Gregory Freeman

Gregory A. Freeman is an award-winning author and journalist known for writing narrative nonfiction books, particularly focusing on military history, leadership, and dramatic true stories. His work includes both historical accounts and contemporary narratives that examine critical moments and untold stories from American history. Freeman's most recognized books include "The Forgotten 500," which details a WWII rescue mission in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia, and "The Last Mission of the Wham Bam Boys," chronicling a B-17 crew's final flight. His 2009 book "Lay This Body Down" investigated a significant case of twentieth-century slavery in Georgia. Before becoming an author, Freeman worked as a newspaper journalist in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned multiple Associated Press awards for his reporting. His writing style emphasizes detailed research and extensive interviews with primary sources, combining historical accuracy with narrative storytelling techniques. Freeman has appeared as a subject matter expert on multiple television networks including The History Channel and PBS, discussing topics related to his books and historical research. His books have been used in military education programs and leadership training courses.

Readers credit Freeman's investigative journalism background for his detailed research and ability to uncover lesser-known historical events. His narrative style connects with readers who appreciate straightforward, chronological storytelling without excessive commentary. Readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex military operations and terminology - Focus on personal accounts from participants - Brings attention to overlooked historical incidents Readers disliked: - Some repetition between chapters - Occasional dry passages when explaining technical details - Limited analysis of broader historical context Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 4.1/5 across all books Amazon: 4.3/5 average The Last Mission of the Wham Bam Boys: 4.4/5 The Forgotten 500: 4.7/5 Troubled Water: 4.5/5 "Freeman excels at telling stories that deserve to be remembered," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review critiques: "Well-researched but sometimes gets bogged down in minutiae."

The Forgotten 500 - Chronicles the World War II rescue mission of Allied airmen who were trapped behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia.

Sailors to the End - Details the 1967 USS Forrestal disaster and its aftermath, including the fire that killed 134 sailors aboard the aircraft carrier.

Lay This Body Down - Examines the 1921 case of forced labor and murder at the Williams farm in Georgia, which led to federal peonage investigations.

The Last Mission of the Wham Bam Boys - Recounts the story of a B-17 crew shot down over Germany in 1944 and the subsequent murder of its navigator by civilians.

The Gathering Wind - Documents the sinking of the HMS Bounty during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and the Coast Guard's rescue efforts.

Operation Paperclip - Investigates the U.S. government's secret program to recruit German scientists after World War II.

Troubled Water - Covers the 1963 sinking of the USS Thresher submarine and its impact on naval safety protocols.

Red Tails: An Oral History of the Tuskegee Airmen - Presents firsthand accounts from African American pilots who served in World War II.

The Death of an American Jewish Community - Analyzes the changes in Boston's Jewish and African American neighborhoods during the 1960s.