The 354th Fighter Group

Hess, William

ISBN 10: 1841763152 / ISBN 13: 9781841763156

Published by Osprey, Oxford, 2002

About this Item

Aviation Elite 7 charts the career of the 354th FG or 'Pioneer Mustang Group', the group responsible for debuting the Merlin-engined P-51B in the European Theatre of Operations (ETO) in December 1943. Its arrival in England in the autumn of that year saw the group become the first fighter outfit to be assigned to the newly created tactical Ninth Air Force. Due to the Mustang's outstanding range, it was quickly seen as being the ideal bomber escort for the Eighth Air Force's long range heavy bombers, which were suffering terrible losses on daylight raids deep into Germany. The 354th FG was to subsequently spend the first seven months of its time in the ETO protecting Eighth AF bombers, and many pilots became aces during this period. This copy is in MINT condition in illustrated card wrappers as issued.

Seller Inventory # 000712

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The 354th Fighter Group
• Publisher: Osprey, Oxford
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1841763152
• ISBN 13: 9781841763156
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Laurier, Jim
• Edition: First Edition
• Condition: Mint
• Dust Jacket Condition: Mint

About this title

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

About the Author

William Hess is the official historian for the American Fighter Aces Association, and is one of the most highly respected aviation writers of his generation. A B-17 crewman during World War 2, Hess has written over 40 books during his long and distinguished career. This is his first book for Osprey. Chris Davey has illustrated over a dozen titles in the Aces and Combat Aircraft series since 1994, as well as Aviation Elite 2. He has become the artist of choice for both USAAF ETO and RAF subject matter, proving his undoubted skill when dealing with large aircraft subjects such as the Halifax and Sunderland.