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MWSA Review
In his book, Clouds of War: Past, Present, and Future, Author Jerry L. Burton has done an admirable job in telling us about a true American hero, William H. Drumm Jr. Burton admits this is as much a history book as a biography of Bill Drumm, as the author looks deeply into world events and how they affected Bill's life. Young Bill had three relatives who fought in World War I, and the two decades between the first and second world wars were the years Bill spent in childhood through the start of college. When World War II began, Bill signed up to fight, ultimately flying B-24s “over the hump” carrying supplies and personnel in and out of China from India and Burma.
After the war was over, it wasn't very long before Bill was back in the Far East. This time he found himself in Japan, supporting the UN war efforts in Korea. Nearing retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Bill was once again asked to serve in another war zone: Vietnam. He went and became one of a handful of U.S. heroes that served in all three conflicts. Even after his service in the military, Bill continued to fly with the Civil Air Patrol and was involved in numerous rescue operations, to include supporting the rescue efforts after Hurricane Katrina. While I found the book's historical analysis and commentary interesting, I really enjoyed learning about Bill and his life of service for America.
Review by Bob Doerr (April 2021)
Author's Synopsis
For Bill Drumm, history is not about the past. Follow Bill as he makes history, analyzes past events, and identifies clouds of war on the horizon that are warnings to us. Share his burden of command as he pilots his B-24 heavy bomber, transporting over 2,200 gallons of explosive aviation fuel from India into China, through thunder and lightning storms over the world’s highest mountains. Experience the pressure and anxiety for the safety of his crew as he flies through the worst weather in the world, performing what has been described by many as the most dangerous missions of the war, more dangerous than bombing raids over Germany or Japan.
Bill shares his experiences during the many Cold War crises during his twenty-eight years in the military.
And finally, Bill looks at the events of the last few years and identifies the enemy within and the terrible threat they pose to our constitutional republic.
ISBN/ASIN: 9781664121720 Softcover, 9781664121737 Hardcover, 9781664121713 E-Book
Book Format(s): Soft cover, Kindle
Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography
Number of Pages: 270