt, and Bombs Away! has been instrumental and tremendously appreciated. Thank you for your selflessness, for the inspiration you’ve provided, and the unwavering support you’ve given me. You are significant. And I’m only saying all this because I want your car (even if it is slower than mine). Or was that last thing too flip?