Synopses & Reviews
Nicknamed the ‘Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney due to the garish all-blue noses of their P-51s, the 352nd FG was one of the most successful fighter groups in the Eighth Air Force. Credited with destroying almost 800 enemy aircraft between 1943 and 1945, the 352nd finished fourth in the ranking of all groups within VIII Fighter Command. Initially equipped with P-47s, the group transitioned to P-51s in the spring of 1944, and it was with the Mustang that its pilots enjoyed their greatest success. Numerous first-hand accounts, 55 newly commissioned artworks and 140+ photos complete this concise history of the ‘Bluenosers.
Synopsis
Nicknamed the 'Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney' due to the garish all-blue noses of their P-51s and their wartime base in Norfolk. the 352nd was one of the most successful fighter groups in the Eighth Air Force. Initially equipped with P-47s, the group transitioned to P-51s just prior to D-Day, and it was with the Mustang that its pilots enjoyed the greatest success. Indeed, the ranking P-51 ace in the ETO was a 352nd FG pilot, Maj George Preddy who claimed 26.83 kills with the tighter. Not far behind him in terms of kills was 24-victory ace John Meyer, and the exploits of the remaining 28 aces are also detailed. This book also discusses the various markings worn by the group's three squadrons, the 328th, 486th and 487th FSs.
About the Author
Tom Ivie is the official historian for the 352nd Fighter Group Association, He has written a number of volumes on this group over the past three decades. This is his first title for Osprey.