Missing: A World War II Story of Love, Friendships, Courage, and Survival
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Missing: A World War II Story of Love, Friendships, Courage, and Survival Description
MISSING: A World War II Story of Love, Friendships, Courage, and Survival
Author: Kenneth D. Evans
Publisher: Starhaven Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-73237-020-3
Genre: World War II History, Military Biography, Biography, Nonfiction
- MISSING: A World War II Story of Love, Friendship, Courage, and Survival
- MISSING by Kenneth D. Evans – A True World War II Story of Survival
- MISSING: The True Story of a WWII Pilot, POW, Love, and Survival
- MISSING: Donald Evans and His Extraordinary World War II Journey
Product Introduction
MISSING: A World War II Story of Love, Friendships, Courage, and Survival by Kenneth D. Evans is a powerful true-life account of one young American pilot’s extraordinary journey through World War II. The book tells the story of 2nd Lt. Donald N. Evans, who was shot down behind enemy lines during the Battle of the Bulge and faced freezing conditions, injury, capture, forced marches, and imprisonment in a German POW camp.
But MISSING is much more than a military history book. It combines the realities of combat with a deeply personal story of love, friendship, family, sacrifice, courage, and survival. Evans reconstructs his father’s wartime experience through letters, journals, mission reports, personal histories, interviews, photographs, and historical documents.
The result is an emotional and historically grounded biography that gives readers an intimate look at the experiences of an American fighter pilot and the people waiting for him at home.
A Young Pilot’s Life Changes Forever
Donald N. Evans began life as a talented young man from a small-town background. Before the war, he was a student leader and accomplished athlete with plans for college and a future with his high-school sweetheart, Laura Jeanne.
Everything changed when the United States entered World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Don joined the military and eventually served as a fighter pilot with the 368th Fighter Group of the Ninth Air Force. Before going overseas, he married Laura Jeanne, beginning a love story that would continue across thousands of miles and through the uncertainty of wartime.
Shot Down During the Battle of the Bulge
One of the book’s most dramatic moments occurs on the ninth day of the Battle of the Bulge.
While flying his P-47 fighter plane, 2nd Lt. Donald Evans was shot down behind enemy lines. He managed to bail out moments before his aircraft crashed, but surviving the crash was only the beginning of his ordeal. Injured and isolated, he had to navigate the snow-covered Ardennes Forest while desperately attempting to reach American forces.
As darkness and freezing temperatures closed in, Don spent Christmas Eve beneath a pine tree, uncertain whether he would ever see his family again.
Capture, Forced March, and POW Survival
Don’s journey soon became even more dangerous. He was captured by German SS troops and subjected to a 200-mile forced march through brutal winter conditions.
The story describes hunger, exhaustion, abuse, uncertainty, and imprisonment in a German POW camp. Despite these overwhelming circumstances, Don continued to endure and find ways to survive.
For readers interested in WWII military history, this part of MISSING offers a personal perspective on the realities faced by American servicemen after being captured.
Love Across the Distance
War did not only affect soldiers on the battlefield. It also transformed the lives of the people waiting at home.
One of the most compelling elements of MISSING is the collection of personal letters exchanged between Don and Laura Jeanne. These letters provide an intimate window into their hopes, fears, love, uncertainty, and determination during wartime.
Through these firsthand materials, readers experience World War II not simply as a series of battles and dates, but as a deeply personal event that affected relationships and families.
The Brotherhood of “The Five”
Don’s wartime story also highlights the importance of friendship.
Don and four other pilots from the 368th Fighter Group became exceptionally close and called themselves “The Five.” Their experiences demonstrate the powerful bonds formed between servicemen who faced dangerous missions and the constant possibility of death together.
Their friendship adds another emotional dimension to the book and helps illustrate the courage and camaraderie that characterized many wartime relationships.
A Story Built From Historical Evidence
Kenneth D. Evans spent years researching his father’s wartime experiences. Rather than relying solely on family memories, he brought together numerous sources, including:
- Personal letters
- Journals
- Mission reports
- Personal histories
- Interviews
- Photographs
- Historical documents
- Maps and supporting historical material
This combination creates a detailed narrative that connects personal memories with the broader history of World War II.
Why Read MISSING?
MISSING is an excellent choice for readers interested in:
- World War II history
- WWII fighter pilots
- American military history
- Battle of the Bulge history
- WWII POW stories
- True stories of survival
- Military biographies
- Wartime love stories
- Family history and genealogy
- Stories about courage and resilience
The book has also received notable recognition. MISSING was a 2019 INDIES Winner, Bronze in Biography (Adult Nonfiction), while Kirkus Reviews described it as a skillfully crafted war story that is both touching and historically captivating.
A Moving Tribute to a Father’s Legacy
At its heart, MISSING is also the story of a son trying to understand his father’s experiences.
Kenneth D. Evans spent a decade investigating the wartime life that his father rarely discussed. His research eventually allowed him to reconstruct the journey from the crash site through captivity and beyond, turning a personal family mystery into a documented story of sacrifice and survival.
The result is both a World War II biography and a deeply personal tribute.
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Primary Focus Keyphrase
MISSING: A World War II Story of Love, Friendships, Courage, and Survival
Secondary Keywords
Kenneth D. Evans, WWII pilot biography, Battle of the Bulge, WWII POW story, World War II survival story, Donald N. Evans
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is MISSING: A World War II Story of Love, Friendships, Courage, and Survival about?
MISSING tells the true story of 2nd Lt. Donald N. Evans, an American fighter pilot who was shot down behind enemy lines during the Battle of the Bulge and later captured and imprisoned as a POW.
2. Who wrote MISSING?
The book was written by Kenneth D. Evans, who researched and documented his father’s World War II experiences.
3. Is MISSING based on a true story?
Yes. The book is based on the wartime experiences of Kenneth Evans’s father, Donald N. Evans, and incorporates letters, journals, mission reports, interviews, and other historical materials.
4. What happened to Donald Evans during World War II?
Donald Evans was shot down while flying a P-47 during the Battle of the Bulge. After surviving the crash, he became lost behind enemy lines, was eventually captured, endured a forced march, and was held in a German POW camp.
5. What military unit did Donald Evans serve with?
Donald Evans served with the 368th Fighter Group of the Ninth Air Force.
6. Does the book include a love story?
Yes. The relationship between Donald Evans and his high-school sweetheart and wife, Laura Jeanne, is an important part of the book. Their wartime letters provide personal insight into their relationship during the war.
7. Is this book suitable for World War II history enthusiasts?
Yes. The book combines personal biography with military and historical material, making it particularly relevant to readers interested in WWII aviation, the Battle of the Bulge, American servicemen, and POW experiences.
8. Is MISSING a biography or a history book?
It is best described as a biographical military history and nonfiction memoir-style account. It focuses on Donald Evans’s personal experience while placing his story within the larger context of World War II.
9. What makes MISSING different from other WWII books?
Its combination of historical research and intimate family materials makes it particularly personal. Readers encounter wartime experiences through letters, journals, reports, interviews, photographs, and other documentation rather than through military history alone.
10. Has MISSING won any awards?
Yes. MISSING was recognized as a 2019 INDIES Winner, Bronze in Biography (Adult Nonfiction).
11. How many pages does the book have?
The hardcover edition is listed at approximately 501 pages, although page counts can vary between editions.
12. Who would enjoy reading MISSING?
The book is well suited to readers who enjoy WWII biographies, military history, true survival stories, fighter-pilot stories, POW narratives, family histories, and emotionally compelling stories of love and courage.
MISSING: A World War II Story of Love, Friendships, Courage, and Survival is a compelling true story of one American fighter pilot’s extraordinary struggle to survive behind enemy lines. Kenneth D. Evans combines extensive historical research with personal letters, journals, mission reports, interviews, and photographs to tell the story of his father, 2nd Lt. Donald N. Evans.
From the skies over Europe to the frozen Ardennes Forest, from capture by German forces to imprisonment in a POW camp, Don’s experience reveals the physical and emotional challenges faced by American servicemen during World War II. At the same time, his relationship with Laura Jeanne and the friendship shared with fellow pilots known as “The Five” demonstrate the power of love, loyalty, and human connection during one of history’s darkest periods.
For anyone searching for a true World War II story, WWII pilot biography, Battle of the Bulge book, POW survival story, or emotional military biography, MISSING offers a memorable combination of history and humanity.
Missing: A World War II Story of Love, Friendships, Courage, and Survival Specification
Specification: Missing: A World War II Story of Love, Friendships, Courage, and Survival
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Missing: A World War II Story of Love, Friendships, Courage, and Survival Reviews (10)
10 reviews for Missing: A World War II Story of Love, Friendships, Courage, and Survival
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M. Glish –
This is mostly a love story. Two young adults got married in the rush of going to war — probably too early. But both were made of stern stuff and their love lasted through Don’s training and then deployment to Europe. The love letters provide a moving backdrop to the story.
I felt the story was marred by an attempt to turn it into a history of the war in Europe. I skipped past most of the irrelevant history. It felt like a distraction. It was well-researched in the main, but had many silly errors, e.g., calling the bombing of England in 1940 “blitzkrieg” and citing the date of an award ceremony after the Battle of the Bulge as January 8, 1944.
The historical backdrop of the POW camp was pretty good. If this book is ever updated, pleases remove the fat and let Don and his wife tell the story with fewer digressions.
Sheryl Grove –
This is a gripping read that seamlessly intertwines the historical backdrop of WWII with a deeply heartfelt personal story. It truly captures the complexities of the war era. What truly sets this book apart is its poignant exploration of the human experience, as Evans delves into themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring power of hope and faith. His book inspired me in many, many ways, as well as, enhancing my knowledge and understanding of events.
Sue Williams –
Fascinating book—especially with excerpts from soldiers telling about their feelings and experiences. I enjoyed it very much and my gratitude increased for those who serve our country.
Ryan K. –
Missing tells the incredibly moving World War 2 story of Donald Evans. Don was a P-47 Pilot who was shot down on Day 9 of the Battle of the Bulge. The book chronicles his World War 2 experiences, including how his marraige to his wife Laura Jeanne was tested and strengthened by the uncertainty of war. It also tells of his deep friendships with four fellow P-47 pilots.
I’m giving Missing a five star review for five reasons. First, it’s a great World War 2 story. The story is inspiring, uplifting, and endlessly meaningful. I especially like that it’s a story about ordinary people, a story that has been in the shadows but has been brought to light through this book. Second, Missing is meticulously researched. The primary source material the author had to work with is incredibly vast—over 650 letters written by the main characters, beautifully written personal histories, sharp photographs, scrapbooks, and detailed war records. These primary source materials, coupled with the author’s meticulous research, allow for the reader to get inside the story. You feel you are walking along with the main characters. Third, the book is very well written and I personally like the style of writing. It’s authentic, real, and readable. There’s no sloppy writing or exaggeration—the writing is real and the author clearly worked hard to achieve a high level of writing quality. Fourth, I fell in love with the main characters. The book allows the reader to truly get to know these characters, and they are people who lived strong and noble values and lived lives of goodness. Fifth, I love that that author spent an entire decade researching and writing the book. That is an amazing level of dedication and commitment and reflects a genuine desire to tell this important story as well as possible. When I finished the book, it was an incredibly moving experience for me. I heard once that nonfiction helps us learn, and fiction helps us grow. This nonfiction book, accurately told, provides the reader with both a learning and growing experience. You learn what it was like to train and fly as a WW2 pilot and you learn a lot about the Battle of the Bulge. But you also grow as you read about the sacrifices made by the book’s characters. I will also add that the last 150 pages are gripping. I read this final part in one sitting and couldn’t put the book down. A wonderful book that I highly recommend.
Kari A. Kovach –
Reading WWII based novels or memoirs is difficult for me. I like to escape into mysteries or fantasies, not the atrocities of WWII. HOWEVER, I am so glad I took the time to read MISSING. The details of flight training and flight performance were fascinating. The romance interwoven throughout the real-life account is so sweet. To read of the horrors that happened to Don Evans after being captured by the Germans, brought tears to my eyes. The hope that Don held on to during his interment is inspiring and made me so grateful for the comfortable life I enjoy. I have already recommended this memoir to my father, a Vietnam Vet. I will continue to recommend to others. MISSING is a wonderful read that reminds that God knows us individually and will provide miracles during our greatest trials. High praise for MISSING!
Ben –
This WWII book doesn’t skimp details, an excellent description of what is what like for Don to go through his many experiences. Love the historical detail too.
Kathryn –
This is an excellent book, it was hard to put down and I read it over a weekend. It gives a detailed account of pilot training and missions over the war, alongside a touching love story of a young newly wed couple separated by war. Through Don’s journals and letters, it is great to read a lived experience of a pilot, the tedium as well as the horror that was endured. A must read.
Amazon Customer –
Very well written. An emotional roller coaster as you experience the horrors of war. And the emotional tole of loved ones left behind.
Jos –
I was very touched by this book. Excellent writing. The in depth explanation of pilot training was all new to me. The excellent description of the Battle of the Bulge gave a good understanding of what happened there that I might not have understood if I had read many books about that engagement. I worked with a lady whose husband was in that battle. Growing up, my neighbors were Bataan Death March survivors, an lwo Jima survivor and my own father was in the 82nd Airborne and trained the troops for war. I worked with a woman whose whole family was killed in front of her because they were Jews. Thank you for this book. I hope succeeding generations will understand that freedom isn’t free. It costs lives. Thank God for people like your father and his friends that understood this. Well done!
Amazon Customer –
Initially I was not enthusiastic about this book. I had hoped to learn about the exploits of a fighter pilot. This story doesn’t go deep into flying. It traces the experience of one fighter pilot. Incidently, the author is writing about his father. Don Evans starts out seemingly as the ‘all -American’ boy who excels at everything, especially at sports, in high school and meets a beautiful cheer – leader in his school, then ends up learning to fly and is sent to England. It was at this point when I first started to see what the book is about. Evans is a clean-living truly decent person who went to war for all the right reasons- fulfilling his duty for the free world. His colleagues in the squadron were similar. They didn’t want to be there but the call of duty was too strong. Then Evans was shot down and captured. His captors were hardened soldiers don’t see their enemy as people and treated them as expendable. We see the effects of this horrible attitude on Evans as the story unfolds. By the end of the book, I developed a very high respect for Evans and his colleagues who may have been representative of a large proportion of American soldiers who served in WW2. Although the story winds down soon after Evans return to his young bride, it’s clear that his war experience had a major impact on the rest of his life. PTSD is a common diagnosis in soldiers.
The author did a superb job. For me the book was primarily a story of the effect of the war experience on a good (young) man. But, the author also did something usually not done in this type of book. He provided background histories for each of the war experiences his father participated in. For example, he described the Battle of the Bulge in detail so we could see exactly what role Evans played in this battle. We learned about the roles of Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley and Montgomery. And he also gave us the background on the POW camps that housed the air force POWs.
I highly recommend this book for a personal experience of what it was like to be a P-47 pilot in WW2. Don Evans was a hero- we are all fortunate that he and others like him served on our side in WW2!