Stories Unearthed from Family History
Two Minutes Over Berlin
Explore a WWII epic forged from long-forgotten records from the National Archives
Paperback and eBook have just been released at your favorite online stores, like Barnes & Noble. Hardback available soon
From new author Yancy Wood comes a World War II saga based on the true story of a ten-man B-24 crew that trains in the United States, flies their bomber across the Atlantic, and joins the fight against Germany in one of World War II’s most daring strategic bombing campaigns. Based on the experiences of the author’s cousin, who was a bomber pilot, and a grandmother who was an aircraft riveter, as well as his own time as a pilot in the Iraq War, Yancy adds a dash of diplomatic intrigue and industrial espionage to transform this remarkable true story into a work of military fiction.
This is the real B‑24 crew that inspired Two Minutes Over Berlin. My cousin, the co-pilot, is kneeling on the far left. Their missions, losses, and quiet courage shaped both my family’s history and this novel. I set out to bring their story—and the stories of those who waited at home—back to life.
About the Author
Yancy Wood is a retired lieutenant colonel with decades of experience in military and corporate aviation. He grew up in cockpits and earned his pilot’s license while still in high school. Yancy flew a variety of assignments on five continents during a 20-year career in the Army, including military intelligence reconnaissance over Korea and Iraq, as well as counterdrug missions in South America. He also trained Afghanistan-bound troops as an advisor in Germany and served a tour of duty at the Pentagon. Yancy began storytelling by creating a series of genealogy documentaries on YouTube. This passion evolved into writing about our country’s history and bringing his ancestors back to life in settings where he has flown or lived. Yancy travels with Mary, his wife of 34 years, visiting the locations around the world featured in his work. They reside in Knoxville near their two sons.
RESEARCH & FAMILY ARCHIVES • HISTORICAL LOCATIONS • STORY INSPIRATION
The copilot's mother, Annie, left, with her siblings in 1911. My Great-Grandfather on the right
Norden bombsight
B-24 Liberator
The auther (R), with another cousin of Lt. Masters. Seething Airfield, England, 2025
My wife’s grandmother worked as a riveter at the airplane factory in Midwest City, Oklahoma
Join the Squadron
Sign up to receive monthly updates on Two Minutes Over Berlin, behind‑the‑scenes research from my family archives, and news about future historical novels. No spam—just stories, photos, and notes from the writing desk