Description

Formed around a nucleus of pilots already seasoned by their experience as volunteers in the RAF's Eagle Squadrons, the 4th Fighter Group was established in England in October 1942. Initially flying Spitfires, the Debden Eagles went on to fly the P-47 and P-51, becoming, in July 1943, the first Eighth Air Force fighter group to penetrate German air space. The group's record of 583 air and 469 ground victories was unmatched in the Eighth Air Force, and the group produced a cast of characters that included legendary aces Don Blakeslee, Pierce McKennon, “Kid” Hofer, Duane Beeson, Steve Pisanos and Howard Hively.Involved in the D-Day landings, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge and the crossing of the Rhine, the group's achievements came at a high price, with a 42 percent casualty rate. Packed with first-hand accounts, detailed aircraft profiles and full combat histories, this book is an intriguing insight into the best-known American fighter unit in World War II.

Product details

Published Dec 20 2012
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 128
ISBN 9781782008736
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 110 b/w; 36 col
Series Aviation Elite Units
Short code AEU 30
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Chris Bucholtz

Chris Bucholtz embarked on a writing career after…

Illustrator

Chris Davey

Chris Davey has illustrated more than 70 titles fo…

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