BRIDGE IN THE SKY

by Frank Donovan ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 16, 1968

The much-chronicled Berlin Airlift gets another replay here. In June, 1948, the Russians declared a land and water blockade of the city, which was met by the Allies with a fifteen-month airlift. Pilots dropped food, fuel, medicine, and chocolates to Berliners. They were acclaimed as chivalrous heroes and much glamor was associated with the operation. But to the pilots the airlift was anything but: humdrum flying, and too much of it, poor quarters and food; some wondered why they were helping the Berliners they so recently had tried to destroy, and others simply were tired of war and wanted to go home. Donovan, a freelance writer (The Early Eagles, 1962, and Wheels for a Nation, 1965), provides a readable but not particularly penetrating regurgitation of these facts, opinions, and events. He stresses the human interest aspects of the story--and there are many. And, unusual for Donovan, he offers criticisms of the conduct of the airlift (culled from memoirs, news accounts, and official documents), along with his overall admiring account.

Pub Date: Sept. 16, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: McKay

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1968

Categories: NONFICTION