The Fall of Fortresses

The Classic Account of One of the Most Daring and Deadly Air Battles of WWII

By: Elmer Bendiner

Narrated by: Shawn Compton

On an August morning in England in 1943, a group of American airmen were told that before the day was out they would deliver the blow that would win the war.

Flying the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress, their mission was to destroy the industrial facilities that kept the Nazi war machine in business-Schweinfurt's ball-bearing factories.

But a determined and ferocious defense awaited the bomber crews of the USAAF's Mighty 8th.

Somehow, navigator Elmer Bendiner and his crew survived, their faithful B-17, Tondelayo, carrying them home. Hundreds of their young compatriots did not.

Vivid, powerful, and often viscerally engaging, The Fall of Fortresses is a stunning testament to the skill, courage, and sacrifice of the men who fought in World War II's deadliest campaign.

©1980 Elmer Bendiner (P)2021 Tantor

Very good telling of stories like I grew up with.

I grew up hearing stories such as told here. Very entertaining, clarifying, eye opening and stiring. A very worthy listen if you are so inclined.

Very personal memoir of combat.

Much better memoir of air combat and airbase life, then masters of the air and other such books.

First hand perspective

Really enjoyed how you were in the shoes of the flyer
Also liked how they mixed in the back stories of the whole air war strategy

Great stories about, crews, family’s and our friends the Brits and sometimes the Germans.

Great read if you like WW2 aircraft stories you will enjoy this book about B-17 aircraft and crews. Lots of humor so not boring.

Rise and Fall

Very good story which hit so many angles. I was particularly intrigued by the inside story of the true necessity of specific targets, and the author’s conclusions. Of course the horror and difficulties of living and fighting from a WWII bomber were described in great detail. Worth my time listening for sure.