Under optimum conditions and for brief periods, the B-24 had a top speed of about 300 miles per hour, could carry 8,800 pounds of bombs 3,000 miles at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet. However, standard operational procedure in actual combat operations with the 8th and 15th Air Force in Europe called for 155 miles per hour indicated, 25000 feet altitude with a bomb load of 5500 pounds and a maximum total range of 1200 miles. In the Pacific, Liberators gradually replaced the B-17 in the heavy bomber role, largely because of the B-24's greater range. During the early part of the war, the B-24 and PB4Y were the only American heavy bombers covering the seas from Alaska to India.
In Europe's flak-filled skies, the aircraft quickly earned its reputation. The U.S. Eighth Air Force flew B-24s from England to France in 1942 and deep into Germany in 1943. B-24s also led the bombing raid that opened the decisive air battle over Berlin. Later, American B-24s flew in waves on D-Day, bombing the beaches of Normandy in the predawn darkness to pave the way for Allied invasion forces.
Credit has never been given for the outstanding performance of the B-24 in every theater of war. This aircraft was used to haul fuel, transport VIPs, patrol for submarines, and drop supplies by parachute. We also flew the B-24 for naval recon, weather flights, and even for freezing ice cream for local messes. Until the B-29, the B-24 was the most modern aircraft with the latest equipment. Without detracting from the B-17, it should be made part of the enduring record that the B-24 did its fair share and was an outstanding success at the work for which it was created.
---- Colonel John R. Kane, leader of the 98th Bomb Group ("The Pyramiders") in the Ploesti Air Raids.
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New York Times Book Review:What makes this book engrossing is its evocation of the fine line between a close call and a tragedy, not to mention the way guilt is detonated by war's deadly absurdity.
Publishers Weekly Halpert's absorbing debut. Gripping fiction
Kirkus Review Flying high above Platoon-movie cliches An inspiring debut. Compelling suspense
Miami Herald:Harrowing portrait of the pitilessness of war
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel Writing this sharp is its own justification
Robert Olen Butler (Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)
"A Real Good War is gritty and funny and rich with authenticity. The long overdue debut of a very talented writer."
Susan Minot "Sam Halpert shines his light on a well-worn subject, war, and gives us material glowing with stoic humor and a crusty humanity. This is a wonderful, unique and moving book."
Leonard Michaels "If you want to know what World War II air war was like; the blood, fire, death and hell for American boys, A Real Good War is the book to read"
