The Secret Rescue

An Untold Story of American Nurses and Medics Behind Nazi Lines

By: Cate Lineberry

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

The compelling untold story of a group of stranded U.S. Army nurses and medics fighting to escape Nazi-occupied Europe.

When 26 Army nurses and medics-part of the 807th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron-boarded a cargo plane for transport in November 1943, they never anticipated the crash landing in Nazi-occupied Albania that would lead to their months-long struggle for survival. A drama that captured the attention of the American public, the group and its flight crew dodged bullets and battled blinding winter storms as they climbed mountains and fought to survive, aided by courageous villagers who risked death at Nazi hands to help them.

A mesmerizing tale of the courage and heroism of ordinary people, The Secret Rescue tells not only a new story of struggle and endurance, but also one of the daring rescue attempts by clandestine American and British organizations amid the tumultuous landscape of the war.

Critic reviews

"Cate Lineberry has written a touching, thrilling, completely engrossing story of great courage under harrowing circumstances. This is a World War II story that few people have ever heard, but, after reading this book, no one will forget." -- Candice Millard, author of The River of Doubt and Destiny of the Republic

"Cate Lineberry has unearthed a little-known episode of World War II that has all the elements of a classic escape adventure. Carefully researched and compellingly told, The Secret Rescue is a suspenseful story of courage, audacity, and endurance behind enemy lines. I couldn't stop reading it." -- Gary Krist, author of City of Scoundrels

"American nurses and medics, trapped behind enemy lines, hungry and haggard, dodging Nazis, hope dimming as winter gains strength. In Cate Lineberry's gifted hands, the true story of The Secret Rescue is a gripping and suspenseful tale, alive with rich details that carry readers along every step of this remarkable journey." -- Mitchell Zuckoff, author of Lost in Shangri-La and Frozen in Time

"The Secret Rescue is narrative history at its best. Cate Lineberry uncovers a fascinating, long-forgotten drama that captured the world's attention during the darkest days of World War II and transforms it into a gripping story of courage under fire." -- Daniel Stashower, author of The Hour of Peril: The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln Before the Civil War

"Cate Lineberry's The Secret Rescue is the kind of great story that makes you wonder, 'How come I didn't know about this?' A thrilling story of courage behind enemy lines." -- Christopher S. Stewart, author of Jungleland: A Mysterious Lost City, a WWII Spy, and a True Story of Deadly Adventure

"Lineberry takes us into a part of World War II often neglected in war histories - the vantage point of nurses and medics. The medical air evacuation teams were as dangerous as they were heroic, and after this group of men and women crash lands in Nazi-held Albania, they face daunting physical and cultural challenges. Their story is a courageous journey across not only a foreign landscape, but the topography of the human spirit as well." -- Molly Caldwell Crosby, author of The Great Pearl Heist and The American Plague

"The Secret Rescue is an intriguing and spellbinding story. Cate Lineberry has created an amazing piece of work and research that highlights the critical role played by the British clandestine Special Operations Executive (SOE) and the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in these dramatic events." -- Art Reinhardt, OSS Veteran (China) and OSS Society, Treasurer

Mediocre

Was not the best book but also not the worst. It's hard to follow along with who is who at times but the story line is worth it to keep listening.

I am a distant relative of William Eldridge.

 Rosalyn Timberlake my great aunt on my father side was married to Bill Eldridge. I find the part about him, taking the rock humorous because majority of our family, loves rocks we collect them. I’m sure he meant no offense.

Rescued at last

I bought this book because on of the nurses was from Utah. Not the greatest book on the planet but not bad is you want a WWII story that is a little different. They ran these nurses and Doctors all over Albania before they could get help.

Amazing story untold for so long

If you could sum up The Secret Rescue in three words, what would they be?

Amazing Military Medical

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret Rescue?

The coming together of all the characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

The US being told they were alive.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

EXTREME PRIDE for our early Med Corp personnel.

Any additional comments?

WOW I had no idea about this story. I'd like to see more of this genre. I kept going back to hear parts of the story I just listened to so I could continue to see that picture in my head. I actually have recommended it to other women.

A Bit Tedious

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No, unless the friend is a World War II fanatic

Would you listen to another book narrated by Erin Bennett?

No.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Maybe.

Any additional comments?

The research is excellent but the reader uncompelling and there's too much detail and repetiveness. This story would be a much better listen if written as historical fiction.