A dying American WWII vet tells his story to his son during his final months - his story of becoming a pilot, of flying overseas and entering combat, of being shot down, of going from cockpit to caveman, and of being on the run for 78 days behind German lines north of Florence in Tuscany in 1944, of finally being liberated by American troops - and of joyously arriving home and being reunited with his wife on their Fifth Wedding Anniversary.

During World War II, Allied casualty rates in the air were high. Of the roughly 125,000 who served as aircrew with Bomber Command, 59,423 were killed or missing and presumed killed—a fatality rate of 45.5%. With odds like that, it would be no surprise if there were as few atheists in cockpits as there were in foxholes; and indeed, many airmen faced their dangerous missions with beliefs and rituals ranging from the traditional to the outlandish. Military historian S. P. MacKenzie considers this phenomenon in Flying against Fate, a pioneering study of the important role that superstition played in combat flier morale among the Allies in World War II. Mining a wealth of documents as well as a trove of published and unpublished memoirs and diaries, MacKenzie examines the myriad forms combat fliers' superstitions assumed, from jinxes to premonitions. Most commonly, airmen carried amulets or talismans—lucky boots or a stuffed toy; a coin whose year numbers added up to thirteen; counterintuitively, a boomerang. Some performed rituals or avoided other acts, e.g., having a photo taken before a flight. Whatever seemed to work was worth sticking with, and a heightened risk often meant an upsurge in superstitious thought and behavior. MacKenzie delves into behavior analysis studies to help explain the psychology behind much of the behavior he documents—not slighting the large cohort of crew members and commanders who demurred. He also looks into the ways in which superstitious behavior was tolerated or even encouraged by those in command who saw it as a means of buttressing morale. The first in-depth exploration of just how varied and deeply felt superstitious beliefs were to tens of thousands of combat fliers, Flying against Fate expands our understanding of a major aspect of the psychology of war in the air and of World War II.

From November 1942 through to May 1945, the backbone of the USAAF's medium bomber force was provided by the clutch of bomb groups equipped with the B-25 Mitchell. First seeing action in North Africa in the wake of Operation Torch, and in the Battle of El Alamein, the 'bombing twin' proved to be one of the most successful allied combat types in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations (MTO). The first of four volumes in the Combat Aircraft series on the Mitchell, this title includes first-hand accounts, 30 colour profiles and more than 100 colour and black and white photographs of the B-25 in the MTO.

Identifies first names for boys and girls and reveals their origins and meanings, in addition to featuring popularity rankings for names from around the world, stereotypes of commonly used names, and thematic lists.

An expanded edition of 55,000+ Baby Names with over 60,000 names and 200 fun, helpful lists of names to consider. It also has the latest rankings for the top 100 boys' and girls' names and 1,500 names used for both genders with icons that show which names are used more for boys, more for girls, or about 50/50. And, it includes more than 5,000 Hispanic names and 5,000 African-American names. (Of course, it also includes well over 5,000 English, Latin, Hebrew, Greek, French, Irish, and German names and thousands of names from throughout Europe and Asia.)

"NameSculpt" is not just a book; it's an odyssey into the enchanting realm of baby names, carefully curated to inspire and assist parents in choosing the perfect moniker for their little ones. This comprehensive guide transcends the conventional, offering a symphony of names that weave together the threads of tradition, culture, and contemporary flair. Dive into a collection that goes beyond mere alphabetical listings, exploring the historical, cultural, and linguistic tapestry of names from around the globe. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of classic names or the allure of avant-garde choices inspired by literature and pop culture, "NameSculpt" unveils a rich spectrum of options to suit every taste and preference. Guided by principles that celebrate cultural significance, personal values, and enduring appeal, this book is a roadmap for parents navigating the labyrinth of baby naming. From timeless classics to unique and unconventional gems, "NameSculpt" is a treasure trove, promising to transform the seemingly daunting task of naming into a joyous celebration of identity, heritage, and the boundless possibilities encapsulated in a single, magical word. Let the journey begin.

"NameSculpt" is not just a book; it's an odyssey into the enchanting realm of baby names, carefully curated to inspire and assist parents in choosing the perfect moniker for their little ones. This comprehensive guide transcends the conventional, offering a symphony of names that weave together the threads of tradition, culture, and contemporary flair. Dive into a collection that goes beyond mere alphabetical listings, exploring the historical, cultural, and linguistic tapestry of names from around the globe. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of classic names or the allure of avant-garde choices inspired by literature and pop culture, "NameSculpt" unveils a rich spectrum of options to suit every taste and preference. Guided by principles that celebrate cultural significance, personal values, and enduring appeal, this book is a roadmap for parents navigating the labyrinth of baby naming. From timeless classics to unique and unconventional gems, "NameSculpt" is a treasure trove, promising to transform the seemingly daunting task of naming into a joyous celebration of identity, heritage, and the boundless possibilities encapsulated in a single, magical word. Let the journey begin.

Embark on a delightful journey into the world of names with the most popular baby names. This comprehensive book unveils a treasure trove of names that have captivated generations, offering a timeless guide for parents-to-be. From classic monikers that evoke a sense of tradition to trendy names that reflect contemporary tastes, this book curates a diverse collection to suit every preference. Each name is accompanied by its meaning and cultural significance, providing a rich tapestry of options for your bundle of joy. Whether you seek inspiration from the past or embrace the latest naming trends, this guide is your companion in crafting a name that resonates with love, meaning, and a touch of timeless elegance.

Live Your Dream Now! Would you like to have the rules and tools for designing and achieving your ideal life? It's all here, complete with the action steps necessary to make it happen-fast! You'll discover how to: Live an even more rewarding life Find your purpose in life Use the power of thought to create your future Set goals in the important areas of your life Use treasure mapping and affirmations to achieve your goals Understand and control the barriers and distractions Develop habits of keeping a journal and writing notes of appreciation Recognize the value and importance of people Understand our own and others' motivations Appreciate the value of self-direction and self-management About the Author Byron Thompson's major purpose in life is to assist the maximum number of people in achieving their full potential. His lifelong quest has enabled him to identify the critical factors that contribute to individual achievement and happiness. During his career as a Dale Carnegie franchisee, he trained over twenty-five thousand people in the skills needed for successful living. This book contains the practical, proven techniques for achieving success...as you define it.

Embark on a lyrical journey through the pages of our Italian Baby Name Book. This enchanting compendium celebrates the timeless elegance and cultural richness of Italian names. From classic appellations steeped in tradition to modern choices echoing contemporary trends, each name is a poetic masterpiece. Dive into a collection that transcends borders, capturing the universal allure of Italian nomenclature. Whether you seek inspiration for your newborn or simply appreciate the artistry of language, this book invites you to explore the beauty, meanings, and stories behind names that resonate with sophistication and charm. Uncover the perfect name that embodies your unique journey.