Eleanor was inspired by her father at an early age to appreciate family history. During her retired, lonely years as a widow she started writing for entertainment. She did not enjoy “pity parties” and found a joy in sitting in front of her computer to write about her memories. Some of her children and friends enjoyed hearing about past events that interested them and encouraged her to write. She was the only girl and oldest child and spent the majority of her growing up years around adults as they told their stories. That was their prime entertainment. She would like to inspire others to make notes and write stories for their future generations. She found that it is amazing how much one can remember and relive as the words appear on the computer screen.

The events of World War II have been studied, analyzed and documented extensively. Yet, one of the greatest feats of aerial bombing warfare has been all but ignored. In Hitler’s Last Christmas, we revisit the Second World War and specifically Sunday, December 24, 1944—when the 8th Air Force launched the largest air armada in the history of warfare. It was a desperate effort by the Allies to support the troops hopelessly hunkered down in the frigid weather of the Battle of the Bulge. The eventual success of those beleaguered troops was to some great measure due to the success of that Christmas Eve air mission. The details of the 8th Air Force mission #760 were mis-filed shortly after the war and the magnitude of that day in December 1944 overlooked—until now. Hitler’s Last Christmas shares the accounts of the event both from the Air Force Archives and the memories of those brave flyers who participated in it.

The cloud cover had finally begun to clear after 8 days and nights. It was time for action. Both the Allies and the German forces had prepared for what was coming. It was likely to be the turning point of the air battle over Europe. Like most other airmen on both sides of the war, we knew how important our mission was this day. It could very well be the beginning of the end for the Nazi air forces, or it could set back our surge into Germany many months. Such was the mindset of most every member of the air group as we set our sights on the beginning of the most ambitious air assault ever. We were all nervous and afraid yet anxious to take off and do what we had trained for so long. Our ship was brand new and had been tested over and over for any possibility of malfunction. We were ready and so was our ship. Then, the unthinkable happened... The events which followed, set the stage for one of the most mysterious happenings of that day. It was to haunt everyone in the crew for the rest of their lives and change the course of history for all on board.

Offers readers a variety of activities they can do to get outside in summer. Filled with fun facts about the season, bonus sidebar activities, and a “Get Outside!” special feature, this book is sure to inspire kids to explore the great outdoors.