by Paul M. Sailer

I Had a Comrade and The Oranges are Sweet

Chairman Tom Schellinger, a retired Northwest Orient Airlines captain, said of Sailer’s  book about Minnesota’s highest scoring fighter pilot in World War II, “The Oranges are Sweet is a wonderful reliving of the life of Major Don M. Beerbower. . . . ​It goes far beyond the combat aspect of the war and delves into the human aspect of just what goes into making a true patriot.”

Paul Sailer named 2012 Writer of the Year by the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame

Welcome to the website for author Paul Sailer's books: The Oranges are Sweet: Major Don M. Beerbower and the 353rd Fighter Squadron - November 1942 to August 1944 and I Had a Comrade: Stories about the bravery, comradeship, and commitment of individual participants in the Second World War.


Special Announcements: We want to thank our customers for their exceptional support. It is very satisfying for us to produce books that appeal to so many readers.  


Loden Books is pleased to offer a special edition of The Oranges are Sweet, a publication that commemorates the 75th anniversary of Major Don Beerbower's tragic loss of life in 1944. 


When you order I Had a Comrade and/or The Oranges are Sweet from us the books will come double-wrapped, auto-graphed and mailed at no cost to you. History is not dull when it contains engaging, in-depth, true stories about the fascinating young people of the war years. Certainly, there is something we can learn from them. 


Book Quality


We think you will appreciate the quality workmanship and materials that have gone into I Had a Comrade and The Oranges are Sweet.

  • Dust Jacket - Embossed lettering with rich colors and original artwork
  • Hardcover - Gold foil imprint and 100% natural cotton Arrestox B cloth
  • Paper - Coated paper for precise imagery (I Had a Comrade: 400 pages, The Oranges are Sweet: 480 pages)
  • Binding - Smythe sewn for maximum durability
  • Imagery - Over 200 color and b/w photographs, illustrations, and images spaced throughout the books
  • Maps - Eleven full color, detailed maps    


Award