Book Description

The explosive, true story of a man of God turned fighter pilot who fought and prayed his way through 300 combat missions and two wars. Author Dean E. Hess is the subject of this inspiring autobiography, Battle Hymn, first published in 1956, which tells of his experiences as a U.S. Air Force colonel, including his involvement in the so-called “Kiddy Car Airlift” during the Korean War on December 20, 1950. With the airfield over capacity, Hess sent Korean orphans to an orphanage in Seoul. When the North Korean forces began to capture the city, Hess reportedly organized 15 C-54 Skymaster aircraft to airlift 950 orphans and 80 orphanage staff from the path of the Chinese advance to safety on Jeju Island. When Hess departed Korea in June 1951, a new orphanage on this island held over 1,000 Korean children. The book later served the basis for the 1957 film of the same name, where he was played by Rock Hudson. “Stirring”—San Francisco Chronicle “In his career as a war correspondent Quentin Reynolds has met his share of heroes, but few of them, he says have impressed him as deeply as Col. Dean E. Hess.”—Readers Digest “Twentieth century American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have enjoyed a warm reputation for caring about the children of the lands they have fought in. Col. Dean E. Hess—Air Force humanitarians—well represents this tradition.”—The Times Magazine