Pastor Tracy Reads | Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought The Air War Against Nazi Germany by Donald L. Miller

February 3, 2025 | Pastor Tracy Troxel

My grandfathers served in the military during World War II. So, I grew up listening to their stories and their sacrifices during this pivotal time for the world. This is the story of the United States Eighth Air Force and their significant role in taking the air war to Germany during World War II.

The book pushed me to think about several things. First, war is awful. The strategic decisions for this air war put people in harm’s way. The Eighth Air Force was tasked to bomb German military targets during the day. The initial part of this air war was conducted without fighter support – the bombers were on their own. These missions were literally suicidal. And, yet, day after day, these pilots flew their missions. Also, the strategic decisions about bombing targets illustrated the moral hazards of these missions. Civilians were often caught in the maelstrom of these battles. I found myself lamenting war and violence and asking God to bring peace because the cost of war is so great.

Many individual stories of sacrifice litter the pages of this book. The high mortality rate for bomber crews knit these crews together in powerful ways. You will be brought to tears as you read of bomber crews who refuse to parachute out of their damaged airplane to safety because one or more of the crewmates are too injured to bail out of the plane. In solidarity, they all stay with the damaged plane together. These stories pressed me to think about my own commitments to fellow believers, wondering if I was willing to stand in solidarity with them like these bomber crews.

This is not the easiest read but it will push you to think about life and death, sacrifice, war, and peace.

Pastor Tracy Troxel