Bob Dorr talks about Berlin air mission

Bob Dorr displays his latest book at his Museum talk.

Who was Frank Chrastka?  Bob Dorr asked that question as he began his presentation at the April 2 edition of the Museum's Monday Speaker Series.

Bob entertained the audience at the Lockheed Martin auditorium with excerpts from his latest book, "Mission to Berlin," the story of the largest air attack on a German target in World War II.  He got the listeners into the proper frame of mind by emphasizing the harsh conditions that American crews endured flying miles high in sub-zero conditions.  The cold and noise of the B-17s during the hours-long flight only made the Americans' exploits more impressive.

Bob did not dwell on the human toll, both in the air and on the ground, but made it clear that the war exacted a heavy price on both sides.  He also emphasized that it was the skill and ingenuity of the U.S. that made the difference in the outcome of the war.  As for Frank Chrastka, you'll have to read the book or ask Bob about the sergeant's tragic end.

What's on the horizon for the author?  He hinted that, come this Fall, he expects to have a book detailing the firebombing of Tokyo at the end of World War II. The Museum has already extended an invitation so Bob can talk about the air war in the Pacific.