Oops! Looks like we're having trouble connecting to our server.
Refresh your browser window to try again.
About this product
Product Identifiers
PublisherBloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN-101841763152
ISBN-139781841763156
eBay Product ID (ePID)1934667
Product Key Features
Book Title354th Fighter Group
Number of Pages128 Pages
LanguageEnglish
Publication Year2002
TopicMilitary / World War II, Modern / 20th Century, Military / United States, Military / Aviation
IllustratorDavey, Chris, Yes
GenreHistory
AuthorWilliam N. Hess
Book SeriesAviation Elite Units Ser.
FormatTrade Paperback
Dimensions
Item Height0.3 in
Item Weight12.7 Oz
Item Length9.9 in
Item Width7.2 in
Additional Product Features
Intended AudienceTrade
Dewey Edition21
Series Volume Number7
Dewey Decimal940.5/44973
Synopsis'I think the success of the 354th as the leading group in the European theatre for aerial victories is due to several things. First was the initial training of the squadrons before deployment to England. Colonel Ken Martin nurtured the group from its infancy, and all the excellence that later showed through could be placed at his doorstep. Despite his youth, he knew how to foster teamwork and demand perfection in flying. There was nothing more important than getting the group off on the right foot. Second, our pilots were taught to fly mutual support, and practised it faithfully. There were no "hot" pilots in the 354th, only "excellent" pilots. Third, men like Glenn Eagleston gave advice and warnings about combat tactics and guarding one's tail. This prepared our pilots for lurking dangers, something the other groups may not have done.' Brigadier General James Howard, Commanding Officer of the 354th Fighter Group
Tale of the first merlin-engined P-51 fighter group. The book discusses the entire combat history of the 354th in WW2, assigned to the 9th Air Force but 'loaned' to the 8th for long range bomber escort, later flying close support missions in support D-Day and allied advance across Europe. The 354th is not as famous as the fighter groups of the 8th AF, but the group outscored them all in aerial victories (701) and had the only ETO pilot awarded a Medal of Honor (James Howard). This is an interesting book filled with good stories, dozens of black and white photos, and color aircraft profiles. Recommended for those interested in ETO fighter operations and aces.