Flights of Angels

[Eric Friedebach]

Hi Folks,

I just got off the phone with Doug James, who has written a novel called Flights of Angels. Sounds like a good read!

The seed for Flights of Angels was planted over fifty years ago, on September 1, 1945, when the author's neighbor, Navy pilot Lt. Marcy Darnall, was killed in the Philippine Islands, the last day of WWII.

Doug James was only nine years old but the event was permanently etched in his brain.

Earlier, another neighbor, Lynwood Glazier, who flew for the Army, was declared missing in the Pacific. James didn't know Glazier, but the news of his disappearance and death hung over his close-knit neighborhood like a dark cloud.

A half-century later, James began sketching out a basic plot for Flights of Angels and commenced his research---three years of it---to commemorate the lives of Darnall and Glazier.

"What we owe all those young men is absolutely beyond our grasp," James believes. "Everyday, ordinary, hometown boys who volunteered to serve. Their service to their country was selfless, and too often, terminal." James has dedicated his novel to Glazier and Darnall and their comrades-in-arms.

This book is much more than a fabulous read taking you up in the bright yellow Stearman airplane named the "Yellow Peril." It is a compelling story of the young Navy pilot Billy Benson as he works his way through flight training.

Praise for Flights of Angels:

"[Flights of Angels] brings …wonderful memories rushing back to me. It's a wonderful read for anybody who looked into the skies and yearned to fly."
Ed McMahon, Television personality - Former V-5 pilot

"While reading Flights of Angels, I was ready to grab my helmet and goggles and jump into the nearest cockpit. I could almost hear and feel the power of hundreds of roaring 550 h.p. radial engines as I relived the greatest adventure of my life.

"Flights of Angels is rich and satisfying and would be a gift beyond compare for former cadets and pilots who have been there and done that."
George Harris, former V-5 pilot and advanced flight instructor

Here’s a link to Doug's website where you can purchase a copy directly.

[Tulio]

Is that how you hand-crank an engine? Wouldn't the prop hit him if it catches up, by accident?

Just curious.

Saludos,


Tulio

[bdk]

Never turn your back on a prop!

You crank the flywheel up to speed, then engage the starter. If it engages while you are cranking and you are standing where depicted you have a good chance of getting conked on the head!

Good eye Tulio!

Interesting that the foreward is by Ed McMahon.