FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
New Book: The Raid on Ploesti
by Joanne and Bill Rogers
Available as a Free Download
​
The Raid on Ploesti tells the powerful true story of an LDS pilot - the youngest heavy bomber pilot in WWII - who, guided by a priesthood blessing, flew into the bloodiest air battle in American history, who would later become immersed in the founding history of the Binghamton Ward.
​
[Conklin, NY – August 11, 2025]
The Raid on Ploesti is a gripping installment in The American Monograph Series by veteran authors and historians, Bill and Joanne Rogers - a bold collection of under-150-page TRUE nonfiction books exploring the soul of America through the lenses of faith, freedom, history, and public service.
​
Each monograph is designed for the thoughtful reader who doesn’t have time for 500 pages of fluff but still wants lasting insights, historical depth, and truths that resonate long after the final sentence. For those tired of soundbite culture and shallow commentary, this series delivers a deeper dive in a shorter read.
​
Why Ploesti?
The August 1, 1943 Raid on Ploesti, codenamed Operation Tidal Wave, was one of the most daring and devastating bombing missions of World War II. American B-24 Liberators flew low and fast into a daring low-level strike against the heavily fortified oil fields of Ploesti, Romania, the lifeblood of Hitler’s war machine - all
done in broad daylight - knowing full well that many would never return.
Over 660 airmen died that day, with hundreds more captured or wounded.
This was the most costly air battle in the history of the United States. In
the cockpit of one of those bombers was the youngest heavy bomber
pilot in WWII - Lt. Horace “Chris” Christensen, a devout Latter-day Saint.
​
Bill Rogers brings this true story to life with new clarity and reverence,
focusing not only on the mission’s military stakes but on the moral and
spiritual resilience of the men who flew it. The book features the
extraordinary real-life story of Lt. Horace “Chris” Christensen, the youngest
heavy bomber pilot in WWII, and later a member of the Binghamton Ward,
whose Latter-day Saint faith, a pivotal priesthood blessing, and personal
courage echo the convictions of the Stripling Warriors from the Book of Mormon.
​
Before Brother Christensen left for war, he received a priesthood blessing - a sacred moment in Latter-day Saint homes. In that blessing, he was promised that if he would be obedient to the Commandments, he would return safely home. That promise would guide every decision he made, from how he carried himself on base, to how he ensured the woman painted on the nose of his B-24 aircraft was modestly clothed, to how he returned from the bloodiest air battle in all history. That priesthood blessing became his spiritual flight plan.
​
Throughout the book, you’ll discover authentic
photographs of Lt. Horace “Chris” Christensen, his
crew, and his aircraft - painstakingly located by Bill and
Joanne Rogers in the National Archives. You’ll also find
original and stirring artwork created by the Rogers
exclusively for this book and their ongoing historical
initiative, The Ploesti Project, which they founded.
​
You can Download a FREE copy of the book here:
​
The Raid on Ploesti
https://online.fliphtml5.com/chmwm/ysjo/#p=1
​​
About the Authors
Bill and Joanne Rogers are U.S. Air Force veterans, Bill is
a former NORAD meteorologist, and longtime television host of the oldest outdoor television show in America - American Outdoors. He has also served as a trusted leader in law enforcement media, historical research, and veteran affairs. As converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bill and Joanne, frequently explore and write about the intersection of faith, patriotism, and divine purpose in American history.
​
Known for their clear, respectful prose and deeply researched storytelling, the Rogers brings a spiritual lens to events many historians treat merely as tactical. Their unique ability to connect military heroism with gospel truths has made The Raid on Ploesti a fast favorite among LDS families, teachers, homeschoolers, and historians alike.
​
Why This Book Matters
In an age where patriotism is often dismissed and faith is treated as an afterthought, The Raid on Ploesti reminds us what real courage looks like - not just in the cockpit, but in the soul. It’s a tribute to a generation of airmen who believed in duty, sacrifice, and something greater than themselves. This isn’t just a war story. It’s a testimony in uniform.
​
Now available as part of The American Monograph Series - For faith-filled readers. For freedom-loving families. For truth seekers short on time.
​
The American Monograph Series
A bold collection of under-150-page books exploring faith, freedom, history, and public service, each one small in size but large in conviction. For those who want to leave with more than just a few soundbites, this series of books provides lasting insight in deep topics but with a shorter read.
Media Contacts:
Bill & Joanne Rogers
BRogers@AOTVshow.com
(607) 788-0695
www.AOTVshow.com/the-raid-on-ploesti
