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Rating: 
Summary: A Moving Account
Review: A thorough examination, backed by eyewitness testimony, of virtually every aspect of life, both on the ground and in the air, experienced by combat airmen during World War II. One walks away from this book in awe at what these men went through psychologically as they prepared for and returned from their often daily bombing missions. One unfortunate omission of the book is its non-treatment of the light bombers that flew for the Ninth Air Force, specifically the A-20 Havoc and the A-26 Invader. McManus focuses exclusively on the "heavies," but if any bombers were truly exposed to the destructive power of enemy flak, then it was these attack aircraft that strafed and bombed from low altitudes. My uncle flew in both and he and his buddies also have compelling stories to tell.
Rating:
Summary: A Moving Account
Review: A thorough examination, backed by eyewitness testimony, of virtually every aspect of life, both on the ground and in the air, experienced by combat airmen during World War II. One walks away from this book in awe at what these men went through psychologically as they prepared for and returned from their often daily bombing missions. One unfortunate omission of the book is its non-treatment of the light bombers that flew for the Ninth Air Force, specifically the A-20 Havoc and the A-26 Invader. McManus focuses exclusively on the "heavies," but if any bombers were truly exposed to the destructive power of enemy flak, then it was these attack aircraft that strafed and bombed from low altitudes. My uncle flew in both and he and his buddies also have compelling stories to tell.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent review of military efforts in the air.
Review: Deadly Sky surveys the American combat airman in World War II, considering their battles and the special dangers of manned air flights of the times. From flying missions to leadership changes and notable individuals, this provides an excellent review of military efforts in the air.
Rating: 
Summary: Deadly Sky
Review: The author presented the flow of information in a unique fashion. Individual stories of American combat airmen appeared throughout the book rather than in specific chapters dedicated to a particular airman. For example, an airman's views would show up in a chapter on crew training, then again in a chapter on air base activities or flying missions. Addressed were many aspects about combat personnel that one doesn't normally think of, such as the living conditions of enlisted men and officers, their drinking and sexual activities and how tours of duty were handled in different theaters. Included were items such as superstitious beliefs, prayer and even humorous events. The book states that many Germans fought for the Fatherland and the Japanese fought until the death. The Americans, on the other hand, did not fight for patriotism or the allied cause, although this was important. Their highest priority was survival. I felt the book was a little weak on addressing equipment in the early phases of the war. It is my understanding that our airmen were thrust at the enemy in very inferior fighting vehicles. I was hoping to learn more from the crews' point of view on this subject. It wasn't exactly what I expected, but it was a good read and certainly did cover a lot of territory. This book did bring back memories of American civilian and military feelings against Germany and Japan that I recall as a teenager
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