During World War II, there were many ways that a B-29er could be killed: a ruthless enemy, an unforgiving ocean that stretched for thousands of miles, or the faulty engines of their own airplanes. But they all volunteered for it, and they continued flying—and dying—until they brought the war to an early end and saved hundreds of thousands of American lives.
They were The Heroes We Needed.
Featuring 85 photos and countless stories about the B-29 Superfortress bomber crews and their relentless bombing campaign that brought the Japanese Empire to its knees and ended World War II without the need for a bloody invasion of Japan's home islands, The Heroes We Needed is a riveting saga of sacrifice and salvation that finally tells the forgotten stories of these brave American airmen whose sacrifices saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans, and by some estimates, millions of Japanese.
The Heroes We Needed is in bookstores now!
From patches and uniforms to B-29 parts, I am always looking for pieces of history to help tell the story of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress.
If you know of any B-29 parts or militaria in need of a new home, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact me below!
I am particularly interested in items associated with B-29ers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Pictured is the Purple Heart that was posthumously awarded to Captain James Shumate after he was Killed In Action flying the last B-29 that was shot down over Japan during World War II. Captain Shumate's Purple Heart appeared on eBay after his widow passed away, and after many sleepless nights, I was able to save and preserve it to ensure his sacrifice is never forgotten. Captain Shumate's story, and what happened after I saved his Purple Heart, is featured in The Heroes We Needed.
The B-29ers, like all of the Greatest Generation, were very modest about their service, and didn't talk much about the war — if at all. But sometimes the militaria they leave behind can speak for them. Pictured is the uniform of Lieutenant Raymond Shumway, a B-29 pilot who bailed out off the coast of Japan during World War II. When I first discovered Lieutenant Shumway's uniform on eBay, and gambled every penny I had to save it, I never could have imagined the journey I was about to embark upon, or where it would lead me. Lieutenant Shumway's incredible story is featured in The Heroes We Needed.
If you're a fan of the book, a fan of the B-29 Superfortress, or your family member was a B-29er, I'd love to hear from you!
Trevor B. McIntyre PO Box 555 Morganton, GA. 30560 TrevorBMcIntyre@outlook.com
