PRAISE FOR RED TAIL

5-Star Reviews from Amazon:

Captain Robert L. Martin tells his story

• Until you read it for yourself, you won't understand how important and impactful this time and these men were in our country's history. I remember many times when we, as kids, would sit and listen to Uncle Bob, our Dad and Uncle Elmer talking about their experiences in the war. When I opened the pages and saw the pictures, I could hear his voice all over again. His daughters have done a remarkable job making sure that his legacy is remembered not only in this book but also at the post office in Olympia Fields and the renaming of the Dubuque, Iowa airport terminal to honor him.
  This is a book that should be read by everyone, school age, adults and our elders who lived in those times.---brightlady
  

  Black Fighter Pilots instrumental in defeating Hitler

  While dealing with racism at home, these talented black pilots were instrumental in the defeat of Hitler. This book is the nuanced account of one of those brave Americans.---Amazon Customer
  

  Accomplishment despite Hurdles

  Excellent history of men who overcame bigotry and served our country---Chris
  

  Incredible true story

  This book took me right into the author’s life and the war.---Nancy Hammons
  

  Most interesting was his life, upbringing, family, and why he wanted to fight for his country.

  Easy to read, moving life story---Clarence Simmons
  

  Red Tail: A Tuskegee Airman's Rendezvous with Destiny

  This is an excellent story for all readers. Martin tells about his childhood in Dubuque, IA, and his experiences when he enlisted in the military. He was one of the Black airmen who escorted and guarded the bombers into war. Reading about the horrific and shameful segregation in that time in America is something we must never forget.

  ---Judy Burr
  

  Other Reviews

  The book is amazing. Small wonder it took six years to complete - all the footnotes and fact-checking … The discrimination endured is/was shameful, but it didn’t keep him from having a full and exciting life. A great read.---Juanita Jarard

  The book is very engaging! I sat down and read it cover to cover. Dad is so prevalent. His voice and mannerisms are captured beautifully.---Gabrielle Martin, daughter

  Friend of mine just started the book and is impressed. Everyone says the same.--Penni Barrett

  [The author] managed to make me feel like I was in the room with the Captain as he told his story...and I felt like I was there [as he lived it]. Great writing!---Dave Millhouser, writer

  I just finished the book and really loved it! [The author] did such a great job with a fascinating man's life story to tell!---Kathy Evans

  I just finished reading Red Tail - very interesting and provocative book. It was very sad to me how segregated the military (and all of society) was and how ingrained the belief that blacks were inferior. Unfortunately it is not gone yet. But I liked the way [the author] told it - just as a fact of life and how the airmen created their own life around it. Robert was an amazing man!---Margaret Walker

  I just finished reading Red Tail. I enjoyed it, and [the author] did an excellent job on it. I was amazed how much he remembered about growing up and his service experience. He lived an interesting life.---Kathy Kennedy

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Red Tail" by Capt. Robert L. Martin with Karen Patterson.]
5 out of 5 stars

Karen met Martin in 2012, when he was ninety-three. After his introduction, he received a standing ovation at the Chicago “DODO” Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. event. Later, Martin and his wife, Odette, attended Karen’s church, and they joined her and other couples for dinner. There were three pilots at the table, including Karen’s husband, sharing stories. Karen asked him if he had thought of sharing his life in writing. He had been giving speeches and writing stories, but he said he felt it was too late to put them together into a book.

Luckily, Karen had studied English and had already published a few stories. She volunteered to work with Martin to publish a book. They worked together for 6 years, and Martin passed away at ninety-nine. With the project incomplete, she continued working on it, adding stories and notes from hours of interviews. With the project accomplished, today’s readers can read about this remarkable man and his reflections on life as a Black man in America.

Born in 1919, Martin talks about his childhood in Dubuque, IA. His life differed from most children’s lives in Iowa because of segregation. He speaks matter-of-factly, explaining that life was different back then. Today’s readers will feel horror and shock at how Americans treated each other, not so long ago. When Martin enlists in the military, the story focuses on our brave Black men. Despite facing segregation in the military, they bravely went to war and risked their lives for our country. Martin and his fellow pilots had the dangerous job of escorting and guarding the bombers on their missions. This book will have readers cheering and crying for Martin and his fellow airmen. Martin was a person who loved life, no matter what came his way.

I liked everything about this book. The editing is excellent; I found no errors. I enjoyed the photos, the epilogue, the bibliography, the glossary, and the colorful book cover. Karen masterfully brought the stories and notes together to create this historical and educational book suitable for readers of all ages. The story flows at a rapid pace with no dull moments. Her writing style made the book a joy to read, from the action in the air to the intriguing, well-developed characters. For the reasons noted above, I have awarded this book the top-tier rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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Red Tail
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