Introduction

It is January 1939, and Frank Eberhardt, a young, good-looking university student from Pennsylvania, has taken his father's advice to have a year off from his studies to undertake work experience at the giant German chemical plant of IG Farben in Bremen.

Love and War

There, he falls in love with Helga, an 18-year-old law student. The outbreak of war in 1939 causes him to return home before he somewhat reluctantly joins the American Air Force training to become a navigator on the Flying Fortress, or B-17.

Military Service

He is then sent to Norfolk, from where he takes part in many historic raids over Germany. There are vivid descriptions of these, the disasters suffered, and the consequent effect on the men's morale. He struggles between duty and conscience.

Life in Norfolk

The life in the Norfolk countryside and relationships with local people are emphasised. He is decorated for bravery, before becoming a major at the USAAF Headquarters at High Wycombe, where he takes part in planning strategy.

Post-War and Reunion

From here, he manages to achieve a transfer to Bremen at the end of hostilities. There are many amorous adventures, but will he manage to see Helga again?