Seized by the Sun

The Life and Disappearance of World War II Pilot Gertrude Tompkins

James W. Ure, James W. Ure

• Publisher: Chicago Review Press
• eBook ISBN:
  9781613735909
• Year: 2017

A daring pilot, a mysterious disappearance, a story that will take your breath away.

Seized by the Sun tells the remarkable story of Gertrude "Tommy" Tompkins, a woman who defied expectations to become one of the elite 126 female pilots of World War II. As a member of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), Tommy fearlessly ferried powerful fighter planes like the P-51 Mustang across the country.

But on October 26, 1944, Tommy vanished during a routine flight, leaving behind an enduring mystery. What happened to Tommy? Was it pilot error, mechanical failure, or something more sinister? Seized by the Sun is a gripping account of Tommy's life, her contributions to the war effort, and the ongoing search for answers. Perfect for young adults interested in:

• Women's history
• Aviation
• Unsolved mysteries

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Note on Names
• Prologue: Lost Wings
• 1. It’s Awful Having a Stutter
• 2. Childhood Ups and Downs
• 3. Confidence Grows
• 4. Traveling Abroad
• 5. Finding Her Footing
• 6. Taking Flight
• 7 The WASPs Are Born
• 8. Welcome to the WASPs
• 9. Basic and Advanced Training
• 10. Pecos
• 11. On Silver Wings
• 12. Flying for Her Country
• 13. Dilemma
• 14. Seized by the Sun
• 15. Searching
• Epilogue
• Afterword
• Acknowledgments
• Us Air Force List of Gertrude Tompkins Silver’s Personal Effects Recovered From Footlockers and Quarters
• General Barton Younts Tribute to WASPs Killed in Service
• Notes
• Bibliography