"Last Roll Call - The Adventure of a B-17 Tailgunner"

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 Students & Teachers are talking about

Last Roll Call

 

 

If a friend asked me, "Should I read Last Roll Call?" I would say "Yes." a thousand times. There are great details and lots of excitement. It teaches great attitudes and not complaining about anything. It is one of the best war books I have ever read.

Andrew Smith - 7th Grade

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As I read Last Roll Call I could feel myself in the story and see everything happening because it was so wonderfully described. This story is good for all ages and won't let you down.

Ryan Ackermann - 7th Grade

 

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One of the most fabulous books I have ever read. There were so many emotions expressed in just one book. It's so good it needs to be made into a movie.

Sara Martin - 8th Grader

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I think the biography Last Roll Call is a great way for people to get a good grasp of what the war was really like. The story inspired me to further my knowledge of World War II and especially the 15th Air Force out of Italy.

Samuel McLane - 7th Grade

 

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I just finished reading your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am interested in ordering a classroom set(s) for my children's school. Please contact me with ordering information.

 

John Weghorst

 

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 I loved Last Roll Call. It made me proud to be an American. The book made me want to learn even more about WWII. The book was well writen and tells the story with no confusion. The book made me proud of my Grandpa who served in WWII. The book had a lot of exciting scenes and told a wonderful story.

Nicolas Reeve - 7th Grade

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My class is reading "Last Roll Call" and I love the book so much I want to buy a copy for my father for Father's Day.

Molly Johns - 10th Grade

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I enjoyed your book very much. It is kind of funny how I came to read your book, as I would not normally be interested in a "war" book. I happened to be subbing at Bay Haven one day when the class had been reading the book. I found it unusual for an entire class of 7th graders to be engrossed in a reading assignment. So out of curiosity, I picked up a copy of "Last Roll Call" from the teacher's desk and began reading. I couldn't wait to finish it, and read it during planning and lunch that day, ended up borrowing it and returning it to Ms. Pickard later.

Dana Dicks - Substitute Teacher

 

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I am so happy for the book and you autographed it. I just want to ask you if you were going anywhere so that I could see you in person? P.S. It was so funny when you said your gunner place was your office.

 

Dustin Haygood - 10 Years Old

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The book "Last Roll Call" was an interesting, emotional and significant book in history. If you have never liked WWII history or biographies, read this; it will change your opinion. Overall this book is the dominating ruler over all WWII biographies.

 

Logan Gilda - 7th Grade

 

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 It was nice to hear a different point of view about WWII other than from my grandfather who was in the Navy. I really enjoyed reading your book. Before, I wasn't too interested in war books, but after reading yours I'm looking for more.

 Vann Hauser - 7th grader

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 I personally met Mr. Tucker and his daughter at a B-17 air exhibit while chaperoning a field trip with my students. On that day not only was I introduced to his incredible story of his service during WWII but my life was going to change for the better due to providence. I loved his story so much that I got a classroom grant to get copies of his book so that my students could learn more about real WWII accounts from a man who lives literally in the same neighborhood. He and his daughter Wanda Tucker Goodwin have both sacrificed their efforts and time in visiting my classroom and presenting their story several times. I am very proud to have them help me educate the students of today about the "greatest generation" of yesterday. As an educator I am proud to be a part of sharing this genuine historical book about one man's journey in serving his country during a time of international crisis and turmoil. Needless to say this book is a "must read" for any true historian.

Erin Pickard - History Teacher

Bay Haven  - Panama City, FL



 

What Individuals

are saying about

Last Roll Call

 

 

After I started reading your book I could not put it down. I read it cover to cover in one day!! It was a wonderful and powerful story and more than one time I had tears in my eyes. Thank you so much for your service to our country that has allowed me and my family to live free.

 

Tim Baade - Vice President

Kimberly Clark

 

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I could have read your book much faster but I forced myself to put it down each night after a chapter or two so that I could extend the enjoyment of your story and to have more of your book in which to look forward to each evening. It was as if you were sitting across the room telling me all of this in person. I would hope to be able to meet you one day to thank you in person for your service during WWII and especially to thank you for telling your story.

 

David Smith - City Administrator

Westminster, SC

 

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Not many books can be enjoyed by four generations. You book was passed to our son, our 12 year old grandson and finally to Alice's 82 year old mother. The story proved to be enjoyable, well writen and easy to read. The writing style was as if you were sitting across the table telling your story.
 
Keith & Alice Colvin - Lynn Haven, FL
 
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I have read literally hundreds of WWII books and I can truthfully say that I have never enjoyed a story better than yours. I did not put your book down after I opened the cover. Thank you for the book, and thank you for your service. Your generation built the America we all love today.

 

Steve Jemison

 

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Thank you for sharing your experiences. Thank you for your service. The lessons you teach are truly for the betterment of mankind, and your work will always have an honored place in my personal library of significant books.

 

Peter Hartwick - Candler, NC

 

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I could not put down this book! I was transported to Amendola, Italy, and felt the cold and rain as this courageous group of men set up their new home in a tent. I felt the stress of firing guns from the tail of a B-17 and the fear of being shot down into the sea. I laughed out loud in many parts of the this book, and I laughed through tears in other parts. This book reads as if you are experiencing the same emotions, fears, triumphs, and tragedies as the man who lived through it. This is a must-read book for anyone interested in World War II and in one heroic man's personal experience.

 

Shirley Myers - Woodstock, GA

 

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Ken, I started reading your book and couldn't put it down. I stayed up until after midnight to finish it. The way you communicated to the readers was wonderful. I enjoyed the very personal account of the inner feelings of a young man, still in his teens, who felt the need to serve his country with love and dedication. Your description of the lonliness you felt while so far away from home and family truly touched my heart. It was a great read.
 
Faye George - Camden, Arkansas
 
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Thank you Mr. Tucker for your willing and faithful service that greatly contributed to victory over such evil enemies to freedom. I thank both of you for taking the time and effort necessary to write "Last Roll Call." I just finished reading the book and could hardly put it down. The story, as well as the quality of writing, made me anxiously read at every opportunity available. The book that I read was borrowed and I would like to know your book price so I might order my own personal copy.
 
Tommy Stanaland - Perry, FL
 
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I absolutely loved the book and enjoyed reading it. You two have done an excellent job. I did not want to put the book down and I didn't want it to end. I grew to love this fine young man as someone to admire and respect. In fact, I enjoyed the book so much, I'm going to read it again.
 
Joel Lowenberger - Panama City, FL
 
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We met in February outside Sundog Books in Seaside. I just finished reading your book and wanted to let you know I really enjoyed it. It was a great read and wonderful that you decided to share your story. I think your comment at the end of the book about doing something with your life as a tribute to the fallen was a terrific statement and one that should resonate with all who read your story.
 
Rick McKay

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We need to purchase another copy of "Last Roll Call." Your book is a very popular title and has been mended twice before now due to high volume check-out.

 

Gail Layton

Bay County Public Library

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Veterans, Family

and Friends of

WWII Members
 
 
 

My father was a co-pilot in WWII. He has read MANY aircrew memoirs but found YOUR'S to be the most vivid and accurate he's ever read!! As he neared the end, he kept putting the book aside and reading only a page or two because he didn't want the story to end. Funny. And NOW... he just started reading it all over again!! He absolutely loves it!! By far the best he's ever read, he says!! Thank you for all your efforts, Great Job!!

 Janet Mueller - Naples, FL 

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You, aided by your daughter, have written a remarkable book. You have given me, and many others, knowledge and insight about the brave young men who gave so much. Your experience was similar to my dad's. He died far too young at 53. I feel as though you have given part of him back to me. 

Daudet Schreurs - Hot Springs, AR 

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I enjoyed your book so much because this was the book my Dad talked about writing but never did. He died in 1988 when my children were very young. Now, I will give them your book and tell them this is much like the story they would have heard from their grandfather. Thank you so much for writing it all down for future generations.

Earl Wellborn - Pflugerville, TX 

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You have written a dynamic book! We are active in WWII activities here in Europe and have several friends who flew with the 8th but it was great to hear more about the role of the 15th Air Force. Thank you for such a wonderful book

Anne Shields - Civilian RN - US Army

Landstuhl, Germany

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My father was also a gunner with the 414th. Please accept this patch decal as a token of my appreciation. I could not put the book down as your stories took me down memory lane with my Dad. "Last Roll Call" will be passed on to my children along with my father's WWII memorabilia. I cannot thank you enough.

Dallas Milton - Palmetto, FL 

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I spent 17 years in the USAF Reserves so I can relate to many aspects of your book. I found the stories to be interesting, the suspense and dangers noted made for exciting reading and the history was worthwhile. The short chapters made for easy reading. The book was wonderful and now I have questions and comments and.....I feel like I know you a bit, another characteristic of the book that made it so good.

Ray Mansfield

Ft. Walton Beach, FL

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 Just finished your book. Very interesting and excellently written. I'm only sorry it was a year late. My neighbor was a belly gunner on a B-24 flying out of Italy; I'm sure he would have been able to relive every word.

John Vivlamore 
 
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Your book will be remembered as a "high light" in our lives this very cold and snowy winter! My husband followed the very same route you took to Italy. He went to Isle of Capri and Miami Beach for R & R just like you did. Thank-you so much for compiling such an interesting book. It's going to be sent to family throughout the USA.
 
Gerald & Alice Dial - Lake City IA
 
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After reading the first page of "Last Roll Call" I could not put the book down until I finished it. It was very well written and I now have a better understanding of the flight missions and their crews responsibilities. My father was a B-17 aircraft mechanic with the 8th AF.
 
Larry Wetherington  
 
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It was a pleasure to meet you at the Seafood Festival and to purchase "Last Roll Call." I have since read the book and enjoyed it thoroughly. As a Viet Nam War veteran from a small town, I could relate to many of the military experiences you described, however nothing could compare with the B-17 experiences. Thank you once again for your service and for taking the time to share your memories. You truly are a member of "The Greatest Generation."

Bob Heide - St. George Island, FL

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 Mr. Tucker, How can I obtain another copy of your book? I mailed the one that I bought at your book release party at the library to my cousin as I thought she would enjoy it and would gain insight into what her uncle went through when he was lost over Germany in WWII. Well, she enjoyed it so much she wants to keep the book and has suggested that I get my own copy because it is a "must read."

William Doerrer