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| A New Book from Soleil Press / Soleil Book Production Services turning memories into memoirs since 1988 www.turningmemories.com/downovernormandy.html more info: downover@turningmemories.com |
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Down Over Normandy tells the story of a bright young man gifted with skill, comraderie and a promising future. It tells the story of a dedicated and hard-hit bomber squadron. It tells the story of a proud family shocked by grief and marked forever by their loss. In this detailed account of the life of John Myrtetus (West Point, 1944) the author, his niece, fulfills her promise to tell the story of her missing but still beloved uncle and the history of a family whose sacrifice, sadly, is not unique in the history of that era or of our own. From out of nowhere came the screaming fire of German fighter planes. Then suddenly from below the Slick Chick, explosions sent flak in every direction. The bomb bay of John Myrtetus's B-17, the belly of the plane, was hit. The Slick Chick burst into flames. Desperately, John tried to communicate with his crew, but the intercom system was dead. He rang the alarm. Something was wrong, very wrong. What happened next came fast and furious...  From the Foreword by the author Handsome, vigorous, courageous, and beloved, John Myrtetus died over 60 years ago. As long as I can remember, I have said I would tell my uncle's story one day. Though John was commended for his service to his country with a number of medals both during his life and posthumously, I have always felt that he deserved more than commendation. He deserved commemoration. This book is meant to accomplish this, preserving his memory for future generations and reminding those still living who shared in his experience of war that we have not forgotten how much was sacrificed in that endeavor. --Susan Myrtetus Lorentzen  Down Over Normandy dramatically recounts a crucial piece of the history of the World War II service of the U S Army Air Force.Stationed out of Deenethorpe in East Anglia, England, John Myrtetus and his crew had previously flown 14 successful bombing missions as part of the 612th Bomber Squadron of the 401st Bombardment Group before their B-17 was hit by German flak. It burst into flame over Normandy. His skillful and brave handling of his fatally-wounded B-17 allowed several crew members to survive the crash that took his life. John Myrtetus was decorated posthumously with the Purple Heart, the Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Air Medal. |
