PDF Summary:A Higher Call, by Adam Makos

In the skies over Germany during World War II, adversaries forged an unlikely connection: Charlie Brown, a humble West Virginian bomber pilot, and Franz Stigler, a highly skilled German fighter pilot. A Higher Call by Adam Makos recounts this remarkable encounter and the vastly different paths that led each man to that pivotal moment—Charlie's quiet upbringing, Franz's formative gliding years, and the grueling battles they both endured.

The book explores the choices that drove Franz to spare Charlie's damaged bomber crew, while gazing into the profound costs of war. As their lives unfolded after the conflict, the encounter remained vivid, slowly revealing its profound meaning decades later when the pilots reunited. Makos's account reaffirms humanity's power to prevail even in the darkest times.

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However, this idyllic training world is in stark contrast with the brutal truths of war, as depicted in Makos' narrative of the Quiet Ones' initial foray into Bremen, where Charlie led his crew on a mission in December 1943, flying as part of a large formation of twenty-one B-17s across the North Sea towards Germany. The intensity ramps up when flak and fighter attacks begin to take their toll. During that period, the pub stood alone. Charlie understood that even a brief burst of enemy fire could lead to catastrophic outcomes for him and his team. The Quiet Ones endured a brutal attack that led to the heartbreaking demise of their rear guard, a terrifying plunge, and the horrifying vision of their comrade's aircraft engulfed in flames. Makos emphasizes the fragility of the aircraft's metallic skin and the unsettling reality that their survival often depended on a brief distraction of a German gunner or pilot.

The members of the bomber units forged a strong bond and devised methods to cope with the distress and grief encountered.

Makos portrays the profound mental burden on young men, barely in their twenties, who not only confronted the constant risk of losing their own lives during bombing missions but also had to endure the loss of their fellow soldiers. They developed strategies to manage stress, such as hoarding chocolate bars and relying on superstitions, whereas Charlie found solace in pre-flight discussions with his "Third Pilot."

At the heart of Charlie's story is the victory of fellowship in the face of terror. Makos depicts the profound sense of brotherhood that formed among "The Quiet Ones" and their fellow airmen, a connection comparable to familial ties, which strengthened them in the face of the ever-present threat of sudden death. Charlie, recognizing that the Russian would not survive a forest landing, made the decision to steer his extensively damaged aircraft towards England. "Charlie mentioned an alternative," Charlie stated. Notify the team about the current circumstances. I plan to fly back to England, but those who prefer to parachute down are granted my permission. Makos describes how the Quiet Ones meticulously stripped their B-17 of all non-essential elements, laboring in silence and with a concentrated determination to lighten the plane for the hazardous trip home, committed to their collective goal of returning together. The writer implies that their shared experiences and training fostered a sense of familial ties among them, solidifying their connection through shared endeavors.

The meeting of Stigler with Brown's bomber crew on that day in December 1943 stands as a powerful example of the persistent human capacity for kindness, even during the brutalities of conflict.

Stigler chose not to harm the bomber's crew.

Observing the extensive damage to the plane and recognizing that the crew would likely face a dire fate if they attempted to go back,

Makos unveils that Franz, in his quest for the prestigious 30th kill in the air, came across a B-17 that was an unusual spectacle: a bomber ravaged by bullets, its paint stripped, revealing the silver metal beneath. Franz, who was following the B-17, believed it was on the verge of going down, yet it maintained its course towards England. Franz's realization of his role as a German fighter pilot diminished suddenly. He experienced a surge of feeling that briefly took his mind back to his younger days, a time when he simply witnessed the horrors of the world. His perspective on the B-17 and its crew shifted, allowing him to see them in a new light.

In the cockpit, he observed the weary pilot, the crew tending to their wounded colleagues, and the frightened gunner positioned in the spherical turret beneath the aircraft. Franz determined that a result of that nature would not represent his victory. I will not carry a burden that will weigh on my conscience for life. The experienced soldier faced a moral quandary, elevating his ethical values over his ambitions, which led him to contemplate the wider consequences of his choice. He reflected on Roedel's lessons and the profound influence his sibling, August, had on his moral framework. Forty-four percent were in favor of him executing the act. Morality demanded otherwise.

Struggling internally, he was caught in a conflict between his loyalty to his country and his affinity with fellow pilots.

During a pivotal moment in the narrative, Makos reveals the profound inner turmoil that prompted Franz to abandon his chase for the prestigious military decoration and his duty to vanquish his opponent: "At a time when Germany required every combat aviator, Franz Stigler made the decision to withdraw from the conflict... The question that haunted him was whether the sacrifice was justified." Franz chose not only to hold fire but also to escort the bomber to safety. He jeopardized his safety by maneuvering his plane alongside the bomber, thereby shielding his opponent. This was gallantry on an unprecedented level. Franz opted to show mercy during a time when helpless Allied airmen were frequently met with lethal encounters by German civilians, soldiers, and the SS, even though his commanding officers demanded unyielding hostility from his comrades. Makos highlights the capacity for kindness in individuals, illustrating through his narrative that, even in the turmoil of conflict, people can opt to follow a path guided by noble values.

Brown experienced the extraordinary encounter.

The unexpected emergence of a German combat plane near his position initially sparked astonishment and confusion.

Makos skillfully portrays the encounter from Charlie's viewpoint, where the sudden appearance of a German fighter plane at his wingtip triggers a surge of disbelief and fear. He writes of Charlie initially assuming the worst, reasoning that the enemy pilot was toying with him before delivering a fatal blow. Pinky was horrified by the nightmare scenario unfolding before them, and Charlie, with a solemn expression and fully aware of the grim situation, communicated the urgent nature of the danger they faced from their adversary.

Makos skillfully heightens tension, gradually unfolding the encounter while tapping into the reader's apprehensions. Charlie and his copilot misinterpreted the German pilot's actions, perceiving them as taunting signals preceding an imminent deadly assault. Makos conveys their sense of urgency: "What does he mean by this?" Pinky asked a question, unaware of the circumstances, and Charlie, still affected by the earlier fainting incident, had not considered the option to navigate towards Sweden. He signaled to Frenchy, suggesting that the German might have had a role in their previous assault. "Charlie surmised that his interest was merely out of curiosity." The author adeptly portrays how the exhaustion and tension from combat intensified their apprehensions, making it more challenging for Charlie and his crew to discern the real motives of the enemy.

The adversary pilot's actions were ultimately interpreted as an act of honorable respect.

During their crucial encounter, Charlie understood the salute from Franz as a gesture of profound significance that was beyond any simple interpretation. Charlie and his crew were profoundly touched by the noble gesture of a man who could have taken their lives. Franz caught a fleeting glimpse of another crew member in the cockpit, whose expression of deep surprise quickly disappeared from view. He extended a gesture of respect that recognized the gravity of the moment, as he sensed the Americans' discomfort and foresaw a response from the upper gun enclosure. The gaze of the American aviator was met with unmistakable astonishment. Makos underscores the perilous situation where a single act of compassion by Franz could have put his own life at risk. In a pivotal act that went against his nation's anticipations, he was accompanied by a protective escort shielding him from attacks by ground-based anti-aircraft systems, demonstrating an extraordinary display of courage. Charlie never forgot the moment they crossed paths. The meeting would deeply influence him and initiate a quest that would continue for decades.

The subsequent occurrences and their enduring effects on Stigler and Brown's lives, in addition to the broader historical context that shaped their encounters.

The burden of keeping the details of the aerial encounter secret weighed heavily on their minds.

Stigler concealed his actions to avoid disciplinary repercussions, underscoring the harsh penalties faced by those who defied military orders during the conflict.

As the conflict neared its end, Franz carried the burden of his deeds alone, unable to confide in his comrades or any formal entity. He was shot down on December 20, leading to his eventual landing at Jever. He consistently concealed his compassionate deed directed at the crew of an American bomber. Franz understood that ceasing his assault on the bomber was a decision fraught with danger. Franz was acutely aware of the risks involved in not pursuing the enemy aircraft, understanding that such an action could lead to severe consequences, including the possibility of execution by firing squad if his actions were discovered. Therefore, he was eager to distance himself from the location of this perilous deed. The narrative describes the danger encountered by a citizen of Germany for humorously depicting Hitler and Goering atop the Berlin radio tower. Hitler outlines his intentions to take steps that would find favor with the residents of Berlin. Goering provocatively suggested, "Why not take a leap?" The situation arose after her joke was inadvertently heard by an individual who then reported her. Makos emphasizes the danger of individuals potentially facing legal action due to their association with the 1938 "Subversion Law" related to the political group. Franz’s actions, Makos emphasizes, endangered not just him but his mother, who still lived in Germany. As the conflict neared its end, Franz was keenly conscious that the peril from his own comrades might surpass any risk from opposing forces while he guided his kettenkrad in the direction of the American soldiers.

Brown struggled to come to terms with his continued existence and the fact that his team's heroic actions went unrecognized by the authorities.

Makos emphasizes that following Charlie's first sortie over Germany, when he returned to England, American authorities directed him to remain quiet regarding his remarkable escape and his encounter with the German pilots. The military's air combat division issued no commendations to Charlie's squad and directed them to behave as though the mission had never transpired, with Harper stating, "The brass wants you to forget this day ever happened." Orders were issued as required. Throughout the final stages of the war, Charlie, alongside "the Quiet Ones," completed twenty-eight bombing raids, witnessed the demise of many young troops, and the encounter with Franz continued to be a memory that profoundly stayed with him. The incident and its subsequent concealment acted as the unspoken triggers for the enduring war trauma Charlie suffered. He sought understanding and closure years afterward, striving to comprehend the behavior of someone he had previously viewed as an opponent.

The lives of Charlie and Franz unfolded after the conflict, culminating in a reunion.

Charlie's professional life as a successful military pilot and his domestic existence are in sharp contrast with the lasting psychological scars he bears from his experiences in warfare.

Makos reveals Charlie's engagement in a distinguished military career after the war, which included roles in intelligence and diplomatic relations. She was the widow of a young soldier from the war, who understood the toll it took and offered Charlie unwavering support. Their marriage and family was wonderful. Charlie understood the extraordinary significance of his existence. The experience on December 20th and the subsequent acknowledgment of his heroic actions continued to shape him throughout his professional life.

As time passed and the memories of the battle faded for many, Makos tells the story of a person grappling with the meaning of the war and haunted by persistent nightmares of falling through the air. He was continually troubled by the nagging uncertainty about whether he had escaped to Sweden. As Charlie aged, he noticed an increase in the frequency of his recollections from the war, which resulted in a greater number of troubling dreams. He was haunted by recurring nightmares in which he was powerless to do anything but observe The Pub's descent to the ground on December 20th. Understanding Franz's disposition provided a window into his character.

Franz encountered a sharp disparity between the challenges he faced in post-war Germany and his subsequent life after relocating to Canada.

Makos recounts how, after the war, Franz was viewed as a traitor in his own country, facing allegations from certain individuals who believed he failed to sufficiently intervene to stop the bombings. Public sentiment was starting to cast a negative light on those who piloted combat aircraft. Franz shared Charlie's aspiration to begin anew in a foreign country, as his native land was consumed by a climate of blame and sorrow, exacerbated by the historical consequences of the Holocaust. Makos recounts his relocation to Canada, where he found peace in an environment unscathed by air raids, and his role as a diesel mechanic in a remote logging camp helped him forge a strong bond with nature. The two men's lives took markedly different paths after the war: Charlie enjoyed prosperity and a comfortable existence, whereas Franz pursued closure. Makos implies that the wartime roles appeared to have reversed.

Their encounter four decades on held profound significance, providing an opportunity for understanding and closure regarding the forces that had shifted the courses of their lives.

Makos emphasizes the remarkable chain of events that culminated in Charlie and Franz reuniting four decades later, in 1990. Franz was conscious of the considerable risk involved in helping the aircraft escape and was eager to find out if his decision had been the right one. Charlie's outreach to German veterans through a newsletter ultimately informed Franz that the bomber he had shown mercy to made it back to England with its crew surviving. The conversation over the phone between Charlie and Franz solidified their connection, resulting in the creation of a lasting friendship that brought a feeling of fulfillment to both men, their crew members, and their relatives. Franz's deed served as a symbol of hope and an act of redemption for his comrades, among them Galland and the Count.

However, the story concludes with Makos depicting the public's reaction when they learned about Franz's history, which led to some people angrily denouncing him with words such as, "You pigheaded asshole… Traitor!" Charlie, Franz, and their comrades understood that their encounter in the skies over Germany transcended political implications. The incident demonstrated that even amidst a horrific conflict, enemies could maintain a sense of decency. The last assembly of Germany's esteemed fighter pilots granted them the peace that had been elusive during the war.