Operation Carpetbagger was the Allied operation during World War II where bombers were used to drop off supplies to members of the French Resistance. At the time, bombers were used only for long-range daylight bombing runs over major German cities and manufacturing facilities. But the OSS, the forerunner of the CIA decided that they needed to provide supplies for the emerging resistance effort in France. The B-24 Liberators were retooled and pilots were retrained. They would now fly by night. Instead of flying in a massive formation high in the sky, they would now fly solo at low altitudes. Their bombs would be replaced with supplies and, eventually, human assets.

This book was fascinating. Being a student of history, I thought I pretty much knew all aspects of the war. But this service was a new one for me. The stories were stirring. The behind the scenes actions were often heart-warming. I especially enjoyed the escapades of the spies dropped behind the lines.

I would highly recommend this book for all students of World War ii history.

Bruce Henderson’s Midnight Flyboys is an informative account of the American bomber crews and Allied secret agents who aided the French Resistance during World War II. The book sheds light on the high-stakes missions of Operation Carpetbagger, where pilots flew nighttime drops into Nazi-occupied France, delivering supplies and parachuting spies into enemy territory.

Henderson’s storytelling blends solid research with an engaging narrative. The personal stories of the airmen and resistance fighters adds a emotional connection to the book. Some sections are a bit feel dense with military details, but the overall book is well done and well worth reading.