We Came to Fight a War: the Story of a B-17 Radio Gunner and His Pilot

WE CAME TO FIGHT A WAR emanates from the heart, mind and memory of 85 year old Al Kotler, who was barely twenty when he climbed onto a fully armed B-17 in the dense, fog filled morning, in Foggia, Italy, having no idea whether he or his fellow crew members would still be alive by afternoon. Yes this is a war story?a war story that takes the reader viscerally through heart pounding moments of aerial combat and the reactions, feelings and reflections that go with it. But as it unfolds, a larger story emerges?the story of an unconscionable wrong inflicted upon one of the Army Air Corps best?a young patriot who had neither the means nor connections to fight back. In the end, this war story evolves to issues beyond forbearance and courage in battle, to larger issues of loyalty, integrity, justice, injustice and a friend and brother?s attempt to right a grievous wrong.