Donald's Story
"Donald's Storyis one of the best World War II era military biographies to appear in the last several years."   --Midwest Book Review, September 1997"A very good book--one of only a few I've read straight through!"  --Col. Donald J.M. Blakeslee, WWII commander 4th Fighter Group"Fantastic work. Very moving. Fascinating and unusual. There are scores of WWII stories but the hook for this one is the way [the author] fell into uncovering it. This book transcends typical WWII accounts and exploration of family histories...I really believe she has created something unique and universally appealing. Very impressive." --Gary Brueggeman, WWII Historian and Educator"It is wonderful. I was captivated by [Merrill's] method and the quality and character of such a fine and human work... [She is one of only two] writers I can think of whose work has wrenched me so emotionally and literally made me gulp in sorrow." --Philip Kaplan, author ofOne Last Look,Their Finest Hour,"My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed 'Donald's Story... and [it] gave me particularly such a clear picture of what those boys went through."  --Virginia Braley, Wife of 336 Pilot Richard Braley, 4th FG"The Book Is Wonderful. Sandra Merrill has achieved the remarkable task of telling three stories at once...Donald and his family then, her experience of rediscovery now, and the overall history of the 4th Fighter Group in WWII. I was moved many times and salute her for it."   --Jeff Ethell, noted aviation author, 1996"The best book [about the 4th Fighter Group] since 1947 and Grover Hall's '1000 DESTROYED'... the most intimate story of a fighter pilot, and one not to be missed. Be warned, though, it is a very personal story of a shy young fellow, from the boondocks of North Dakota, who got into the flying game, after only wanting to be an airplane mechanic.  It will tear at your heart, especially when you know from the beginning that he didn't make it all the way through. The author uses Donald's letters to his folks and others as her sources, and they are the mainstay of the book [and] bring [Donald] back to life...  It's four handkerchiefs or stars if you choose."   --Thomas C. Dorsey, Maj USAF Retired  To be published, Military Magazine"The idea intrigued me from the outset: Fifty years after the death of a fighter pilot during WWII, tragically on Christmas Day of 1944, his niece resolves to write a book memorializing his life and death. I could hardly wait for a look at her finished draft. I had been an instructor pilot and a fighter pilot myself, and had read many books written by other military pilots in this very unique profession. But how would a niece view this fraternity? ...The book was worth the wait. As I read it I saw my own innocence, hope, pride, patriotism and supreme effort as the author's uncle progressed from farm to heroic action in the greatest of all wars. I will admit tears were in my eyes as she visited his gravesite in Holland after fifty years. Could it possibly have been that long?"   --James L. Brewer, author of Mules, Missiles & MenCaptain Donald R. Emerson (with his P-51 Mustang Donald Duck nose art) was a little-known ace with the 4th Fighter Group, based in Debden, England, during World War II. His passing on 25 December 1944 was overshadowed by the death that same day of Major George Preddy, the 352nd Fighter Group's top ace. The story of Donald Emerson, as told by his niece, will touch you as few others will. Sandra Merrill's first literary effort tells this story well and provides a rare invitation into an otherwise very private sorrow. The book is unique in its perspective, telling three stories in one. It effectively merges the lives of Donald and his family, the general history of the 4th Fighter Group, and Merrill's own fascinating voyage of rediscovery. It is surprising how well it all fits together. When she finally visits his grave in Margraten, the Netherlands, it's an emotional moment. Fully documented with photos and text, [this book] is a great tribute to a Mustang pilot who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country, but it also reveals how his loss affected his family. I can't recommend it highly enough; it is that good.   --Robert DeGroat, Aviation Writer, reviewed in FLIGHT magazine, October 1996