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Article Title: A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in War-Torn Skies of World War II

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(Editing Draft: Draft:A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry In the War Torn Skies of World War II)

Associated WikiProjects: World War II: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Military_history/World_War_II_task_force Military Fiction: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Novels/Military_fiction_task_force Novels: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Novels

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Info box:

Author: Adam Makos & Lawrence A. Alexander

Country: USA

Language: English

Genre: Historical novel, Biography

Publisher: Dutton Caliber

Publish Date: 6th May, 2014

Media Type: Print (Hardback, Paperback), CD/Audio book

Number of Pages: 392

ISBN: 9780425255735

Contents Box:

1. Background

1a. Setting

1.a.a Social

1.a.b Legal

1.a.c Military

1b. Novel construction

2. Plot synopsis

3. Characters

3a. Lt Charlie Brown

3b. Lt Franz Stigler

3c.Lieutenant Gustav Roedel

3d. Voegl

3e. General Adolf Galland

3f. General Hermann Göring

3g. Commander Günther Lützow

3h. Hiya

3i. Lieutenant Al 'Doc' Sadok

3j. Lieutenant Spencer 'Pink' Luke

3k. Majorie Ketcham 4. Critical Reception

4a. Praise

4b. Critique

5. External Links

6. References

Lead Section (Description)

A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II, is a novel written by American historian and journalist Adam Makos and American lawyer and law professor Lawrence A. Alexander. It was published in 2014 by Penguin Group and since, has been translated into multiple languages. It has also appeared on the New York Times best seller’s list and was hugely successful in the UK, being ranked no. 3 on the Sunday Times best sellers list. The historical novel narrates the missions of American 2nd Lieutenant Charlie Brown and German 2nd Lieutenant Franz Stigler during the second World War. It was these circumstances that led to their sole encounter over the Atlantic and what was deemed "one of the most remarkable stories in the history of warfare " between enemies in World War 2. Underlying this journey is the deep-rooted enmity between the two nations, and the threat of a ‘firing squad’ if they were ever discovered. Forty-six years later, driven by the act of kindness, the two Lieutenants set out to find each other again. A Higher Call provides for army officers an invaluable lesson on leadership and care for one’s subordinates. However, the inherent lessons in the novel, of comradeship and mercy, transcend global boundaries.

Background:

Setting Note: This section is still in editing mode- not all references have been added Social:

The reign of the Nazi Party was a dictatorship which enforced harsh rules to ensure compliance and loyalty. Under Hitler's rule, all other political parties had been eradicated and 'common rights' such as freedom in speech, expression in media and economic employment were heavily monitored and regulated. The Nazi Party also opposed the Catholic Church due to their open hatred against Hitler, the Gestapo (Secret police) and exposure of the early crimes of the Third Reich. However, the airforce pilots were not as tightly loyal, preferring instead to live by the honour code laid out by their preceding air force pilots from WW1, whom they viewed as national heroes. This code emphasised that a good leader was not measured by his victories or self-preservation, but instead through how he treated his subordinates.

During the war, airline pilots would receive many benefits such as extra food, alcohol, cigarettes and allowance since their job was considered risky. Therefore, near the end of the second world war, they held the blame for Germany's loss, as well as the fact that they "did not keep the bombs from falling". During the war, it was a common fear to be arrested by the Gestapo and placed in a Prisoner of War Camp. Even German citizens suspected of treason would be arrested and 3.5 million were imprisoned in the course of war. Most citizens including the Air Force were not aware of the full brutality that occurred, especially in outright killing or working their prisoners to death. Additionally, a strategy the Allies employed that the Germans did not fully adopt until the end was the use of women as fighters. The Allies had created a Women Airforce Service Pilots or the WASPs which dramatically increased their numbers during the war. However they did not receive the same employment rights as men, being considered only civil service employees. They were often considered 'expendable' and had to pay for most of their uniform and weaponry

Legal:

Throughout the novel, there are references to the treatment of POWs, the Geneva Conventions and the targeting of cities and civilians  After WW1, the creation of the Treaty of Versailles led to the dissolution of the air force and the disarmament of the army and navy forces. Germany had to hand over overseas colonies, allow foreign troops to occupy borderlands and pay 132 billion Deutsche Marks for damage (about 400 billion USD today). As a result, Germany fell into a deep economic depression, paving the pathway for Hitler to rise into power (novel). See Also: Great Depression Hitler's succession to power was incredibly successful through the employment of strict rules that regulated all facets of daily life, 'ruling with an iron fist'. In line with this, Hitler created the Schutzstaffel(paramilitary security) and the Gestapo (secret police) to evoke a constant fear of saying anything that challenged the Party.

Military:

Stigler's plane was a Messerschmitt 109 which could fly for 400 miles an hour. Brown flew a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, which had a heavy defensive armament for maximum bomb loading. In 1935, Hitler defied the harsh demands of the Treaty of Versailles and re-established the Luftwaffe (German Airforce) by secretly training new pilots and funding the national airline (Deutsche Luft Hansa).

Throughout the war the Allies employed a wide range of military tactics: the British would launch a strong and irresistible initial attack and upon German retreat, they would encounter the Americans that had rounded them out and cut them from the back. Additionally, the Allies would also mimc bomb explosions at night, forcing German citizens and soldiers to wake up and frantically retreat to bomb shelters. The lack of sleep would psychologically wear them out and make them less sharp in the day. Near the end of the war, the Allies would send fighter pilots to eliminate the bombers and their resources leaving the Allied bombers free rein to drop bombs over Germany. It was such tactics that ensured their victory in the war.

Novel Construction

In his interview, Makos states his first introduction to the story came from working in a self-made aviation company which allowed him to access to veteran stories. In stumbling upon this one, he reaches out to Brown living in Miami at 85 years. Brown tells him he won't be interviewed unless Stigler is interviewed first. Critics also state that in addition to Brown's silence, Makos nearly did not receive the complete story due to his pre-conceived notions that all Germans and Japanese were 'the enemy'. Makos himself claims in the novel that he had believed that the Germans were "universally evil and beyond redemption". However, his background as a historian and experience in WW2 accounts would prove effective in conjunction with Alexander's background as a biographer, allowing them to understand personal experiences within the historical context. Makos also extends his interviews to other World War 2 veterans such as “Doc, ” the navigator on Charlie’s bomber and a former fourteen-year-old German flak gunner, Otto. He also toured bombers bases in England with eighty-year-old B-17 pilots, explored caves that had once served as headquarters and followed historians into bunkers in Germany and Austria, in attempts to convey a realistic story. Makos also received assistance form German Bundesarchivs, the National Archives of England, and the U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency in finding rare documents which are attached at the end of the novel.

Plot Synopsis

The novel opens in Straubing Germany in 1946, with Franz Stigler looking for work post war. (p11) It then shifts the reader back in time to Stigler's childhood, highlighting his passion for flying gliders. Thus, at 12 years he would become the youngest pilot (p22). In 1935, after Hitler openly violates the Treaty of Versailles, Stigler is called into service as an instructor for other pilots (p29). Overtime, he is promoted from a civilian to a Private (officially part of the Air Force) and then to a Corporal (p34). One of the pilots he trains is his brother August, who then becomes a fighter pilot (p35). However, Stigler receives the news from Father Josef of August's death, who had crashed in a takeoff during a night mission to London. This enrages Franz who chooses to become a sergeant and fighter pilot 18 months later in 1942 (p42).

His first post is in a desert in the Islamic city of Derna which reminds him of the “Christian knights on their crusades to the holy land”, but his experiences there would become his fondest memories, flying with the most seasoned pilots (p52). He flies his first 'free mission' in the afternoon where he learns from his commander Lieutenant Gustav Roedel, that "you fight by rules to keep your humanity" (p54). During the mission, he encounters Allied bombers and in fear, abandons his commander. Although he is wracked with guilt, Roedel calls the mission a success when they land safely in Martuba (p58). In May 31 1942, Franz scores his first victory bombing fighter pilots, however he is reminded by Roedel that they are only to destroy machines, not people, quickly snuffing out his victory (p69). Stigler continues to carry out the same mission often 3 times a day, escorting Stuka, in which he claims his forth and fifth victories and is promoted to an Ace (p76). However during one such mission, Roedel's plane is hit with a piece of shrapnel, effectively taking him out of commission (p76). He then promotes Voegl, which he later claims, would be one of his biggest mistakes (p77).

As resources became scarce, men were desperate to score 30 victories (in scoring 'the magic 30', a fighter pilot would receive the Knight's Cross, a great honour that allowed him to return home). Stigler recalls one such circumstance where Voegl is tasked with dividing 3 planes among 16 men. One of these planes is given to Stigler and he unwillingly becomes part of Voegl's inner circle, deemed by the other men as the "Voegl Flight" (p100). However, this competition would bring out the worst in Voegl and his right-hand-man Ace Bendert. Over the next few weeks, whilst Franz reported an honest 14 victories and his partner Swallisch had 15, Voegl would claim up to 26 victories and Bendert 34 (p100). Squadron diaries would reveal later, that they had not shot down most of the victories claimed. Nevertheless, the 'Voegl Flight' are elevated as the 'New Stars of Africa', ultimately creation dissension with the other pilots (p83). Although these victories are not particularly suspicious, they begin to accuse them of cheating and "had to be stopped".(p83)

A day later, on the 16th August 1942, they complete a successful mission, and help the 2nd squadron, who had sent out a distress call, bring down 38 Allied fighters. Voegl was pleased to do so as he could then claim 11 victories on that day alone. (p84). However, the honour of the 'Voegl Flight' was questioned when Voegl decided to give one of his rookies target practice by playing 'shoot the shadow' on their way home. Stigler flew in an 'S' formation, keeping his plane shadow narrow, whilst the other men practiced their target aim. However, upon landing, they were summoned to the Neumann headquarters (p85). The pilot they had saved had witnessed their practice and had reported them for engaging in 'mock dogfights'. He believed that the Voegl's Flight would empty their ammo into the sand daily and return to claim victories they had not achieved. Stigler claims that this had become a threat not only to their victories, but to their honour as well. However a month later, Roedel returns to the unit and gives Stigler the benefit of the doubt for his victories (p87). He is given permission to return home, although he admits with disbelief “there was something about the simplicity of the desert life, even its hardships, that made him not want to leave” (p88).

The story reopens two months later when Stigler returns from his leave in November. He finds that he is promoted to staff sergeant and relocated to squadron 6, led by Rudi Sinner, in Siscily (p95). While he is 'settling in', the men are suddenly attacked with an American air raid containing 20-30 B-17 flying fortresses (the 'Four Motors'). This was part of the Allied offensive Operation Flax, which targeted their supply source. Stigler and his men choose to run from the bombers and instead go for the fighters, taking only one 'four motor' down in the process. In April 1943, Franz and his new partner Lieutenant Willi Kientsch are ordered by General Adolf Galland to report to the villa at the general’s new headquarters, where they are questioned on their strategy on a previous battle (p108). Kientsch admitted that the American defensive prevented them from firing up close. However Stigler interrupts Galland's admonishment, and claimed that is was a matter of strategy. He argued that their current 'tail approach' was too slow and instead, reinforces how a full frontal attack would be more effective (p111). To his surprise, Galland agrees with him and they develop a bond, sharing similar backstories of how their brothers were killed in battle.

3 weeks prior, the Africa korps had surrendered and 275,000 fighters had become prisoners of war in the hands of the Allies. This left the Italian garrison as the sole defenders of Siscily (p119). Roedel therefore orders Kienstch, Stigler and 10 other fighters from Squadron 6 to relive the Italians and take them to Pantelleria for resources and back. Kientsch expresses concern for this, as half the rescue fighters sent previously had had no success (p120). Forty-five minutes later, he is proven correct as their B-17 is viciously attacked by the Allies and begins to fall apart. They had arrived too late, and it had essentially become 'a slaughterhouse'. The Americans would later deem it as "one of the most spectacular victories of the North African campaign" (p121). Stigler's plane became filled with bullet holes, and his nose bled from where it had been scraped by a bullet. Stigler manages to return the plane to the shores of Sicily where it begins to sink. He discovers after a valiant effort, that the canopy is held down by water pressure and finally is able to pull out the window plane and get his men back to safety. The guards at the nearby station remarked that Stigler looked 'more dead than alive' (p123). Soon after, Italy renders its surrender to America. A week later, Stigler is summoned to meet with the Gestapo, who interrogate him for previous associations with the White Rose Party or any of the sermons of the Catholic church, since August had been a loyal follower and had kept copies of Mit brennender Sorge ('With Burning Concern') (p.124). However, Stigler is quick to emphasise his official excommunication from the church and he is released (p127). A few weeks later, from August 1943, Stigler and his comrades fall back into a comfortable routine- soaring up in their new G6 planes to fight the Four Motor planes from England, and prevent them from bombing Germany. It is in December 20th, that this 'simple mission' would 'pit him against his nation' (p134).

In Chapter 11, the readers are redirected to a farm in Weston, Western Virginia from the perspective of American protagonist Lieutenant Charlie Brown. He is a Methodist, and is established to have a rough and humble upbringing (p136). At the age of 12, his mother dies from illness, causing his father to fall into depression and the family moves into a small home (p139). After high school, Brown is transferred full time into the army as a fighter pilot and is tasked with a B-17 with his partner 2nd Lieutenant Spencer “Pinky” Luke. He also encounters his new navigator in September 1943 in western Texas, Second lieutenant Al ‘Doc’ Sadok (p144). As Brown and his men make to leave for a mission, they are shocked to hear the landing of a B26 twin engine, and even more shocked to find inside a female pilot, Majorie Ketcham (p146). 'Doc' and Brown chat with her and he secures a date with her at the Officer's Club. They have a lovely time swapping stories and they arrange a second date the following night at the O-Club. Over the next 2 days, they grow fond of each other and Ketcham gives him her address before she leaves, so that they are able to write to each other (p152). Two months later in December 20th 1943, Brown set off as the aircraft commander on his second combat run to Germany (p161). Their course consisted of 21 battle planes, flying across the North Sea to Bremen, Germany. They were to attack the FW 190 plant on Bremen's outskirts. Brown and his men were given the 'purple heart corner'. Located on the lower edge of formation, it was known militarily as the most vulnerable spot for attack (p162). The men prepare themselves and take off by 7:45am. Three and a half hours later however, numerous bombers had been retreating for 'mechanical reasons' (p175) and the ‘inconvenience of excessive winds’ (p180). Brown and his men encounter flak gunners who fire 4 separate explosions at them. They blow a hole in the nose of the aircraft and through a wing, causing the plane to lose oil pressure (p178). Luke is able to restore the plane before dropping their bombs over Bremen (p179). However, their plane suddenly begins to malfunction and Brown's plane is left behind, followed by 5 109s and 8 blocking their path to the North Sea (p181).

Brown is suddenly inspired to 'play chicken'. He would pull the aircraft directly into the path of enemy fighters which decreases the 'wide target' and messes up the Germans' firing times (p182). They did not know how to react to a 'target' that suddenly attacked them. However, they are surrounded and a 190 is able to score on their tail, crashing their radio and intercom (p188). The plane is ripped with more bullets through the cockpit ceiling and punctures the oxygen tanks. A bullet rips through Charlie's shoulder, causing him to lose consciousness and the aircraft to rapidly spiral downward (p189). However, at 10,000 feet above Bremen, he is able to regain consciousness and take control of the aircraft once more (p194). The men map a route back home, 35 miles along the Atlantic Wall, however quickly realise that it was “one of the most heavily defended flak zones in all of Germany” (p196). In this exact moment, Stigler flew 30 miles north of Brown. He only required one more bomber to reach 'the magic 30' and return home. He sights Brown's B-17 and goes after it, only to realise that their entire left stabiliser had been blown away. He stopped in shock and wondered incredulously how the aircraft was still able to fly (p200). He notices the tail gunner’s position where shells had entered and saw blood streaming down where it had frozen. With the rush of emotions and reminded of his childhood, Stigler “forgot he was a German fighter pilot” and became "entranced with wonder" (p201). He notices through the gaping hole in the plane's side, crewmen huddling and caring for their wounded. It was in this moment, he claimed to have learnt a new code- to know when to answer to 'a higher call' (p202). He also realises that the Knight's Cross, an honour he had fought so hard for, really stood for men who were corrupted and killed for their own success. Thus, Stigler repositions his 109 so that his silhouette covers the B-17, obscuring it from vision of the Germans below. He takes them through the Atlantic Wall and they think he will turn them in. However, Stigler does 'something crazy'. He salutes them and tells them "good luck, you're in God's hands now" and leaves (p208). Miraculously, they are picked up by pilots in the 8th Air Force and arrive home at 3:30pm that day (p212). The whole experience however shook Brown who began to question becoming a fighter pilot (p240). However, he receives news of the death of his squad member Dale, and it reminds Brown of the brotherhood and pride he shares with his pilots, effectively renewing his faith (p242). The crew complete their next 27 missions without fail and their 28th and final mission on April 11th 1944 (p245). The entire time, Brown's mind never leaves that German pilot and he hopes that Stigler will survive the war. Chapter 18 repositions the reader back to Stigler's perspective. By March 19 1944, he had flown 300 missions, yet had not shot down a single plane since changed by the encounter on Decmeber 20 (p250). In this time, he receives news of his father's death at age 65 as well as the death of Kienstch, who had led his squadron against 800 bombers. Over the course of 3 months, Stigler slowly witnesses the slaughter of his untrained pilots (who would freeze up, making them easy target) and the sharp decline in morale as Germany began to lose the war (p265). General Hermann Göring claimed these losses were due to a lack of party loyalty and thus sends disguised political agents to lookout for mutiny and have public readings of Mein Kampf. The men found this highly insulting, and began to resent Göring. On October 26th 1944, Stigler is hit with a bullet in his forhead. Although he manages to pry it out before landing, he receives a letter claiming brain damage and this puts him out of the war (p267). A few months later, Germany is in ruin and by early January 1945, in a lodge in Lake Wannsee, he hears open talk of treason. The men blamed the inept leadership and obsession over national loyalty for the country's downfall (p274). By the time Luetzow calls a meeting with Göring it would be known as the 'fighter pilot's mutiny'. He argues for the need to invest in the 262 planes in order for Germany a chance in the war. However, Göring refuses to see this, blaming instead on the cowardice of the fighter pilots (p277). The meeting ends with Göring threatening death sentences over all the men, including Galland for 'mutiny'. Galland in anger tells his girlfriend "tonight will be the night" (p282). Thinking he wished to kill himself, she runs to tell authorities. Galland then receives a call that night form the head of the Gestapo, who claimed Hitler was furious with Göring, knowing Galland's death would shatter the already fragile air force. Göring to his surprise is completely apologetic and offers him the 262 planes and a squadron of his own, however he know that it is because his death will be secured in the skies (p283). Stigler decides to join this squadron, however their resources were limited and they were restricted to outside help as Göring had forbidden it. Yet, despite all odds, the men launch their first mission on April 5th 1945 and many after, although not without losses of their own. As the war nears an end and Germany's loss is inevitable, Galland tells Stigler in confidence that he planned to deliver their JV-44 squadron and all their operational knowledge to the Americans (p338). Franz decides then to leave the squadron and travels to Salzburg where he says he will wait out the war. On May 1st, they receive news of Hitler's death and the surrender of the German army the following day (p341). Stigler makes the trip to Berchtesgaden and decides too to surrender. He is subjected to endless interrogations over the next 14 days. The novel then takes the opening scene in Bavaria post war. Stigler finally finds work in 1947, fixing sewing machines (p347). He marries Eva in 1948. He hears rumours of the Allies rebuilding the German Air Force to deal with the emerging Soviet threat (later known as The Cold War). However Stigler decides he no longer wishes to fight and instead moves to Canada with Eva to work on the new Canadian plane, the 'Aero' (p348). He has a daughter with Eva named Jovita but they divorce amicably in 1954 and be remarries Hiya, a girl he had met previously during the war (p349). Yet both and and Brown think of each other from time to time. After the war, Brown marries Jackie, whom he met in college and they have 2 girls, Carol and Kimberly. He retires at 70 in Florida, recreationally working on developing envrionmentally friendly diesel engines (p356). However he too feels the need for closure over the events of that encounter. He places an announcement in Jagerblatt, the official publication of association of german fighter pilots (p358). The article is read by Stigler who excitedly replies to Brown. Brown calls him and they share a hearty conversation. They decide to meet in Seattle on June 21st 1990 (p363). Upon meeting they embrace and cry. Brown claims later on “it was like meeting a family member, a brother that you haven’t seen in 40 years” (p364). The news of their reunion circulated and a full article was written in Jagerblatt, which also circulated in North American, American, Canadian tv stations and even CBSNews This Morning (p366). Stigler and Brown travelled across North America telling their story, their last act of service with the simple message that enemies are better off as friends. They both passed away in 2008.



Note: this section is still to be completed Characters:

Lt Charlie Brown

Lieutenant Charlie Brown was raised as a farmer boy in Weston, West Virginia. He graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Airforces in April 1943. He worked in delivering fighters and bombers until he became a B-17 instructor pilot. He also became a C-54/C-87 pilot and flew in the CBI theatre until the war ended. In 1992, he received the “Distinguished West Virginia Award,” both for his service and research, as well as a symbolic “Governor’s Medal” by Governor Jeb Bush on October, 2001. However, his most prestigious honour was the Air Force Cross which he received from the USAF in February 2008 for the events that transpired on the 20th December 1943. Brown died in November 2008 at 86 years.

Lt Franz Stigler (see Franz Stigler for more info)

Lieutenant Franz Stigler was raised on a pasture in Southern Germany. At a young age, he expressed an interest in flying gliders, however due to his non-violent nature, wanted to become a priest .However his priest directed him to pursue becoming an airline pilot instead. Stigler joined Lufthansa as an airline captain, before joining the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) in 1940. Stigler was raised Roman Catholic and anti-Nazi. He started his career as a pilot for Lufthansa airlines, finding the quickest, safest routes between European cities. His non-violent nature is challenged with the death of his brother August, however as a fighter pilot, he adopts a new ethos. He is told by his squadron leader Gustav Roedel before his first mission in North Africa " Honor is everything here ... If I ever see or hear of you shooting a man in a parachute, I will shoot you down myself." . Stigler flew in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Western Europe and served as a Squadron Commander of squadrons  6, 8, and 12, of JG 27 and twice a Wing Commander, all flying Bf 109 fighters. He is credited with 28 confirmed victories and over thirty probables. He flew 487 combat missions. He was was presented with the “Order of the Star of Peace” by the Federation of Combatant Allies In Europe for his act the events of December 20, 1943. Stigler died in March 2008 at the age of 93.

Lieutenant Gustav Roedel

Voegl
General Adolf Galland

General Hermann Göring

Commander Günther Lützow

Hiya

Lieutenant Al 'Doc' Sadok

Lieutenant Spencer 'Pink' Luke

Majorie Ketcham

Critical Reception

Positive

A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II has received a plethora of praise. USA Today claims it is "a remarkable story... worth retelling and celebrating". Publisher's Weekly released in their New York Journal that it was “a riveting story of humanity and mercy set against the ghastly backdrop of war.” A Higher Call has also been recognised within the sphere of published journals. Limos commends the novel's emphasis on compassion in uniting 'enemies' and summarises it as "a riveting story". McConnel in 'Air Power History' reinforces how the novel will be relevant to historical readers today, through its messages of resilience, ethical decision making and the importance of retaining one's honour and humanity. Beyond the story itself, Makos has also received praise as a "gifted storyteller" and been commended on his ability to wield vivd imagery, humour and suspenseful language to effectively draw in the reader and share with them a remarkable story.

- Steward M.R

"A German soldier takes a chance for the simple sake of humanity- for the love of a fellow human being"

"uses descriptive prose", "However with its lessons on leadership, reference of international law topics and most importantly the revelation of the deep connection that can exist between human beings on two different sides of the war, A Higher Call is a book that deserves its place on any judge advocate's reading list"

"Makos is clearly a gifted storyteller. His use of vivid imagery, intense description of suspenseful events, and brief moments of humor make anyone forget that the ar ereading a historical account of WW2"

"it is a beautifully written account of the many human facets of war and underscores the impact that a single act of love can have in an ugly world of war"

- McConnel, R.A.

"They do an excellent job of allowing the reader to ask the question: how should warriors navigate the complex decision-making terrain of combat, doing their duty while keeping their honor and humanity intact?"

"Makos and Alexander articulately describe professionals grappling with being resilient while engaged in a long war-something that will resonate with military readers of today."

"set the context for meaningful discussion of ethical decision-making. " "offer much compelling material for thought and discussion."

". It would be difficult to find of a better book for leader development programs at battalion and brigade or squadron and wing levels for the discussion of the practical application of ethics in combat. This book is an excellent addition to any library. An important read that has the potential to help leaders inculcate into their leader development programs"

- Drew Ames

It is also about what it meant to be that pilot and how his act of compassion was both a dereliction of a duty that he took very seriously and the right thing for him to do.

. Yet this story is far deeper and more thought-provoking than a simple tale of wartime compassion between enemies. It is a story of that sense of duty, honor, and compassion shown by German pilots forced to fly for dishonorable leaders. It is a story showing the humanity of men who were once enemies, and how, as Brown and Stigler put it in later years, they were better off as friends.

Negative

While A Higher Call has mostly been praised, Makos has also been critiqued in distinguished articles. Huddleston claims that Makos relies heavily on personal interviews with Stigler and Brown and thus his sources are limited. Additionally, he claims those sources are not supported with sufficient research and naturally biased towards the "imagination of self serving individuals". As a result, Makos is criticised as a historian, in not upholding his responsibility to be skeptical and to challenge the inherent biases. Huddleston further argues that since the novel is predominantly written from the perspective of Stigler who is German, it discredits the effort of the Allies in ending the "rampages of the Third Reich". Such sentiments are echoed by Major Steward in 'The Army Lawyer' who emphasis that the lack of sufficient citing in the novel makes it difficult for readers and history students to verify the statements Makos makes. Steward also reviews that the use of asterisks (instead of footnotes) and separating sections/chapters by date or time can be confusing for the reader and detract from the overall experience.

External Links

- Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler incident

- Franz Stigler

- Nazi Germany

- British Empire in World War II

References

1.    Makos, Adam. (May, 14, 2014). Ideasphere: A Platform For Today’s Voices: Guy Rathbun [Radio Interview]. Retrieved from https://beta.prx.org/stories/118622?play=true.

2.    Alexander, L & Makos, A. (2012). A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II. New York: Penguin Group pp.1.

3.    Steward, M.R. (2014). A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II. The Army Lawyer, vol. 44, no. 12, pp. 20-23.

4.    Limos, J. (2014). A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II. Air Force Comptroller, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 13.

5.    Huddleston, R. (2014). A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II. Air Power History, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 53-54.

6.    See 2 pp. 7.

7.    See 2 pp. 11.

8.    See 2 pp. 135.

9.    A Higher Call. (unknown year of publication). Retrieved from https://www.valorstudios.com/Franz-Stigler-Charlie-Brown.htm (Accessed 31st January 2020).

10.  See 2 pp. 370.

11.  See 2 pp. 22.

12.  Ames, D. (2013). A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II. America in WWII, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 310.

13.   McConnell, R.A. (2014). A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II. Air Power History, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 55.

14.  Rennell, T. (2013, July 20). A stricken Allied bomber, the German ace sent to shoot it down and a truly awe inspiring story of wartime chivalry. Daily Mail Australia. Retrieved from: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2370933/A-Higher-Call-A-stricken-Allied-bomber-German-ace-sent-shoot-truly-awe-inspiring-story-wartime-chivalry.html.

15.  Toder, F, Shore, M, & Lasdun, J. (2012). Non Fiction Reviews. Publisher’s Weekly New York, vol 259, no. 50.

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