'Countdown to Hell'

Author Takes a Look at the American Space Program in New Action-Packed Novel


MELBOURNE, Fla., Oct. 22, 2007 - In "Countdown to Hell" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com), the new action-packed novel by George Meyer, Walt Crawford is the head of a special team contracted by the Department of Defense to support a highly classified operation surrounding a specialized - and dangerous - spacecraft. The top secret spacecraft is unlike any developed before: It has the capability of destroying anything, anywhere in the world.

Walt's team includes three other men and two women, each with a special qualification that makes them an integral part of the story. These team members have all seen combat and been together on other operations, which is a good thing since this mission may prove to be more difficult than imagined.

In bullet-paced, shoot 'em up action, the Russians steal the backup spacecraft, but Walt and his team manage to recover it. This is far from the end, however. Eventually the spacecraft is launched, and Walt is hit by an incoming air launched missile:
There was mad scramble as people dove to get under cover, Walt looked to the Pad Safety Impact Convoy Commander to see what he was going to do. The shrill scream of the small rocket could be heard as it sliced earthward, directly at he Convoy Commander's vehicle. The Commander was just too slow to get under his vehicle, Walt noted as he tried to scramble under the passenger side of the truck. The rocket struck the driver's side of the truck exploding with a huge blast as it hit. The Impact Convoy Safety man was torn apart by the explosion. Walt was struck with several fragments and knocked unconscious, sustaining severe wounds. His bright yellow coveralls were turned a brilliant crimson ...
With Walt's life hanging by a thread, readers are drawn into scenes bursting with raw emotion. Will Walt pull through? Or will the hero of this story die in service to his country?

Set around the excitement of the missile launch area in Cape Canaveral, Fla., "Countdown to Hell" offers appeal to those interested or working in the U.S. space program, as well as those who simply enjoy an action-packed, on-your-toes read.

Meyer, 84, lives in a retirement community in Melbourne, Fla., and has led a long and adventurous life. He served in WWII, where he was honored with the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, Purple Hearts and numerous other awards. After the war, he completed various tours of service, eventually earning a bachelor's degree in military science and then working at Cape Canaveral for 13 years. Meyer has written books and documents for the military and the Research Triangle Institute. He also recently wrote his autobiography and is currently working on a fictional, humorous look at life in a senior retirement community. (ERN)