Into Hostile Skies

Into Hostile Skies: Missing Air Crews of the 459th Bomb Group is a compilation of stories and experiences of the men who were lost over the skies of Germany, Austria, Italy, Romania and the other Balkan states, while on bombing missions against the Axis powers during World War II. These brave men, comprising the many crews of the 459th BG, endured long flights, freezing cold temperatures at high altitudes, flak barrages and fighter attacks over the targets, seeing their buddies shot down and if their aircrafts were hit, their own attempts to escape from their stricken ships. If they bailed out safely, some of the men were lucky to be picked up by partisans and evade capture, returning to Allied controlled territory. But many faced the wrath of hostile civilians, who wanted to end their lives quickly. If captured, faced weeks of solitary confinement in prison, while going through the interrogation process, a lack of proper medical treatment and food, and finally being sent to a German Stalag prison camp.