Picture a storyteller who swapped a cozy desk job for the thrill of chasing veterans’ tales across war-torn skies and battlefields—meet Adam Makos! This New York Times bestselling author has carved a niche in military history, spinning gripping narratives that honor the courage and humanity of soldiers. From his teenage days crafting aviation newsletters to penning cinematic epics like A Higher Call, Makos’s passion for preserving the Greatest Generation’s stories is nothing short of inspiring.
Born in 1981, Makos grew up in the rolling hills of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where his grandfathers’ World War II tales sparked a lifelong obsession with heroism and history. His knack for storytelling has made him a beloved voice, blending heart-pounding action with heartfelt human connections.
The Making of Adam Makos
Raised on the outskirts of Williamsport, Adam Makos was shaped by his grandfathers, both World War II veterans—one a Marine, the other a B-17 bomber crewman. Their stories of bravery and sacrifice fueled young Adam’s imagination. By 15, while still in high school, he co-founded Ghost Wings, a homemade newsletter about pilots and planes, which later evolved into Valor, a magazine celebrating veterans’ stories. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 2003 with a history degree, Makos honed his craft as a journalist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and the Associated Press, setting the stage for his literary career.
Adam Makos’s Unforgettable Stories
Makos’s books are a masterclass in blending meticulous research with vivid, you-are-there storytelling. His 2012 debut, A Higher Call, recounts the astonishing World War II encounter between American bomber pilot Charlie Brown and German fighter ace Franz Stigler, who chose mercy over destruction. The book, a New York Times bestseller, took eight years to research and struck a chord for its themes of chivalry and humanity. In 2013, Voices of the Pacific, co-authored with Marcus Brotherton, brought to life the raw, unfiltered stories of Marines in the Pacific theater, earning praise for its unflinching honesty.
Devotion (2015) soared into readers’ hearts, chronicling the Korean War friendship between Navy pilots Tom Hudner and Jesse Brown, the Navy’s first Black carrier pilot. Adapted into a 2022 film, it showcases Makos’s knack for spotlighting unsung heroes. His 2019 book, Spearhead, another bestseller, follows tank gunner Clarence Smoyer through the brutal armored battles of World War II, weaving a tale of courage and unexpected bonds. Makos’s signature style—fast-paced, emotionally rich, and grounded in veterans’ voices—has earned him accolades as “a masterful storyteller” by the Associated Press.
Why Adam Makos Matters
Adam Makos isn’t just writing books; he’s racing against time to preserve fading stories of valor. His work bridges generations, bringing history to life for readers who might never meet a World War II veteran. By highlighting lesser-known figures like Jesse Brown or Clarence Smoyer, Makos amplifies voices often overlooked, fostering empathy and respect for sacrifice. His immersive research—flying WWII bombers, joining Special Forces raids in Iraq, or trekking to North Korea for an MIA airman’s story—sets a gold standard for military historians. Makos’s books don’t just inform; they inspire, reminding us of the human cost and courage behind history’s pages.
- Born: 1981, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: A Higher Call (2012), Voices of the Pacific (2013), Devotion (2015), Spearhead (2019)
- Notable: Founder of Valor Studios, a nonprofit preserving veterans’ stories
Ready to dive into history’s most thrilling tales? Snag A Higher Call or Devotion and let Adam Makos’s gripping storytelling sweep you into the heart of courage!