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About this Book:

Growing up in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Bill Cramsie dreamed of nothing but flying. He graduated from West Point in the class of June 1943—the most highly decorated class in the history of the academy. Bill was assigned to the 416th Bomb Group and began flying combat missions in the Spring of 1944. On April 10th, his aircraft was riddled by flak while attacking a V-1 Buzz Bomb site in Flanders. Making three heroic passes over the target, being hit on two of those passes, the aircraft could not be coaxed back across the English Channel. Bill and his two gunners perished as their A-20 Havoc crashed into the sea. He was the first member of his class to be killed in action -- the “First to Fall”. His body was never recovered. After 60 years, the class ring of Bill Cramsie mysteriously appeared and orchestrated the telling of his story -- also the story of an incredible journey, the author’s search for this young man -- and a spiritual bonding of the present with the past.

About the Author:

Wayne Sayles retired from the US Air Force in 1982, having served 10 years in the enlisted ranks and 10 years as a Communications Officer. After retiring, he earned a Master’s Degree in Art History from the University of Wisconsin and founded The Celator, a monthly journal for collectors of ancient coins and artifacts. Over the past two decades, he has written 14 books about objects from the past. The story of William Edward Cramsie came to Wayne unexpectedly and pursued him relentlessly. That experience is partly what this book is about. The spirit of Bill Cramsie, never laid to rest, has seemingly orchestrated the telling of his story. It is a story of triumph and tragedy and an affirmation of the still mysterious power of what is sometimes called the collective unconscious.

Book Review:

Comments from 416th Bomb Group Veterans: Bob Basnett: “Just finished reading your book, it seems to be very accurate and brought back many forgotten memories.” Ralph Conte: “The depth and effective accountability of events show up marvelously. It is, indeed, engaging reading.” Wayne Downing: “...an excellent story.  Plus the coverage of the A-20 Havoc operation and West Point is extremely accurate and educational.  (Are you sure that you have never piloted an A-20?)” Bob Kehres: “It is so beautiful and so easy to read...I can’t begin to convey the emotions it brought out in me.” Dick Wheeler: “...a marvelous account of a great guy and a true hero.”

Order/Contact Info:

Wayne G. Sayles P.O. Box 911 Gainesville, MO 65655 wgs@wgs.cc 417-679-2142

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