The distinctive black and yellow chequered markings of the 353rd Fighter Group, the 'Slybirds', made them one of the USAAF 'Mighty' 8th Air Force's most colourful fighter groups. Flying P-47D Thunderbolts and later P-51D Mustangs the 353rd's appearance in the skies over occupied Europe witnessed growing American air power and helped to change the course of the air war. From mid-1943 until the end of hostilities in Europe, the 353rd participated in all major aerial battles from the 1943 Regensburg and Schweinfurt raids to 'Big Week', the attacks on Berlin, and the support of the D-Day landings and Normandy campaign in 1944. They went on to win the Distinguished Unit Citation during the Arnhem operation of September 1944 and after converting to P-51 Mustangs they continued to play a full and prominent role in the final smashing of the Third Reich from the air. Fighting High Publishing has come together with respected 8th Air Force historian Graham Cross to tell the story of the 'Slybirds'. With access to an unparalleled photographic archive built up over nearly thirty years of close association and friendship with the group, the author provides a detailed representation of all aspects of the group's key activities. Focussing not just on the aircraft and pilots but also the vital work of the ground crews and service personnel, this is a stunning tribute that fills a major gap in the history of 8th Fighter Command. A full honour roll to those who made the ultimate sacrifice is included along with details of all POWs and all confirmed claims by the Group's air-to-air aces. Packed with nearly 450 photos, the majority of which are previously unpublished, unseen wartime colour photos and detailed captions, this book is a visual and information feast. This latest volume in Fighting High Publishing's 'Odyssey' series is the most in-depth photographic record of the 353rd to date and provides a unique window on a fighter group at war. AUTHOR: Graham Cross earned his doctorate in History from the University of Cambridge. He specialises in twentieth century American military, diplomatic and political history and particularly the era of the two World Wars, the Allied air campaign and the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He is a respected expert on the history of the 8th Air Force and the historian for the 353rd Fighter Group. He wrote what many consider to be the definitive fighter group history - Jonah's Feet Are Dry. He currently lives in Ely, Cambridgeshire with his wife Susan and two children.
Show moreThe distinctive black and yellow chequered markings of the 353rd Fighter Group, the 'Slybirds', made them one of the USAAF 'Mighty' 8th Air Force's most colourful fighter groups. Flying P-47D Thunderbolts and later P-51D Mustangs the 353rd's appearance in the skies over occupied Europe witnessed growing American air power and helped to change the course of the air war. From mid-1943 until the end of hostilities in Europe, the 353rd participated in all major aerial battles from the 1943 Regensburg and Schweinfurt raids to 'Big Week', the attacks on Berlin, and the support of the D-Day landings and Normandy campaign in 1944. They went on to win the Distinguished Unit Citation during the Arnhem operation of September 1944 and after converting to P-51 Mustangs they continued to play a full and prominent role in the final smashing of the Third Reich from the air. Fighting High Publishing has come together with respected 8th Air Force historian Graham Cross to tell the story of the 'Slybirds'. With access to an unparalleled photographic archive built up over nearly thirty years of close association and friendship with the group, the author provides a detailed representation of all aspects of the group's key activities. Focussing not just on the aircraft and pilots but also the vital work of the ground crews and service personnel, this is a stunning tribute that fills a major gap in the history of 8th Fighter Command. A full honour roll to those who made the ultimate sacrifice is included along with details of all POWs and all confirmed claims by the Group's air-to-air aces. Packed with nearly 450 photos, the majority of which are previously unpublished, unseen wartime colour photos and detailed captions, this book is a visual and information feast. This latest volume in Fighting High Publishing's 'Odyssey' series is the most in-depth photographic record of the 353rd to date and provides a unique window on a fighter group at war. AUTHOR: Graham Cross earned his doctorate in History from the University of Cambridge. He specialises in twentieth century American military, diplomatic and political history and particularly the era of the two World Wars, the Allied air campaign and the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He is a respected expert on the history of the 8th Air Force and the historian for the 353rd Fighter Group. He wrote what many consider to be the definitive fighter group history - Jonah's Feet Are Dry. He currently lives in Ely, Cambridgeshire with his wife Susan and two children.
Show moreGraham Cross earned his doctorate in History from the University of Cambridge. He has taught American history at Cambridge, University College Dublin, the University of Glasgow and currently teaches at Manchester Metropolitan University. He specialises in twentieth century American military, diplomatic and political history and particularly the era of the two World Wars, the Allied air campaign and the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He is a respected expert on the history of the 8th Air Force and the historian for the 353rd Fighter Group. He wrote what many consider to be the definitive fighter group history - Jonah's Feet Are Dry. He currently lives in Ely, Cambridgeshire with his wife Susan and two children.
A real boon for modellers is the Markings, Nose Art and Famous
Aircraft section, with its splendid views of various P-47s and
P-51s. This is a classy book indeed.
*Airfix Model World*
The basic story and detailed information is interesting reading,
while the number of archive photos, and mix of both colour and
black and white images will be a delight to modellers and 8th Air
Force historians alike. Heartily recommended.
*Military Model Scene*
As well as being of interest to general readers, this is a very
useful book for modellers seeking detailed archive pictures.
*Flypast Magazine*
This superb book by 353rd FG historian Graham Cross is packed with
450 photographs covering the highs and lows of life serving with a
fighter group from both the air and groundcrew perspective.
*Editor - Model Boat World*
In one book you will get photos of the main US aircrafts and their
pilots, what should come handy in our [military modelling] hobby.
Moreover, it might be important to read in order to understand some
things connected to 353rd fighter group.
*DetailScaleView*
Every now and then a book comes along that is so good in every
aspect - content, photo reproduction, editing, production values -
that it can't possibly be matched...That benchmark may have just
been surpassed.
*Flightpath Magazine*
The book gives a comprehensive look at the 353rd Group, and a
unique look at the men and machines which made up this formidable
fighting force, Highly recommended.
*Britmodeller.com*
Packed with nearly 450 photos, the majority of which are previously
unpublished, unseen wartime colour photographs and detailed
captions, this book is a visual and informative feast providing a
unique window on a Fighter Group at war. Essential for any student
of the air war over Europe.
*Classic Wings*
An amazing photographic tribute to the 353rd fighter group of the
USAF. Magnificent.
*Books Monthly*
The photo selection is little short of outstanding…succeeds in
representing all aspects of life on a US Army Air Forces fighter
station in the latter stages of the war. *Winner of the November
2017 Book of the Month award*
*Aeroplane Magazine*
A very nicely produced book which will be enjoyed by USAAF
enthusiasts with its unique collection of images and
information.
*Air Modeller*
A magnificent book on the distinguished career of a ground attack
and bomber escort unit.
*Aviation News*
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