On a frigid winter afternoon at the height of the Cold War, a Strategic Air Command B-52 Stratofortress departed Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts for a routine training mission. Hours later, the aircraft’s smoking wreckage lay scattered across a snow-encased mountainside in Maine’s desolate North Woods. This gripping account chronicles the events and aftermath of that fateful day as revealed by the men who miraculously survived and the families of those who perished.
From a local: "I have read this book and can assure you it covers every detail on this most significant Greenville and national event. If you are an aviation buff, history buff or wonder about the Greenville B-52 crash site sacred ground you will want this book on your shelf. If you are an old timer in the area you will recognize many of the names involved in the rescue."
About the author
Joseph R. Wax served eleven years as a physician in the United States Navy Medical Corps. FINAL MISSION The North Woods represents the first book by this award-winning medical researcher, educator, and author. He resides in Maine where he cares for women with complicated pregnancies.
19 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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FINAL MISSION
LOVE THE BOOK !!
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Final Mission book
Great book. Really in depth tragedy/survival story. The remains of the plane are still there and will remain.
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Final Mission The North Woods
Fascinating history of Maine I purchased 3 books 1 for myself and 2 more to give you my other brothers. Ironically my niece was in the area and bought one for herself. I joked that we all had to do a family book report.
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More than just an Air Force "Accident Report", the author lays out all factors leading up to the accident, the survivors recall of happenings and then the long after-effects on the families.
This book was of great interest to me as I flew B-52s for over half of my career in the Air Force. When this accident happened in Jan 1963, I was preparing to start B-52 training at Castle AFB, CA . Flew "H" models for first 5 years, then flew "D" models last 5+ years until retirement in early 1974. Experienced all the positions from co-pilot to instructor/check pilot along the way and was Chief of the Wing Stan/Eval Division when retirement came around. Even though this book was written about an accident that happened over 55 years ago, I relived many of the events the author wrote about as if they had just happened. Thank you, Dr. Wax, for this outstanding book.
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Final Mission
Good read about facts. Been to the site and enjoyed the story.
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Final Mission The North Woods
Wow, an incredible read!!! Got it in the mail on Saturday afternoon and had it read by Sunday morning. If you have been to the site or are planning on going, you need to read this book.
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book
received very quick and in perfect condition.
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I have not yet recieved the book
I hope it comes today! Birthday present **note from MM** it was ordered on Saturday, shipped on Monday, but because of covid 19, shipping has slowed, since the postal system is flying less cargo and moving by trucks. Sorry for the delay, I did look it up and says delivered today (4 days after shipping).
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Final Mission
This is great! He goes into history of the B-52 bomber as well as what they were doing. It's an interesting read!
