Mark has completed the manuscript and is actively searching for a publisher now! His work American Glider Pilots in Sicily will tell the untold story of 26 Brave Americans who at the 11th hour volunteered to spearhead the invasion of Sicily flying CG-4A Gliders. At the time these men volunteered they did not know it was for the actual invasion. Sadly, 5 American glider pilots would be killed in action on the Ladbroke Mission and a 6th was killed on a C-47 that was shot down.

Last June, Mark Traveled to the former site of RAF Saltby in United Kingdom for the 80th anniversary of D-day where he was the keynote speaker commemorating the 314th Troop Carrier Group departing the field with Brigadier General James Gavin, his staff and the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment for Normandy. Sixty aircraft departed RAF Saltby the night of June 5, 1944, for drop zone ‘N” West of Ste. Mere Eglise France. That day, Mark was dressed up in his original WWII uniform and gave his talk in first person as Colonel Clayton Stiles, the 314th Troop Carrier Group Commander. The full day of events included a memorial service with wreath laying, jeeps, American and British Airborne reenactors, speakers, a visit by the current 314th Airlift Wing Commander and Command Chief, and concessions. At the end of day, Mark took a powered glider ride over the field to view it from the air – the perfect way to close out a fantastic event put on by the South Kesteven District. RAF Saltby will be a flagship site on a future Airborne Historical Driving Trail being built now by the district.

Recently Mark teamed up with friend and fellow glider historian and author Mrs. Monique Mousseau - Taylor for a dual author book signing at a private event in Austin, Texas.

The December 7, 1941 surprise attack on Pearl Harbor thrust the United States into World War II. Just six months later in May 1942, flying new C-47A transport aircraft, the 60th Troop Carrier Group (TCG) led the way as the first U.S. Troop Carrier Group to deploy to England and the European Theater of Operations. The 60th TCG continued leading the way to Victory. Taking off from England, the 60th TCG flew not only the first combat airborne mission in U.S. Army history – dropping U. S. paratroopers of the 2/509th PIR outside of Oran, North Africa, but also the longest airborne mission of the war. This drop spear-headed Operation TORCH the Invasion of North Africa by taking key Axis airfields just inland from the amphibious landing zones. The 60th TCG would then go on to fly some of the first combat aeromedical evacuation missions and fly the first mission towing CG-4A “Waco” gliders in combat during Operation HUSKY, the Invasion of Sicily. The Group would later earn the Presidential Unit Citation for missions flown as part of the Secret War in the Balkans in 1944; including the daring rescue of over 400 downed Allied Airmen behind Nazi lines in Serbia as part of Operation HALYARD. Through the school of hard knocks paid for in blood, many valuable lessons were learned as the new airborne, airland, aeromedical evacuation, and glider missions matured in World War II. The 60th TCG played a major role in this process. Click the link below to preorder.

Host Ben Powers of The Commander’s Voice interviews Mark on his latest book “Leading the Way to Victory”.

Listen to Mark’s latest interview with movie director Robert Child on the Point of the Spear podcast, where they have in depth discussions on Mark’s new book “Leading the Way to Victory”.

Host Johnny Punish welcomes author and historian, retired Air Force Colonel Mark Vlahos to discuss his latest book “Leading the Way to Victory: A History of the 60th Troop Carrier Group 1940–1945”

Leading the Way to Victory is the official history of the 60th Troop Carrier Group, featuring unpublished first-person accounts by participating veterans and expertly written by retired USAF Colonel Mark C. Vlahos, combat veteran and former Vice Wing Commander of 314th Airlift Wing at the Little Rock Air Force Base.

Mark C. Vlahos

Colonel Mark “Plug” Vlahos retired from the United States Air Force in 2011.  During his 29-year career, he served in a wide-range of operational flying and staff assignments including command of a C-130 squadron in combat and Vice Wing Commander of the 314th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base. At the time, Little Rock Air Force Base was the largest C-130 wing in the world. Another highlight was flying Presidential Flight Support on modified B-707 aircraft as part of the prestigious 89th Airlift Wing. Growing up in Virginia and early in life, he developed an interest in both U.S. and military history. Mark attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University and holds master’s degrees from Webster University and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.  His interests include U.S. Civil War history and World War II Army Air Force Troop Carrier and glider operations history. What Mark enjoys the most about his work is meeting family members of World War II Veterans and digging thru archives and old photos. This page showcases his articles, podcasts, and books. To read his articles, listen to his podcast interviews, or purchase a book, just push on the blue button associated with each item. If you are interested in purchasing one of Mark’s books be sure to check out the Bookshop page. Mark resides in New Braunfels, Texas and he looks forward to hearing from you!