An Emotional Gauntlet: From Life in Peacetime America to the War in European Skies

Stuart J. Wright tells the gripping story of a World War II American aircrew flying missions from England in a B-24 Liberator bomber they nicknamed Corky. This is a true account based on years of research and correspondence with crewmembers and their families. Wright adds a dimension rarely explored in other World War II memoirs and narratives, beginning the chronicle during peacetime when the men of the aircrew are introduced as civilians-kids during the 1920s. As they mature through the years of the Great Depression to face a world at war, questions are raised about "just" and "unjust" wars, imperialism, and patriotism. Jingoistic sentimentality is resisted in favor of objectivity, as the feelings and motivations of the crewmembers are explored: the Chinese American air gunner had hoped to serve in the U.S. Army Air Force to fight against the Japanese invaders of his homeland; the Jewish navigator felt compelled to join the battle against Nazi Germany. In recounting the harrowing conditions and horrors of bombing missions over Europe, An Emotional Gauntlet emphasizes the interpersonal relationships within the crew and the spirit these men shared. Corky's crew served under Operations Officer Major James Stewart (the Hollywood movie star.) They often returned from arduous bombing missions to sleep in half-empty huts--their friends in other planes had not been so lucky. Pilot Jack Nortridge regularly assured his crew, "If you fly with me, I'm going to bring you home." This book is a testament to their strength and determination.

About the Author :
Stuart J. Wright is a writer and musician based in London. He has flown in the last flying B-24 in the world. This is his first book.

Review :
"A compelling story. Wright establishes the strong spirit these men shared, based on their pilot's pledge that he would bring them back-back from each mission and back to resume their peacetime lives. An Emotional Gauntlet stands out for its integration of prewar civilian life with wartime experiences. To me, this is the essence of America's story in the war, and I am glad to find a book that comprehends this and tells the story from this perspective."—Jerome Klinkowitz, author of Yanks over Europe: American Flyers in World War II "Superb. I highly recommend An Emotional Gauntlet. The main thread, about the Corky crew, is terrific."—Martin W. Bowman, author of B-24 Liberator: Combat Legends and Wild Blue Yonder: Glory Days of the U.S. 8th Air Force in England “[An Emotional Gauntlet] is as fresh as the smell of 100 octane on a crisp morning. Author Stuart J. Wright brings freshness to his topic that we thought had been burned away in the ‘50s and ‘60s.”—John Drennan, 8th Air Force Historical Society, Massachusetts ChapteR “An Emotional Gauntlet shows the difference in mindset of American civilians before the war and the mindset of those civilians once they became soldiers and flew overseas. “—The Freekport Ink “Much of the book is devoted to the devastating aerial warfare, and although years have passed, the author’s diligent research gives us a dramatic picture of the costly battles. . . . A worthy addition to most home libraries.”—Brockton Enterprise “This comprehensive, well researched, and well documented memoir tells not only of the war experience, but also much personal history of these men. . . . WWII veterans, those with an interest in history or aviation, and especially the relatives of WWII veterans will be interested in reading this memoir. . . . Stuart Wright honors . . . all brave men and women, our veterans, by recording their history and writing their story.”—Nodaway New Leader