VIII FIGHTER COMMAND AT WAR 'LONG REACH' (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No. 31 SPECIAL)

Compiled by Michael O'Leary

This volume faithfully reproduces the text from the wartime US Army Air Force 'manual' supplied to all fighter pilots assigned to the ETO from mid-1944 through to VE-Day. Originally commissioned by senior VIII Fighter Command staff officers in May 1944, the detailed document chronicled the experiences of 24 pilots who had seen extensive service in the frontline escorting b-17s and B-24s on daylight raids deep into Germany. Briefed to provide a candid report on combat flying that could be used as a teaching manual for potential fighter pilots undertaking their training in the USA, the veterans openly discuss their secrets to success, and survival, in the deadly skies over occupied Europe. Exactly half of those pilots featured within this volume achieved ace status, with men of the calibre of David Schilling, Bud Mahurin, Hub Zemke, John Meyer, George Preddy, and Bee Beeson all contributing their pearls of wisdom. 144 pages