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I Always Wanted To Fly: Local Veteran Publishes Book
January 17, 2013
A local veteran has written his memoirs as a World War II flight engineer and gunman.
“I Always Wanted To Fly: Memoirs of a World War ll Flight Engineer/Gunner”, is factual account of missions flown by John Shiver, Jr.of Atmore.
From the time Shiver saw his first plane in the sky at age three, he wanted to fly. He went on to serve in several U.S. Army Air Corp groups during World War II, completing over 75 European combat missions. His heartfelt descriptions were meticulously detailed in his handwritten personal journal. Family and friends helped Shiver, now 92, share those stories in his new book.
“The Lord allowed me to fulfill my desire in a way I never dreamed I would,” Shiver said.
The book is available at Amazon.com (click here). The book will also be available at a signing event on Saturday, January 19 from 10 a.m. until noon and Friday, February 1, from 2 until 4 p.m. at the VFW Post in Atmore.
Shiver’s service included time with the 8th Air Force. 389th Bomb Group. England 9th Air Force. 98th Bomb Group. 344th Sqd. Libya 12th Air Force. 98th Bomb Group. 344th Sqd. North Africa 15th Air Force. 98th Bomb Group. 344th Sqd. Italy.
Pictured top: Atmore veteran John Shiver, Jr. and his new book. Pictured below: Shiver standing in front of the B-24 bomber “Witchcraft” in Mobile. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
9 Responses to “I Always Wanted To Fly: Local Veteran Publishes Book”
I had the privilege to serve as Mr. Shiver’s guardian on Honor Flight VIII last September and since then I have had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Shiver and his son Jeff. Both class acts and I am better for the experience. After spending time with Mr. Shiver one truly understands the truth behind the description of the WWII folk as “The Greatest Generation.” And the book was great!!!
I have not had the opportunity to read your book but I am enthusiactic about doing so. My father flew in a B-17 in the European theater and like so many vets of this era they did not speak much of his experiences.
Since my father has passed we had come across many of his possesions from his time in the war and have learned of what a great man he was then and while raising a family.
I have been reading many a book on this time in our history and have learned to while already appreciating our men and women in uniform to new founded higher appreciation for their sservice to our country.
Thank you for allowing use to learn of not only your experience in the battle for our freedom but of the many men and women that have served.
Thank you sir for your service; to fly on75 combat missions is an incredible feat! God bless you and thank you again!
Thank you Mr. Shiver for your service to our great country. You are an American hero! Many blessings to you and yours. God bless you!
A great story about an outstanding individual. Thank you Mr. Shiver, Jr. for your service to this great country and for your willingness to share your adventures with us.
On the lighter side of Mr Shiver,forty years ago there was not a better starter and generator repairman near Atmore. I remember as a young man taking my car to him to get a repair estimate. He took it off made a quick repair and put it back on my car…He said “Son when you came in I knew you didnt have any money so lets just call it even and maybe some day you can help me”. I did years later repay Mr. Shiver for that favor,but that is between the two of us.
A good man of which I find no fault..
Thank you for your contribution to our freedom, Mr. Shiver! : )
Thank you for your service Mr. Shiver, and thank you for these memories. I will treasure this book. God bless you and again thank you!
75 Missions.
Thank you for your service Mr Shiver and best wishes for your book.