Combat Squadrons of the Air Force; World War II.

Combat Squadrons of the Air Force; World War II.

Author: United States. USAF Historical Division

Publisher:

Published: 1969

Total Pages: 856

ISBN-13:

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This collection of squadron histories has been prepared by the USAF Historical Division to complement the Division's book, Air Force Combat Units of World War II. The 1,226 units covered by this volume are the combat (tactical) squadrons that were active between 7 December 1941 and 2 September 1945. Each squadron is traced from its beginning through 5 March 1963, the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the 1st Aero (later Bombardment) Squadron, the first Army unit to be equipped with aircraft for tactical operations. For each squadron there is a statement of the official lineage and data on the unit's assignments, stations, aircraft and missiles, operations, service streamers, campaign participation, decorations, and emblem.


The Mosquito in the USAAF

The Mosquito in the USAAF

Author: Tony Fairbairn

Publisher: Air World

Published: 2021-12-22

Total Pages: 291

ISBN-13: 1399017349

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This history of the US’s British aircraft acquisition “examin[es] the role [the USSAF] played in reconnaissance, special operations, and night fighting.” —Air & Space Power History On 20 April 1941, a group of distinguished Americans visited the de Havilland Aircraft Company’s airfield at Hatfield, England. The party was there ostensibly to gain an insight into how various US aircraft supplied to Britain were performing, as well as to observe some of the latest British products being put through their paces. The eighteen types on display included both US and British bombers and fighters. But the star of the day was undoubtedly the de Havilland Mosquito. Having first flown only a few months earlier, the aircraft was demonstrated by none other than Geoffrey de Havilland. Striving to impress the trans-Atlantic visitors, de Havilland provided an outstanding display of speed and manoeuvrability. It was a routine that left the Americans in no doubt as to the Mosquito’s abilities. Following America’s entry into WWII, formal requests for Mosquitoes began in earnest. A steady flow of the photographic reconnaissance version were provided to what would become the USAAF’s 25th Bomb Group at Watton, England. There they served with distinction in a variety of specialist roles. A number of these Mosquitoes served with the 492nd Bomb Group at Harrington and were involved in the so-called “Joan-Eleanor” project. Finally, in 1945, the USAAF received much-anticipated night fighter Mosquitoes which enjoyed combat success with the 416th Night Fighter Squadron in Italy. In this highly illustrated work, the author explores the full story of why the Americans wanted Mosquitoes, how they went about obtaining them, and their noted success and popularity with USAAF units.


Eighth Air Force Bomber Stories

Eighth Air Force Bomber Stories

Author: Ian McLachlan

Publisher: Haynes Publishing UK

Published: 2012-04-01

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780857332288

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Ian McLachlan and the late Russell J. Zorn present a compelling collection of more than 40 true-life accounts by US Eighth Air Force bomber crewmen flying from England during the Second World War, and by the British civilians whose lives they touched. Some are the result of detailed post-war research by the authors into aircraft crash sites; others are the memories of those who were lucky enough to survive the war. Each story is supported by a unique selection of personal and combat photographs, many taken by Russell J. Zorn during the war.


A Memory Between Us (Wings of Glory Book #2)

A Memory Between Us (Wings of Glory Book #2)

Author: Sarah Sundin

Publisher: Revell

Published: 2010-09-01

Total Pages: 448

ISBN-13: 1441213546

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Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge--until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she carries a shameful secret that keeps her from giving her heart to any man. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways? A Memory Between Us is the second book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.


Night of the Intruders

Night of the Intruders

Author: Ian McLachlan

Publisher: Pen and Sword

Published: 2010-06-30

Total Pages: 235

ISBN-13: 1848842945

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This is the full account of USAAF Mission 311 on 22 April 1944 when American bombers suffered their highest ever loss to German intruders. The German fighters followed the air armada home after the raid, picking individual bombers off on their return over Europe and then over England as the American force struggled to land. The book covers many famous USAAF, RAF and Luftwaffe units and describes the ferocious action over Europe when the Americans attacked Germany’s largest railway marshalling yards at Hamm. Packed with powerful human interest stories, history and technical details, it chronicles the mission fully from the initial planning stage to its bloody finale, untangling the facts behind what went so horribly wrong and why sixty bomber crewmen and ground personnel lost their lives owing to intruder action. Ian McLachlan is a renowned aviation historian and author. His other books include Final Flights and Eighth Air Force Bomber Stories. He lives in Beccles, Suffolk.


American Airpower Comes Of Age—General Henry H. “Hap” Arnold’s World War II Diaries Vol. II [Illustrated Edition]

American Airpower Comes Of Age—General Henry H. “Hap” Arnold’s World War II Diaries Vol. II [Illustrated Edition]

Author: Gen. Henry H. “Hap.” Arnold

Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing

Published: 2015-11-06

Total Pages: 927

ISBN-13: 1786251523

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Includes the Aerial Warfare In Europe During World War II illustrations pack with over 180 maps, plans, and photos. Gen Henry H. “Hap.” Arnold, US Army Air Forces (AAF) Chief of Staff during World War II, maintained diaries for his several journeys to various meetings and conferences throughout the conflict. Volume 1 introduces Hap Arnold, the setting for five of his journeys, the diaries he kept, and evaluations of those journeys and their consequences. General Arnold’s travels brought him into strategy meetings and personal conversations with virtually all leaders of Allied forces as well as many AAF troops around the world. He recorded his impressions, feelings, and expectations in his diaries. Maj Gen John W. Huston, USAF, retired, has captured the essence of Henry H. Hap Arnold—the man, the officer, the AAF chief, and his mission. Volume 2 encompasses General Arnold’s final seven journeys and the diaries he kept therein.


Mustang Aces of the 357th Fighter Group

Mustang Aces of the 357th Fighter Group

Author: Chris Bucholtz

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-12-20

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13: 1782008721

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Flying the iconic American ace-maker, the 357th Fighter Group produced more aces than any other group in the Eighth Air Force. The 357th Fighter Group produced 42 aces. It was also the first group in the Eighth Air Force to be equipped with the P-51. Thanks to this fighter and the talented pilots assigned to the group (men such as Bud Anderson, Kit Carson, John England and Chuck Yeager) the 357th achieved a faster rate of aerial victories than any other Eighth Air Force group during the final year of the war. It also claimed the highest number of aerial kills – 56 – in a single mission. The group was awarded two Distinguished Unit Citations (the unit equivalent of the Medal of Honor). Written by Chris Bucholtz, this book is crammed full of first-hand accounts, superb photography and some of the most colorful profiles to be found in World War II aviation.