Shot Down

The True Story of Pilot Howard Snyder and the Crew of the B-17 Susan Ruth

By: Steve Snyder

Narrated by: Richard Rieman

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

For the first time, the full and complete story of the B-17 Flying Fortress Susan Ruth is shared in unbelievable detail. Author Steve Snyder's story of his father, Lieutenant Howard Snyder, and the Susan Ruth crew, provides in-depth details about many aspects of World War II few understand or know about. This includes: separation for young families as men went off to war; training before heading to foreign soil; military combat operations; underground and resistance and what Lt. Snyder did when he joined it; and German atrocities toward captured crew and civilians.

©2014 Steve Snyder (P)2015 Steve Snyder

Amazing story

Wish we all kept journals like Snyder. It’s the amazing stories like these that should never be forgotten and told over and over again. This book gives you a small idea of the sacrifices made to keep freedom fo so many people throughout the world. Thank you veterans and those who are serving.

Amazing recount of the members of the greatest generation

As someone that loves history and holds WW2 as the greatest example of selfless actions, this book lived up to my expectations. The men of the 8th AF, including the authors father, are the definition of service before self and epitomized what every military member should strive to be. The detailed and indepth information were amazing and will keep you wanting to heat more. Fantastic book!

Insight for the next generation.

Excellent insight into the air war in Europe. The insight into the cultures of all sides provides the glimse into life at the time, important now with most of that generation having passed.

A Phenomenal Account of the Air War in Europe

Though packed with information about the 8th Air Force and WWII, this book never gets dull. These details are skillfully interwoven with the captivating story of B-17 pilot Howard Snyder and his wartime experiences. The availability and use of amazing primary sources, such as Snyder's personal letters, impress upon the reader (or listener) what people had to cope with. A must read for any aviation history buff or anyone wanting to learn more about WWII.

Educational and Exciting

This book was written as part biography, part historical novel, part action thriller, and part love story. Great job Steve !

Incredible

Steve has put together a thorough narration of what his dad and the fellow fliers of "The Susan Ruth" endured during flying combat of the Second World War. As a historian, the chronological aspect was excellent backed up with the personal letters and interviews. Excellent job.

thank for this great story

great story my grandfather was also in the 306th flew many of the same missions

A must read

The richness of the knowledge about the Susan Ruth makes this book one for the greatest generation. I listened to the book and did not get the pleasure of the 250 photos that I am sure enhanced the book even more. The book was a labor of love for the author and I thank him for sharing his family's story. If these stories are not written down, they will be forever lost. Everyone has a hero in their family and needs to do what Steve Snyder did and preserve his fathers legacy. Let this be an inspiration to others to find and share their families stories. I encourage you to read, or listen to this book.

Very informative

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

This was a very informative book regarding the USAAF during WWII and I think many people would benefit from the history provided. I was given many new things to think about as I listened.

Would you be willing to try another book from Steve Snyder? Why or why not?

While this book was informative it lacked the emotional strength I was expecting. Part of this could have been what Snyder was working with as he tried to remain as true to life as possible. There was obviously a lot of research that went into compiling this narrative and I would be interested in trying more historical stories from the author.

What about Richard Rieman’s performance did you like?

Rieman's voice was perfect for this type of historical book. It is just what I associate with WWII in my head, so it worked really well for this tale.

Do you think Shot Down needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

The story would have had more of an impact on me had it focused more around a handful of characters and less on the overall involvement of the USAAF in the war. That said, I think that some shorter books or maybe a short book compiling some of the letters from individual airmen on the Susan Ruth would help me appreciate the story more. It would be nice to have more information about the crew than was given in this book.

Any additional comments?

The quotes at the beginning of every chapter (which I assume are in the written version as well) were very destracting. Maybe that would work if reading the physical book, but for audio it really didn't work well.

Rieman's narration was really good. The only part that I didn't particularly like were the various voices used for the men and women quoted in the book.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Great book

This is a really good listen I've always enjoyed books about the day to day activities of the USAAF.