A Higher Call

An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II

By: Adam Makos

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER: “Beautifully told.”—CNN • “A remarkable story…worth retelling and celebrating.”—USA Today • “Oh, it’s a good one!”—Fox News

A beautiful story of a brotherhood between enemies emerges from the horrors of World War II in this New York Times bestseller by the author of Devotion, now a Major Motion Picture.

Four days before Christmas in 1943, a badly damaged American bomber struggled to fly over wartime Germany. At its controls was a twenty-one-year-old pilot. Half his crew lay wounded or dead. It was their first mission. Suddenly a sleek, dark shape pulled up on the bomber’s tail—a German Messerschmitt fighter. Worse, the German pilot was an ace, a man able to destroy the American bomber with the squeeze of a trigger. What happened next would defy imagination and later be called the most incredible encounter between enemies in World War II.

This is the true story of the two pilots whose lives collided in the skies that day—the American—Second Lieutenant Charlie Brown, a former farm boy from West Virginia who came to captain a B-17—and the German—Second Lieutenant Franz Stigler, a former airline pilot from Bavaria who sought to avoid fighting in World War II.

A Higher Call follows both Charlie and Franz’s harrowing missions. Charlie would face takeoffs in English fog over the flaming wreckage of his buddies’ planes, flak bursts so close they would light his cockpit, and packs of enemy fighters that would circle his plane like sharks. Franz would face sandstorms in the desert, a crash alone at sea, and the spectacle of one thousand bombers, each with eleven guns, waiting for his attack.

Ultimately, Charlie and Franz would stare across the frozen skies at one another. What happened between them, the American Eighth Air Force would later classify as top secret. It was an act that Franz could never mention without facing a firing squad. It was the encounter that would haunt both Charlie and Franz for forty years until, as old men, they would search for one another, a last mission that could change their lives forever.

©2012 Adam Makos (P)2013 Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

Critic reviews

“This book grips you like a movie. It’s part Top Gun, part Valkyrie, and more!”(Marcus Brotherton, New York Times best-selling author

“It is often said that ‘war is hell’ - and it is - however, this story reveals how the human spirit can shine in the darkest hours. A Higher Call is an eye-opener.” (Col. Charles McGee, Tuskegee Airman, WWII)

“‘Can good men be found on both sides of a bad war?’ The author asks the question and delivers the answer. A powerful, haunting read.” (Chuck Tatum, author of Red Blood, Black Sand)

opened my eyes

What did you like best about this story?

I was really pleased to have read this book because while I know there was a difference between Germans and Nazis I wasn't able to separate the two very well before this book. This book really opened my eyes to the bravery and courage of those fighting for their country, Germany and NOT the Nazis. Such a wonderful story about how there are good people everywhere. I loved this perspective and I think the author did a wonderful job of balancing the American and German perspectives without demonizing either side - a difficult thing to do in my opinion.

Any additional comments?

Definitely worth the read!

Higher Call

As good as books get! Hard to hold back tears. I would highly recommend this book!

An extraordinary account of a never before reported act of compassion

Throughout the story will hinge upon ordinary men performing extraordinary acts of courage, and compassion. Each individual was completely explained emotionally and with the character of devotion to duty

Inspiring

A most enjoyable true account. Two men who did their duty and much more...and who made choices based on true values rather than those imposed by war.

Inspiring Message of the Power of Humanity

War is known and understood for it's cruelty and degradation, and it's impact on everyone's life that is unfortunately touched by it. Occasionally, a true story comes along that shows how individuals have the inner fortitude, courage and power to triumph despite their circumstances. An excellent true story, well written and well read that is highly recommended for anyone looking to remember why this generation of World War II fighters and heroes are the greatest generation that has ever lived.

Amazing!!!

Not only is this an amazing story, the book is written fantastically!!! I learned a lot more about the reality of that war hearing about it from vantage point of German pilot who served in it. unbelievable.

Remarkable Story

A Higher Call is a deeply moving story that reminds about what it means to be human and what really matters in life. This is a story of agony and heroism born out of the hearts of men who lived through unimaginably hard times, faced impossible choices, and displayed courage beyond comprehending. My heart pounded through many scenes. My heart thrilled at the humanity. I’m sad this book had to come to an end. This story will stay with me, and I hope you will read it and be changed by it too.

Beautiful story, fantastic narration

I’ve been on a WWII kick lately and this story surpasses them all. The author is a wonderful story teller and the true events are astounding. The narration is greatly suited to this story.

Absolutely the best

I love this book and recommend it so often to anyone. I’ve read this twice and it makes me tear up several times during each time I’ve read it.

Great story about war, pilots, and a man of honor

This is a very well read, well written story about an encounter between an American and a German pilot touring battle in World War II it is extremely detailed and well written and is certainly worth your time. Without being preachy at all it’s ending is uplifting and it offers hope during a time in this country of great division and turmoil.