"Some characters are based on real people, such as (then) Lt. Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. the 1936 West Point graduate, who,
in 1942 led the new—and now historic—all Negro 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group.
"The story follows Bowman through his initial assignment to latrine duty, to flight school and assignments overseas and
eventually North Africa and Italy, where he qualifies (and gains 'Ace' status) as part of teh 99th Fighter Squadron flying in
support of thE B-25 bombers involved in the Italian Front.
"He and three friends practice stunt flying and dub themselves 'The Four Panthers.' On his last mission, Bowman is shot down
and captured by the Nazis; he meets up with Richardson in prison, and after a train wreck, they flee together into the Romanian
countryside. When Richardson is gravely wounded, Bowman is forced to leave him behind, finding shelter with
a group of helpful peasants.
"After making contact with Allied forces, he makes reconnaissance flights over Serbia and Croatia for the partisans and carries
on a blazing love affair with the gorgeous Mariza—thought he never forgets the equally lovely Tina, his sweetheart during
training in the Deep South (Bowman names his plane The Macon Belle in her honor).
"The compelling truth behind this saga will keep the pages turning. Bowman's struggles ring true with authenticity and
illuminate a little-known chapter in World War II history."
in 1942 led the new—and now historic—all Negro 99th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Group.
"The story follows Bowman through his initial assignment to latrine duty, to flight school and assignments overseas and
eventually North Africa and Italy, where he qualifies (and gains 'Ace' status) as part of teh 99th Fighter Squadron flying in
support of thE B-25 bombers involved in the Italian Front.
"He and three friends practice stunt flying and dub themselves 'The Four Panthers.' On his last mission, Bowman is shot down
and captured by the Nazis; he meets up with Richardson in prison, and after a train wreck, they flee together into the Romanian
countryside. When Richardson is gravely wounded, Bowman is forced to leave him behind, finding shelter with
a group of helpful peasants.
"After making contact with Allied forces, he makes reconnaissance flights over Serbia and Croatia for the partisans and carries
on a blazing love affair with the gorgeous Mariza—thought he never forgets the equally lovely Tina, his sweetheart during
training in the Deep South (Bowman names his plane The Macon Belle in her honor).
"The compelling truth behind this saga will keep the pages turning. Bowman's struggles ring true with authenticity and
illuminate a little-known chapter in World War II history."
| Review from Kirkus Discoveries of Wings of the Panther by Stanley Weisleder |
| Contact Stanley Weisleder at sweisleder@ActuariesUnlimited.com |
 | |  | |  | |  |
|
|
|
"A black fighter pilot's World War II story reflects an era when prejudice against
African-American permeated every fact of life in the U.S. In 1942, Harlan resident
Buddy Bowman patriotically heeds the call to enlist in World War II.
"After being snubbed by Captain Thomas G. Richardson, the white officer who
becomes his nemesis (and with whom he later makes peace), Bowman signs on
as a lowly 'Army Air Corps Jock Strap,' as the support units are jokingly called.
Many incidents in the novel are based on real events, but
have been rearranged and reassigned.
African-American permeated every fact of life in the U.S. In 1942, Harlan resident
Buddy Bowman patriotically heeds the call to enlist in World War II.
"After being snubbed by Captain Thomas G. Richardson, the white officer who
becomes his nemesis (and with whom he later makes peace), Bowman signs on
as a lowly 'Army Air Corps Jock Strap,' as the support units are jokingly called.
Many incidents in the novel are based on real events, but
have been rearranged and reassigned.
|
|