Synopses & Reviews
In just six days, the United States Strategic Air Forces changed the course of military offense in World War II. During those six days, they launched the largest bombing campaign of the war, dropping roughly 10,000 tons of bombs in a rain of destruction that would take the skies back from the Nazisandhellip;
The Allies knew that if they were to invade Hitlerandrsquo;s Fortress Europe, they would have to wrest air superiority from the mighty Luftwaffe.
The plan of the Unites States Strategic Air Forces was risky. During the week of February 20th, 1944andmdash;and joined by the RAF Bomber Commandandmdash;the USAAF Eighth and Fifteenth Air Force bombers took on this vital and extremely risky mission. They ran the gauntlet of the most heavily defended air space in the world to deal a death blow to Germanyandrsquo;s aircraft industry, and made them pay with the planes already in the air. In the coming months, this Big Week would prove a deciding factor in the war.
Both sides were dealt losses, and whereas the Allies could recover, damage to the Luftwaffe was irreparable. Thus Big Week became one of the most important episodes of World War II, and coincidentally, one of the most overlookedandmdash;until now.
INCLUDES PHOTOS and#160;
Review
and#8220;Well-written and fast-paced, this will be compelling to specialists and general readers alike.and#8221;and#8212;Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
They were two of the greatest heroes of World War II. But only one could be top gun... Capturing the hearts of a beleaguered nation, the fighter pilots of World War II engaged in a kind of battle that became the stuff of legend-and those who survived showdowns earned the right to be called aces. But two men in particular rose to become something more.
Richard "Dick" Bong was a bashful, pink-faced farm boy from the Midwest. Thomas "Tommy" McGuire was a wise-cracking, fast-talking kid from New Jersey. What they shared was an unparalleled gallantry under fire which earned them each the Medal of Honor.
What they had between them was a closely watched rivalry to see who would emerge as the top-scoring American ace of the war. What they left behind is a legacy and a record of aerial victories that has yet to be surpassed anywhere in the world.
Synopsis
Capturing the hearts of a beleaguered nation, the fighter pilots of World War II engaged in a kind of battle that became the stuff of legend. They cut through the sky in their P-38s to go one-on-one against the enemy and those who survived the deadly showdowns with enough courage and skill earned the right to be called aces. But two men in particular rose to become something more. They became icons of aerial combat, in a heroic rivalry that inspired a weary nation to fight on.
Richard Dick Bong was the bashful, pink-faced farm boy from the Midwest. Thomas Tommy McGuire was the wise-cracking, fast-talking kid from New Jersey. What they shared was an unparalleled gallantry under fire which won them both the Medal of Honor and remains the subject of hushed and reverent conversation wherever aerial warfare is admired.
What they had between them was a closely watched rivalry to see who would emerge as the top-scoring American ace of the war. What they left behind is a legacy of pride we will never forget, and a record of aerial victories that has yet to be surpassed anywhere in the world."
Synopsis
In just six days, the United States Strategic Air Forces changed the course of military offense in World War II. During those six days, they launched the largest bombing campaign of the war, dropping roughly ten thousand tons of bombs in a rain of destruction that would take the skies back from the Nazis . . .
The Allies knew that if they were to invade Hitlers Fortress Europe, they would have to wrest air superiority from the mighty Luftwaffe.
The plan of the Unites States Strategic Air Forces was extremely risky. During the week of February 20, 1944and joined by the RAF Bomber Commandthe USAAF Eighth and Fifteenth Air Force bombers took on this vital mission. They ran the gauntlet of the most heavily defended air space in the world to deal a death blow to Germanys aircraft industry and made them pay with the planes already in the air. In the coming months, this Big Week would prove a deciding factor in the war.
Both sides were dealt losses, but whereas the Allies could recover, damage to the Luftwaffe was irreparable. Thus, Big Week became one of the most important episodes of World War II and, coincidentally, one of the most overlookeduntil now.
About the Author
Bill Yenne is the author of many works of military fiction and nonfiction including Aces High, as well as histories of Americas great aviation companies. He is a contributor to encyclopedias of both World Wars, and has appeared on the History Channel.