Advance praise for Flak Bait: Flak Bait makes it clear that Jim Simpson believes in full contact citizenship—defending the nation against tyranny in the skies over Germany, against organized crime in Chicago and Galveston, and against everyday attacks on the Constitution at the local school board and courthouse. Can we clone him? Liz Carpenter Author and former press secretary to Lady Bird Johnson Jim Simpson is a national treasure—a B-26 bombardier over Germany, FBI agent, the special prosecutor who busted the mob in Galveston, trial lawyer, and tireless defender of free speech and the constitution. Flak Bait—the book's title comes from the name of one of the bombers Jim flew, which is now housed in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.—captures the folksy eloquence, wisdom, and rich life of my old friend from Texas City. Gary Cartwright, Senior Editor Texas Monthly |
James P. Simpson is a gifted storyteller whose life embraced some of the most significant events of the 20th century. He is the last survivor of the small team that investigated and prosecuted the forces of organized crime on Galveston Island 50 years ago. His tales of defeating the Maceo gambling empire, without the assistance of local law enforcement, add a colorful chapter to Texas history. His memories of a Depression-era childhood are full of charming and bittersweet moments. Some of the most insightful writing about the America’s air war in Europe appears in accounts of his 59 bombing missions over France and Germany. Adventure often gives way to misadventure in his hilarious chronicle of life as an FBI agent in Chicago and Minnesota. And as a trial lawyer in Galveston County, Jim Simpson tackles some of the area’s most important litigation, enthralling all with his folksy, eloquent voice—in court, in life, and in these pages. |
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