Letters from a WWII Airman

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Praise For Letters from a WWII Airman

Step into the world of a World War II radio operator as Dr. Dale Hathaway shares the biography of his father, TSgt Kenneth Hathaway. A moving collection of letters brings to life Ken’s transformation from a young, inexperienced recruit to a decorated Airman in the Army Air Corps. This narrative takes us through the grueling days of training to the harrowing mission when their bomber received heavy damage from enemy fire. Interspersed throughout is a touching story of romance between Ken and the young lady he desires to marry, adding a layer of intimacy and humanity to the narrative. Perhaps most inspiring is the unwavering faith of this remarkable man, who remains steadfast in his obedience to God. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by the “Greatest Generation”.

—Lt Col Brian A. Wilken, United States Air Force (Retired)

Sergeant Ken Hathaway was a humble, ordinary American who became a crack radio operator on a B-24 Liberator bomber during World War II. Letters from a WWII Airman recounts Sergeant Hathaway’s story from his New England beginnings to his military draft, travels across the US for training, assignment in the European theater, and his harrowing, tragic final mission over Nazi Germany. A member of the Greatest Generation, Sergeant Hathaway’s life was marked by virtuous service and Christian faith. Relying on an array of primary source documents, Dr. Dale Hathaway tells his father’s story in beautifully clear, honest prose. Historians will appreciate the firsthand accounts of flight training and battle in a B-24 bomber; Christian believers will learn about how their forefathers in small churches across America cared for one another in time of national crisis, and all readers will find themselves caught up in the twists and turns of Ken and Katy’s long-distance wartime romance. Letters from a WWII Airman is an inspirational story of humility, courage, love, family, and faith.

—Dr. Stephen Lowe, vice president for Academic Affairs; professor of history, Olivet Nazarene University

The beneficiaries of freedom have much to learn from the soldier – of commitment, of duty, of loyalty, of bravery. Their stories are told, though often reluctantly, in personal conversations, by those who served with them, and in their letters. In Letters from a WW II Airman, a radio operator in a B 24 Liberator bomber carries us through the rigors of training, to missions in the skies over Europe, and beyond, all while harboring a confidence nurtured by his rich faith that knits together all those admirable virtues.

—Curt Dykstra, whose father also served on a B-24 bomber during WW II and whose personal memories of his service are published in his book, In the Service of My Country: I never regretted a day.

Dr. Hathaway has written a captivating tale about a Christian young man caught up in the travails of WWII. As a history buff and fellow Christian, I found it especially interesting to read how the young man maintained his dedication to Christ while in a very worldly atmosphere. The fact that this young man was Dr. Hathaway’s father and that he included information from letters and diaries personalized the story and made it very interesting reading. I highly recommend giving this book a read.

—Lt Col Paul Dillinger, United States Army (Retired)

My father’s death in a B-24E Liberator bomber accident on May 2,1944 near Smyrna, Tennessee was a part of the WWII experience. As many men lost their lives in such accidents as did those who died in combat during the war.

Individual stories about those who served and fought for our freedoms are seldom told. Dale Hathaway’s book provides an intimate and inspirational picture about his father Ken’s experience in a B-24 in the European theater. This book is about faith, family and perseverance.

—Michael LaReau, professor emeritus, Olivet Nazarene University

About the Author:

Since 1989, Dale K. Hathaway, has been a faculty member, department chair, and is currently serving as the associate dean of the Martin D. Walker School of STEM at Olivet Nazarene University. He received his PhD in mathematics from Boston University. His interests include spending time with his wife Heather and their three adult children, collecting and solving puzzles, some amateur woodworking, and participating in triathlons.