It’s hard to top that title to get people’s attention, which is why Air Force veteran Gen. Walter Buchanan III chose it as the title for his biography of his father, Air Force veteran Walter Buchanan Jr.
I was alerted to Ripcord for a Beer through the 43rd Bomb Group newsletter, and I’m glad I was. There aren’t many book-length memoirs of the 43rd BG, much less the 403rd Bomb Squadron, so any entry is welcome, but especially one as well done as this one is. Of extra interest to me was the fact that Buchanan’s father served as a bombardier in the 403rd during the same period as fellow 403rd bombardier Joe Sarnoski.
Perhaps not surprisingly, I’m most impressed when an author is able to weave thorough research into an engaging narrative, and Buchanan does just that. As I say in my Amazon review of the book, I knew I was in good hands when he mentions the squadron morning reports. But all such historical information is easily related within the context of his dad’s combat story, the squadron history and the larger war, while the technical aspects of his father’s training and job are clearly explained with the general reader in mind.
All in all, Ripcord for a. Beer is a great addition to the library of books opening a window on the personalities and experiences of the men who served in that little-known corner of the war. I think many will find, though, that the anecdote which provides the framing of the book, and inspired the great cover photo, is worth the purchase price alone.
You can find it and other great books and websites on the war in the Southwest Pacific, and specifically on the 43rd’s part in it, on my Resources page.
