During World War II 40,000 American airmen gave their lives to secure freedom for much of the world. More than 1,800 died during the demanding flight training program alone. This book shares the remarkable story of two boys who grew up in Central Oregon and went on to serve as fighter pilots in the Mediterranean Theater. Their personal wartime letters bring to life the rigorous process of becoming a pilot, the ever present fear of "washing out", the challenges and fun of military life in Italy, and how it felt to make it to VE-Day and come home again.