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Stuart J. Wright
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An Emotional Gauntlet: From Life in Peacetime America to the War in European Skies Kindle Edition

by Stuart J. Wright (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 out of 5 stars 17 ratings
A moving account of the lives of one diverse WWII American aircrew, “filled with humor, chaos, horror, and tragedy” (The Freeport Journal-Standard).
 
In this book, Stuart J Wright tells the gripping story of a World War II American aircrew flying missions from Old Buckenham, England in a B-24 Liberator bomber they nicknamed Corky, based on years of research and correspondence with crew members and their families.
 
Wright adds a dimension rarely explored in other World War II memoirs and narratives, beginning the chronicle during peacetime when the men of the aircrew are introduced as civilians—kids during the 1920s. As they mature through the years of the Great Depression to face a world at war, questions are raised about “just” and “unjust” wars, imperialism and patriotism. Jingoistic sentimentality is resisted in favor of objectivity, as the feelings and motivations of the crew members are explored: the Chinese American air gunner had hoped to serve in the U.S. Army Air Force to fight against the Japanese invaders of his homeland; the Jewish navigator felt compelled to join the battle against Nazi Germany. In recounting the harrowing conditions and horrors of bombing missions over Europe, An Emotional Gauntlet emphasizes the interpersonal relationships within the crew and the spirit these men shared. As pilot Jack Nortridge regularly assured his crew, “If you fly with me, I'm going to bring you home.” This book is a testament to their strength and determination.
 
Includes photographs
 
“Compelling…stands out for its integration of pre-war civilian life with wartime experiences. To me, this is the essence of America's story in the war, and I am glad to find a book that comprehends this and tells the story from this perspective.”—Jerome Klinkowitz, author of Yanks Over Europe: American Flyers in World War II
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  1. Print length
    558 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Pen & Sword Aviation
  4. Publication date
    April 21, 2011
  5. File size
    8.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A compelling story. Wright establishes the strong spirit these men shared, based on their pilot's pledge that he would bring them back-back from each mission and back to resume their peacetime lives. An Emotional Gauntlet stands out for its integration of prewar civilian life with wartime experiences. To me, this is the essence of America's story in the war, and I am glad to find a book that comprehends this and tells the story from this perspective."—Jerome Klinkowitz, author of Yanks over Europe: American Flyers in World War II



“An Emotional Gauntlet shows the difference in mindset of American civilians before the war and the mindset of those civilians once they became soldiers and flew overseas. “—The Freekport Ink



“[An Emotional Gauntlet] is as fresh as the smell of 100 octane on a crisp morning. Author Stuart J. Wright brings freshness to his topic that we thought had been burned away in the ‘50s and ‘60s.”—John Drennan, 8th Air Force Historical Society, Massachusetts ChapteR



“This comprehensive, well researched, and well documented memoir tells not only of the war experience, but also much personal history of these men. . . . WWII veterans, those with an interest in history or aviation, and especially the relatives of WWII veterans will be interested in reading this memoir. . . . Stuart Wright honors . . . all brave men and women, our veterans, by recording their history and writing their story.”—Nodaway New Leader



“Much of the book is devoted to the devastating aerial warfare, and although years have passed, the author’s diligent research gives us a dramatic picture of the costly battles. . . . A worthy addition to most home libraries.”—Brockton Enterprise



"Superb. I highly recommend An Emotional Gauntlet. The main thread, about the Corky crew, is terrific."—Martin W. Bowman, author of B-24 Liberator: Combat Legends and Wild Blue Yonder: Glory Days of the U.S. 8th Air Force in England

About the Author

Stuart J. Wright is a writer and musician based in London. He has flown in the last flying B-24 in the world. This is his first book.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00KIXWGHE
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pen & Sword Aviation (April 21, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 21, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8.1 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 558 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 17 ratings

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Stuart J. Wright

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
17 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story engaging, with one describing it as a great piece of American history. Moreover, the personal account is detailed and well-written, making it an excellent read.

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4 customers mention "Story quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, with one describing it as a great piece of American history.

"...In addition Wright is a fine story teller and interesting to read...." Read more

"This is an excellent historical of some of America's best sons going off to save the world; and they did! Very well done!" Read more

"...Interesting stories...very detailed." Read more

"This is a great story about one crew assigned to the 453rd Bomb Group...." Read more

3 customers mention "Account value"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the personal account in the book.

"I very detailed and personal account of the ( often short life) of a B24 Liberator crew in WWII. Puts the reader into the aerial battles...." Read more

"What a great find! While doing our family tree, my brother realized the grandfather we never met (George White) was part of the Corky aircrew...." Read more

"...The detailed, personal accounts help you understand what these young men had to deal with day-to-day." Read more

3 customers mention "Detail"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the detailed nature of the book.

"I very detailed and personal account of the ( often short life) of a B24 Liberator crew in WWII. Puts the reader into the aerial battles...." Read more

"...Interesting stories...very detailed." Read more

"...The detailed, personal accounts help you understand what these young men had to deal with day-to-day." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one describing it as an excellent read.

"...Puts the reader into the aerial battles. Excellent read." Read more

"...Very well done!" Read more

"everything was great, no problems at all" Read more

Great research and a model of how to use original sources.
5 out of 5 stars
Great research and a model of how to use original sources.
As an aspiring WW2 B-24 and 392nd BG researcher, I regard Wright as a real teacher in his use of archival and original sources. A review of the bibliography, notes and appendix is a quick education in how to use available research tools. Going thru the boxes of unit histories, Missing Air Crew Reports and German KU files on downed allied aircraft at the National Archives in Washington, DC, is something I also would like to do. His efforts in tracking people down by any means, including letters to very old addresses, is a new option for me. In addition Wright is a fine story teller and interesting to read.The Corky crew flew during the first half of 1944, some of the toughest, highest attrition missions as the 8th AF broke the Luftwaffe prior to D-Day. The detail of each crewman's life during the war and after is such a huge task, requiring years and years, very hard to put this down. Our father was a Lead Pilot in the 392nd BG, a few miles from Old Buckenham, and flew on these same missions, so this is indeed a special book for us.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • JGH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great research and a model of how to use original sources.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2006
    Verified Purchase
    As an aspiring WW2 B-24 and 392nd BG researcher, I regard Wright as a real teacher in his use of archival and original sources. A review of the bibliography, notes and appendix is a quick education in how to use available research tools. Going thru the boxes of unit histories, Missing Air Crew Reports and German KU files on downed allied aircraft at the National Archives in Washington, DC, is something I also would like to do. His efforts in tracking people down by any means, including letters to very old addresses, is a new option for me. In addition Wright is a fine story teller and interesting to read.The Corky crew flew during the first half of 1944, some of the toughest, highest attrition missions as the 8th AF broke the Luftwaffe prior to D-Day. The detail of each crewman's life during the war and after is such a huge task, requiring years and years, very hard to put this down. Our father was a Lead Pilot in the 392nd BG, a few miles from Old Buckenham, and flew on these same missions, so this is indeed a special book for us.
    Customer image
    JGH
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Great research and a model of how to use original sources.

    Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2006
    As an aspiring WW2 B-24 and 392nd BG researcher, I regard Wright as a real teacher in his use of archival and original sources. A review of the bibliography, notes and appendix is a quick education in how to use available research tools. Going thru the boxes of unit histories, Missing Air Crew Reports and German KU files on downed allied aircraft at the National Archives in Washington, DC, is something I also would like to do. His efforts in tracking people down by any means, including letters to very old addresses, is a new option for me. In addition Wright is a fine story teller and interesting to read.The Corky crew flew during the first half of 1944, some of the toughest, highest attrition missions as the 8th AF broke the Luftwaffe prior to D-Day. The detail of each crewman's life during the war and after is such a huge task, requiring years and years, very hard to put this down. Our father was a Lead Pilot in the 392nd BG, a few miles from Old Buckenham, and flew on these same missions, so this is indeed a special book for us.
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    3 people found this helpful
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  • Gr8ful
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heros of the air war
    Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I very detailed and personal account of the ( often short life) of a B24 Liberator crew in WWII. Puts the reader into the aerial battles. Excellent read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Gordon/Sandie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome account of the real WWI heros!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is an excellent historical of some of America's best sons going off to save the world; and they did! Very well done!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Pee Wee fan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Piece of American History
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    What a great find! While doing our family tree, my brother realized the grandfather we never met (George White) was part of the Corky aircrew. Interesting stories...very detailed.
    One person found this helpful
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  • DJS1639
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful account of an 8th Air Force combat crew
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great story about one crew assigned to the 453rd Bomb Group. The detailed, personal accounts help you understand what these young men had to deal with day-to-day.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Pete Becker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    everything was great, no problems at all
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  • Director Robert
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book deserves praise for the history it captures
    Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2016
    What I appreciate most is the detail the author found about life and service in the 453rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) in Old Buckenham. All the heavy bomber airfields had a story to tell, and Wright found that of the 453rd. I admire the many flier interviews and realistic capture of life in a B-24. I also appreciate the documentation of James Stewart's service at Old Buckenham, which formed a significant portion of his combat career.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kenneth Eagleson Jr.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2009
    History - especially WWII history - has always been an interest of mine leading me to read scores of books and articles since I was a young boy. This book was especially poignant for me as the author introduced us so intimately to the men profiled. I really felt like I got to know most of them as the pages turned. By the time I completed reading this wonderful story I was emotionally attached like never before.

    These men who are so modest when speaking of their deeds are true American heroes. The stories have been told many times regarding their difficult formative years during the Great Depression and then being pressed into military service just as they were reaching adulthood. I still find this remarkable, especially when compared to the upbringing of future generations. We truly had it easy.

    I should note - in the spirit of full disclosure - that Bill Eagleson, one of the primary subjects and contributors to this book is my father's first cousin. Unfortunately, I never had a chance to meet Bill while he was alive. However, I do believe I got to know him by reading this story. I am sure all other readers will feel the same way.

    Bloodlines or not this is a fabulous story. Meticulously researched and easily followed you truly get a feel of what it must have been like in the airplane and more importantly the human interaction on the ground, as well as in the air.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • At home
    3.0 out of 5 stars This book is supposed to be about the crew of ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 21, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This book is supposed to be about the crew of a B24, and it is, for the most part. But the I found author's comments and opinions about the whole of American history and policies to be very intrusive, adding nothing to the history of these men. I would say it even detracted from their stories. I hadn't expected to read a polemic against the Monroe doctrine, or the American expansion into the West, and I found these interjections jarring.

    Having said that, It is well-researched, full of personal information about the crew, and has some lovely photos. I don't regret the purchase.
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