Testimonials

Colonel Ray Ward's magnificent Those Brave Crews, The Epic Raid to Destroy Hitler's Oil Fields, follows the fortunes of American aircraft on their suicidal mission against the vital Ploesti (Roumania) oil field complex. With him you will follow each different crew, sit in the pilot's seat, and share the unique experience of gunners dueling eye-to-eye with enemy flak crews. The sacrifice and dedication of these men rivals other famous events of history, such as the cavalry charge of the Crimea, Pickett's assault at Gettysburg, or Xenephon's March.

It is a sweeping epic work you will long remember.

"You describe very interestingly the experiences of the combat pilot."
James H. Doolittle, Gen., Ret.

"More than anything I have read, this brought back memories long dormant. Perhaps someday it will take its place alongside such epic poems as Homer's Illiad and the Odyssey."
William H Brandon, May. Gen. Ret.
Lead Pilot 44th BG Ploesti Mission

"This indeed is a mammoth effort. My heartiest congratulation."
Sam Keith National
President, Air Force Association

"Excellent work ... For all the crews and the entire Air Force."
James Stewart,
actor and Brig. Gen., Ret.

"To say I am impressed is to put in mildly - with your knowledge of these early years, and the feelings you have for them."
William Cameron, Col., Ret.
Squadron Leader, Ploesti Mission
(credited with most combat hours in bombers, WWII)

"You have captured the feel of those times: the wonder, grandeur, and passion we all experienced."
Gerald V. Hasler National Director,
Past President, Air Force Association "Amazing. Astounding. Tremendous!"
Leon Johnson, Gen. Ret.
44th Bomb Group Commander
(Recipient, Congressional Medal of Honor)

"Your epic poem deserves much praise. Congratulations on your momentous undertaking."
Ramsay D. Potts, Maj. Gen. Ret.
Squadron Leader, Ploesti Mission,
93rd Bomb Group

"What a wonderful surprise!"
Philip Ardery, Maj. Gen. Ret. 2nd Wave,
Commanding Pilot 'Red Target',
Ploesti Mission, 389th Bomb Group

"An incredibly fine piece of work. It impressed me in a very special way, as an old B-24 'driver' of the 8th Air Force."
Robert Vickers, Director,
50th Anniversary of the Liberator

"A truly outstanding work ... fascinating reading ... This deserves its place along all historical writing about WWII."
Norman C. Appold,
Major commanding 'B' Section,
376th Bomb Group, Ploesti Mission