The Wild Blue

Preceded by woodwinds, Stephen Ambrose personally reads the introduction and epilogue to his abridged audiobook about bomber crews in WWII. Primary attention is focused on the flights of Lt. George McGovern, who later became a senator and presidential candidate. With meaningful expression, reader Jeffrey DeMunn creates a believable and empathetic treatment of these touching, patriotic stories of the Army Air Corps in Europe. He seems interested in every word, and his captivation impacts us, as well. The combination of story and teller offers audiophiles a memorable examination of the psychological dynamics of men in aerial combat. J.A.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine


While this book is subtitled "The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s over Germany," the focus is actually one Bomb Group in the 15th Air Force stationed in Italy--and to a considerable extent, one crew headed by former Senator George E. McGovern (then a 22-year-old aircraft commander). The book is an excellent account of the nature of WWII flying in an American heavy bomber. Jeffrey DeMunn's forthright reading beautifully conveys McGovern's long and difficult route from civilian to pilot to leader in aerial combat. He is particularly adept at not losing the listener when he's reading Ambrose's many statistical asides (number of planes constructed, lost in training, lost in combat, etc.). A very interesting listen. R.E.K. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine