Review of Shot Down

[Nichol Lee Jackson]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Shot Down" by Steve Snyder.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Shot Down by Steve Snyder is a biographical book about his father Howard Snyder, a combat pilot in WW2 in Europe. It is intended for young and mature audiences. There is some borderline profanity. There are no typos.
The author researches into his father's past military records and becomes an enthusiastic narrator for the maneuvers of the flying fortress B-17 that his father flew during active duty. The heroic character of Howard Snyder with the crew of "The Susan Ruth" is documented with many aspects of their functions overseas. The various strategies for flight missions included 'destruction of habitat' and the bombing of German cities and military sites. The constant 'flack' from anti-aircraft shells and sweeping attacks from the Luftwaffe German fighter planes are overwhelming. As the war drags on, newer technology and better fuel standards enable 'escort fighters' like P-51 Mustangs, P-47s, and P-38s to defend the B-17s on their way to drop tonnes of bombs. A few of the unofficial tags that spring are The Lucky Bastards' Club for those who have completed tours and are returning home to America and The Caterpillars' Club for those who have parachuted from a downed bomber. Unfortunately, the crew is separated when their B-17 catches fire and they are forced to jump over enemy lines. Here the story shows the terror and courage of these men hiding from the Naziis with the aide of the Belgian Resistance.
I gave this book five out of five stars. The very well-told audible version was confidant and full of the subtle feelings of dread and innocence when being under attack. The only question is why did his father withhold most of the information until after his death for his son to find later in life? It is a true story that needs more validation from other perspectives.

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Shot Down
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