The novel is a fictional account of a U.S. Army Air Force bombing group in the early days of World War II’s air war in Europe. The story was influential and is well-regarded for its depiction of combat-related psychological stress. The authors are Beirne Lay, Jr., and Sy Bartlett. Both were Eighth Air Force veterans and drew heavily on their experiences to write the novel. Film (1949): An Academy Award-winning film adaptation starring Gregory Peck was released in 1949 Television Series (1964–1967): A TV series based on the story ran for three seasons in the mid-1960s
