A Higher Call: An Incredible Story of Combat
&
     Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II

In recognition of the D-Day anniversary, listen to Beyond 50's "History" talks with Adam Makos.  He'll talk about the lives and careers of two airmen of opposing nations - the American, 2nd Lieutenant Charlie Brown, a twenty-one year old farm boy from West Virginia - the German, 2nd Lieutenant Franz Stigler, a former airline pilot from Bavaria.  They would come to stare across the frozen skies at one another. 

Considered one of the greatest untold stories in military history, Makos will explore a fundamental question: Can good men fight against each other in a bad war and still uphold their values?  What happened between them, the American 8th Air Force would later classify as "top secret."

It was an act that Franz could never mention or else face a firing squad.  Their encounter haunted both of them for more than forty years until finally as old men, they met again, reunited in friendship and brotherhood.

The captivating story of these two airmen has attracted growing national interest.  "A Higher Call" is currently the third bestselling military history book and will be made into a Hollywood film.

  Karl Haushofer:
       The Godfather of Nazi Germany

As a side note about World War II history that has been debated over the years, the Nazi party was formed by Karl Haushofer and Rudolf von Sebottendorm.  They founded the occult-based Thule Society in Munich in 1918.  At its height, this organization had about 1,500 members in Bavaria, many of whom were affluent and influential in German industry and right-wing politics.  The Thulists eventually morphed into the Nazi Party.   He also founded the Vril Society, which had ties to the Tibetan monks.

Encouraged by Rudolf Hess, Haushofer attended Adolf Hitler's trial for treason in Munich in 1923.  Developing close ties to Hitler, Haushofer began Hitler's indoctrination and eduction, with included the concept of Germans as a master race descended from the Aryan survivors of the Atlantean deluge (sinking of Atlantis), in his jail cell at Landsberg Prison.  He visited Hitler there frequently in 1924 and wrote the section about geopolitics in "Mein Kampf."

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