Book Review: SHOT DOWN,The True Story The B-17 “Susan Ruth”

The cover of SHOT DOWN.


The cover of SHOT DOWN.
The cover of SHOT DOWN. Click on the image to buy the book on Amazon.com

For the first time, the full and complete story of the B-17 Flying Fortress Susan Ruth is shared in unbelievable detail.Shot Down was created from the vast number of letters and journals of Howard Snyder; diaries of men and women on the ground who rescued, sheltered and hid the crew; and interviews conducted by historians. Centered around the 306th Bomb Group in Thurleigh, England, it is informative, insightful and captivating.For most, 70 years is a long time ago. World War II fades in importance as each year goes by. Shot Down moves history out of the footnotes into reality, keeping the stories of real people alive as they experience being shot down. You are there, almost holding your breath as Lt. Snyder gets his crew out of his B-17 when bailing out over Nazi occupied Europe.

Steve Snyder’s book, Shot Down is about pilot Howard Snyder and his crew of the B-17 Susan Ruth, in particular about the dramatic experiences of each crew member after their plane was knocked out of the sky by German fighters over the French/Belgium border on February 8, 1944.  Some men died. Some were captured and became prisoners of war.  Some evaded the Germans for awhile but were betrayed, captured, and shot. Some men evaded capture and were missing in action for seven months.  The stories are all different and are all remarkable.Through personal letters, oral and written accounts, military records, and interviews – all from people who took part of the events that happened 70 years ago, the stories of the crewmen comes alive.  Further enhancing the story are more than 200 time period photographs of the people and places described in the book.

To buy this book on Amazon click HERE.

However even before the dramatic battle in the air and the subsequent harrowing events on the ground, the story is informative, insightful, and captivating.  Prior to the fateful event, the book outlines the men’s training, their journey to England, their life while stationed there, and their combat missions.  Everything is centered around the 306th Bomb Group stationed at Thurleigh, England of which the crew of the Susan Ruth was a part.To add background and context, many historical facts about the war are entwined throughout the story so that the reader has a feel for and understanding of what was occurring on a broader scale.  Thus, the book is a fascinating story about brave individuals, featuring pilot Howard Snyder, set within the compelling events of the war in Europe. You will be given an insider’s seat to the hopes, dreams and fears of a remarkable group of young airmen and the brave Belgian people that loved, cared and risked their lives for them.In 1989, a memorial to the crew of the Susan Ruth was dedicated at Macquenoise, Belgium and every year celebrations are held to honor and remember the men who are now all gone but not forgotten.

Susan Ruth Memorial

To buy this book on Amazon click HERE.

Moreno-Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

Array
About Moreno Aguiari 3380 Articles
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

5 Comments

  1. I bought it. The 306th was the group depicted in the movie “12 o’clock High” as the “918th” which is 306 times three.

  2. Looking forward to reading this Steve. My dad Julian R. Cassino, flew from 1-45 to 4-45 out of Molesworth as a waist gunner, togglier, bombardier, with the 303rd Bombardment Group (H) 359th Hells Angels……..25 missions mostly to Berlin and other German “factory” cities……………..all these men had steel balls and my dad has always been my hero

  3. Hi Steve, receive your message. I shall order the book. It must be a part of my collection about aircraft crashes in Europe.Say hello to John Hull Pothoven in Vegas.

    Jaap Vermeer ( Member of the Dutch Empire )
    93rd BG Assn.member
    SGLO Member

  4. I am proud to say that I am a nephew of Kenneth O. Blye. This story has long intrigued me, and I am anxious to learn more of this heroic man and the crew he so proudly served. Ken was married to my dad’s sister, Euphemia.

2 Trackbacks / Pingbacks

  1. WARBIRD NEWS Review of SHOT DOWN » Shot Down
  2. Warbirds News » Shot Down

Graphic Design, Branding and Aviation Art

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*