Mike Croissant
Advance praise for Bombing Hitler's Hometown
“Full of rich dramatic detail . . . At times it seems possible to imagine that you are there, cramped inside the airplane alongside the young men. This vivid account reminds us of the costs for all involved, on both sides.”
From the foreword by Richard Overy, Honorary Professor of History at the University of Exeter and
author of more than thirty books on the history of air power, the European dictatorships, and World War II
“Mike Croissant’s brilliant chronicle of this incredible mission is a wonderful tribute to those who bravely flew through the flak-filled skies over Linz.”
General David Petraeus, US Army (ret), former Commander of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and NATO/US Forces in Afghanistan; former Director of the CIA
“Balanced, rigorously detailed, and thoughtful, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in the American air war over Europe.”
Randall Hansen, author of Fire and Fury: The Allied Bombing of Germany and Japan
“With vivid details and stories that showcase the very human reactions of young men thrust into the jaws of combat, Mike Croissant brings a well-researched story that is immensely readable. I turned the pages with gusto, eager to read more.”
Gregory A. Freeman, author of The Forgotten 500 and The Last Mission of the Wham Bam Boys
“(T)he most impressive collection of first-hand accounts that I have ever seen. The air battle, and the fates of the men who had to abandon crippled bombers, makes for a gripping 'I-was-there' story.”
Harry Yeide, author of The Longest Battle and Fighting Patton
“Croissant puts us right in the cockpit of the bomber, rides us down with the bombs, and makes us feel the impact of the explosions as they destroy the target. One can almost hear the roar and rumble, see the brilliant flashes, and feel the heat of the devastation.”
Vincent Speranza, World War II veteran and author of the Indie Book Award Finalist Nuts! A 101st Airborne Division Machine Gunner at Bastogne
“Tapping an extensive array of never-before-used primary sources, Croissant delivers a tribute worthy of our exceptional navigators, pilots, and bombardiers. He has done a great service to the memories of these valiant heroes.”
Daniel Hoffman, former CIA Station Chief and cable news commentator
“A remarkable story that needed to be told – action packed military history at its very best.”
Anthony Tucker-Jones, author of Hitler’s Winter: The German Battle of the Bulge
“Mike Croissant combines you-are-there immediacy of a Fifteenth Air Force bomber crew with an overview of Hitler’s connection to Linz, Austria, in a way that is educational and entertaining.”