Missing

A World War II Story of Love, Friendships, Courage, and Survival

By: Kenneth D. Evans

Narrated by: Scott Brick

On day nine of the Battle of the Bulge, flying his P-47 fighter plane, Second Lt. Donald N. Evans was shot down behind enemy lines and reported missing.

After bailing out seconds before his plane crashed, Don limped and crawled through deep snow, trying to find a way back to the American front lines. Lost, cold, and hungry, he spent Christmas Eve huddled under a pine tree in the Ardennes Forest, wondering if he'd ever see his family again.

Ahead of him lay capture by German SS Troops, a 200-mile forced march in frigid winter weather, near starvation, abuse by guards, and internment in a German POW camp. His will to overcome near insurmountable odds is inspiring. That he actually did so is a miracle.

From dirt-poor, small-town roots, Don was the quintessential all-American boy, becoming student body president of his high school and earning all-state honors in football, basketball, and tennis. At age 18, he was attending college, had fallen in love, and appeared destined for a bright future.

Then, fate stepped in. Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, and America entered World War II. Don joined 16 million other young Americans and entered the US military. Before shipping overseas, he married his high school sweetheart Laura Jeanne. On July 16, 1944, he boarded the Queen Elizabeth with 15,000 other soldiers, sailing past the Statue of Liberty and out to sea.

Excerpts from Don and Laura Jeanne's deeply personal letters allow listeners to glimpse emotional events through the eyes of a young couple who lived through these remarkable times.

Don and four other flyboys in the 368th Fighter Group of the Ninth Air Force became so close they called themselves "The Five". The author weaves their stories together from letters, journals, personal histories, mission reports, and interviews.

This is an unforgettable story of love, friendship, courage, and survival, with the Great Depression and World War II as a backdrop.

©2018 Kenneth D. Evans (P)2020 Kenneth D. Evans

Beautiful & Riveting Love Story

Such a beautiful story, and the power of love and hope in the harshest circumstances. The evil and dark atrocities of war pale to the strength of faith in God, and love. 

The best of WWII Survival stories

The stories of survival like Lieutenant Don Evans makes the best audiobook. Much like in the vein of Band if Brothers and subsequent biographies to “The Things Our Fathers Saw” series, this book is similar. Utah native and newly married Don Evans is shot down during the Battle if the Bulge and must survive. The devotion and fortitude of this most courageous generation, who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms will never cease to inspire, no matter how much we give away here. As long as these stories survive we will never forget. And Scott Brick’s narration is perfection as always.

An American Love Story

This is a grand love story played out over small town Utah to the skies over Germany to the POW camp that Evans found himself. His love for his wife, family and country while challenged never diminish. Important WW2 info about pilot training, the Battle of the Bulge and American Generals is woven quite cleverly around the love letters back and forth between the adoring couple. Bravo!

AWESOME READ!

As I listened to this when I commuted to and from work. I found myself, sitting in the car, not getting out because I was glued to it... You know it is a good book, when you sit in the car to finish the chapter (or two)! All you long time Audible listeners know what I am talking about! :)

Two thumbs up!

Excellent all around

Such a great story, and awesome narration too. I love that this is a true story with so much of it told through letters.

Great story

Enjoyed the book. I really wish it would have been a longer story, I didn't want it to end. Good history that everyone should read. Looking forward to another one.

Mark J

This story was not only fascinating, it helped connect better with my own father who served in the Pacific campaign. A world away but in the same timeframe. I found myself connecting emotionally to the characters in this book, not only from the story itself but through the audio reading which brought the story to life.

A very enjoyable and educational read.

I feel like I wasted my money.

A lot of boiler plate history filler.
The places that relate to the personal war story of Evans are few and far between
Not in Robert Leckie or Eugene Sledge`s style.
I understand this book was written by his children to honor his memory.
I commend them for the effort.