MARCH 2020 - AudioFile
Narrator R.C. Bray uses a dramatic voice to deliver this account of George Dasch’s involvement in Operation Pastorius, Hilter’s espionage program in the U.S. during WWII. Bray offers even pacing throughout the story, beginning with Dasch’s return to Germany for training as Nazi saboteur. Tension heightens as he and others arrive in the U.S. to complete their missions. Things come to a head when Dasch reveals the program to the FBI and all the saboteurs, including him, are put on trial. Listeners and history buffs alike will be intrigued by Dasch’s story, which would affect espionage trials for decades. M.D. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
"This riveting tale has received scant attention, and this telling [...] does it justice. A story that will appeal to both espionage and World War II enthusiasts." — Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
12/01/2019
Gr 4–7—June 13, 1942. Four saboteurs emerged from a German submarine off the coast of Amagansett, NY. A chance encounter with a lone Coast Guard "beach pounder" on patrol triggered a chain of events that ultimately led to the capture, imprisonment, and/or execution of this team, plus another team of four who landed in Florida four days later. All were German-born, but spent several years in the United States and were proficient in English. The operation was doomed from the start; trust was severely lacking, and some wanted to kill their leader, George Dasch, who disobeyed orders. Within the week, Dasch confessed the entire scheme to the FBI. In less than two weeks, all eight were arrested. By June 28, 1942, the men learned their fate after being tried by a military tribunal. The author concludes this well-written account by discussing the pros and cons of the use of a military tribunal in the aftermath of 9/11; the same issues were present in the 1942 case. Mug shots of the eight men and short bios add authenticity to the text. The bibliography includes military tribunal and FBI records, CIA and MI5 files, books, magazines and newspapers, and websites. Back matter also includes photo credits and an index. VERDICT Seiple has done an excellent job researching and presenting a topic that is sometimes mentioned in other historical accounts, but seldom thoroughly covered. A sound addition to any upper elementary or middle school collection.—Eldon Younce, Anthony Public Library, KS
