We have all heard amazing stories from World War II. Stories of heroism, bravery, tragedy, and sadness.

So it is surprising that 70-years later we are still hearing new stories that fascinate us. A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II by Adam Makos is one of those stories.

I don’t want to ruin the story. Suffice to say that it’s a story so amazing that the German pilot involved could not tell anybody in the Luftwaffe. And the American bomber crew members were told by their superiors to never tell the story. Decades later the German and American pilots find each other, and the result is an amazing story of adventure, honor, and bravery.

The book is told (mostly) from the perspective of the German pilot. Rightfully so because Franz Stigler has an amazing story to tell. The American pilot, Charlie Brown, self-describes himself as a character actor in the drama. That may be underplaying it, but he’s right to defer the staring role to Stigler. Thus the book traces the life of Stigler before, during and after World War II.

One of the best stories I’ve read in a long time. Not necessarily a great book, but an amazing story that overcomes any weakness in the craft of writing the book.