An understated, uplifting memoir that shows the best of humanity in a time of war and horror.

The author’s remembrance opens in the spring of 1944, as he prepared to fly his 35th mission as a bomber pilot over German positions in France. He was warned by a superior officer to avoid bailing out over Paris due to increased German activity, but found himself unable to follow that advice, as his plane was shredded by anti-aircraft fire shortly after he finished his run. After avoiding early capture by a stroke of luck and some friendly assistance, he fell in with the French Resistance, which kept him tucked away in a succession of safe houses for three months. Eventually, thanks to the daring of many Resistance members, Woodrum was reunited with Allied forces, but the cost was far higher than he expected or imagined. Despite the incredible danger Woodrum and his Resistance allies faced every day, the author downplays the tension of that time, instead focusing his skillful prose on the heroism and quiet dignity of those he met. His gratitude and respect shine through on every page; he ably shows his appreciation for what he learned and experienced in those long-ago days. These emotions didn’t stop when he sailed for home; as illustrated in an epilogue, he made several efforts to reestablish contact with those who helped him, and he details the fates of as many people as he could find. This sense of closure gives the memoir a weight that belies its low-key affability, and effectively underlines the sense of good fortune that the author carried with him for the rest of his life.

Kirkus Indie Review

A first hand story of the heroism of a B-26 pilot and the French Underground.

Author, Hank Woodrum was the first pilot of "The Shopworn Angel" a B-26 Marauder which latter carried my father Frank Carrozza into combat. My hours of internet research led me to Hank's son who was kind enough to allow me to read "Walkout" in advance. What a treat! The pilot told of his riveting experience being shot down near Paris and how he used his wits to initially escape capture. He goes on to describe his experience with the French underground. "Walkout" is not only a great tale, but a rare chance to learn WWII history and the nature of the French undergroud via first hand account!

Carl Carrozza

Fantastic Book -

I couldn't put the book down and read it in a weekend. The detail of his story made you see his adventure from the moment he was shot down, through moving with the French Underground, and identifying with the people who helped hide and protect him. I gave several copies away to friends and family, and they all have loved it.

C-Robertson

Much More than a Memoir

This book is much more than a WWII memoir. It is portal, a window into a time and place that only a hand full of people, other than the French themselves, experienced. It is a window into the heart of the French people from shortly before the D-Day invasion until the liberation of Paris. The story is told with such clarity and simplicity, yet so detailed I felt as if I was watching a movie and I was glued to the screen.

This book is a must for aviation fans, World War II buffs, history students and those simply interested in what life was like in France durring the Nazi occupation.

Scott Cook

One of the Best

World War II first hand descriptions of attempting to elude the Nazis. The author/pilot was shot down near Paris and spent many months eluding the Germans. With the invaluable aid of the French Underground he is able to accomplish just that. The adventures he describes reads like a novel in suspense and action. Highly recommended.

John Eckert