Avoiding Muddy Foxholes: A Story of an American Bombardier by Jim Loveless is a fictionalized account of the service of his father, Richard “Dick” Loveless, a WWII veteran. After qualifying as a bombardier and completing several successful missions, Second Lieutenant Loveless was shot down over France in September 1943. He was taken prisoner by the Germans and sent to a POW (Prisoner of War) camp in German-occupied Poland until January 1945. In the face of the advancing Russian army, the Germans forced Loveless to evacuate along with thousands of other POWs. They made a tortuous and, for some, deadly march on foot in harsh winter conditions to an overcrowded and inadequately supplied camp in Germany where they struggled to survive until it was liberated in April.

In Avoiding Muddy Foxholes, Jim Loveless gives us a wonderful tribute not only to his father’s personal courage, toughmindedness, and faith, but to the sacrifice and service of so many of his generation including the spouses, families, and civilians who supported the Allied forces. The narrative is impeccably researched, highly descriptive, well-paced, and utterly engaging. Photographs are sprinkled throughout, and a list of historical sources is included. As well as gaining insight into Dick’s pre-war civilian life, his military training, and his high-risk bombing missions, we also see his sweet romance with Mary Lu blossom into a love that sustains him. I was especially touched by the portrayal of the French villagers who tried to help Dick and who later sought to honor those crewmembers who died when his bomber crashed. This is an inspirational book that any fan of WWII history will appreciate.

Avoiding Muddy Foxholes: A Story of an American Bombardier by Jim Loveless follows the story of a fearless man. Richard “Dick” Loveless was looking forward to becoming an electrician and marrying the pretty Mary Lu Farrell when World War II happened. Before he knew it, Richard enlisted in the army and changed his life forever. To his surprise, he excelled at his new job. He moved further up in the Air Corps, took really well to the flying school, and became part of the 388th Bombardment Group. However, nothing prepared Richard for the challenges awaiting in his personal and professional life. Would he be able to succeed in the Air Corps? Would he ever be able to go back home and marry his pretty Mary Lu? Would Richard ever become the father and husband he wanted to be?

Divided into nine parts, Avoiding Muddy Foxholes is a fantastic story of a passionate man who worked hard for his country and equally hard for his family. Richard “Dick” Loveless was a remarkable man, and this is apparent in how Jim Loveless talked about his father. I could feel a connection with Richard from the moment his story began. I felt Richard’s confusion, pain, and desire to do well for both his country and his family. I loved how Jim held nothing back and gave a detailed account of Richard's life in the military, the hardships he went through, and how he found his way in the darkest of days. I was on the brink of tears reading about Richard missing his family and his beloved wife. I felt his pain as he missed his children but stayed strong because he had a job to do and a country to serve. The pictures provided added so much depth to what was happening and gave me a pictorial perspective of what was to come as well. The narrative style was remarkably comfortable, easy to follow, and well-written. I highly recommend it!