"You are strong," said the colonel to Per, "for you are going into battle not to conquer and make people slaves, but to free them. Out of the darkness grew your spirit which will break the enemy's strength. And you and the others like you will carry the victory on, each of you in his own land. Never in the days of happiness to come must you forget the will to sacrifice which the war has taught you. For then you will have won not only the war but also the peace."

Originally published in 1944, this is the story of a Norwegian boy growing up pre-WWII who learns about freedom and the value of defending that right, and eventually becomes a WWII flyer. Through beautiful illustrations, in the D'Aulaires' unmistakable style, Per's journey from his hometown to America, and then his return as a pilot, will show readers his will to protect and free his family and homeland from tyranny. Book also includes extensive historical background information on the real-life Per and his adventures.