Hikoki Publications |
Spitfires and Yellow Tail Mustangs The 52nd Fighter Group in World War II by Tom Ivie and Paul Ludwig |
Reviewed By James Kelley, #42106 |
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MSRP: $53.95 USD ($4.95 shipping) ISBN 1-902109-43-0 Available from Specialty Press 1-800-895-4585 or www.specialtypress.com The USAAF 52nd Fighter Group enjoyed an outstanding record in World War II, but to date its story has never been told. Activated in January 1941, it moved to England in July 1942 for an assignment with the Eight Air Force. It flew combat missions in Spitfires to France during the summer of 1942 before being reassigned to the invasion force attacking North Africa in November 1942. After moving to North Africa, it was assigned to the Twelfth Air Force and once again equipped with Spitfires. As part of the Twelfth Air Force, it flew combat missions in the Tunisian campaign and during the invasion of Sicily. In mid-1944, the 52nd was reassigned to the Fifteenth Air Force and converted to P-51 Mustangs. During the remainder of the war, it flew bomber escort and strafing missions to targets in Italy, France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Rumania, and Yugoslavia. For its outstanding service the group was twice awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation. During its long campaign, the Group destroyed more than 425 enemy aircraft in aerial combat and damaged 135 plus many more on the ground. The 52nd Fighter Group produced 21 aces. Printed on 176 pages, this hardbound book contains 250 photos, many of which have not been seen before. Also in the book are no fewer than 25 full-page, color profiles. Chapters include:
Activation and Training: January 1941 June 1942
Northern Ireland and England: June October 1942
The Invasion of North Africa: November 1942 February 1943
The Tunisian Campaign; February July 1943
Sicily a Period of Frustration: July December 1943
Corsica and a New Beginning: December 1943 May 1944
The Mustang Era Begins: May June 1944
Destruction of the Luftwaffe in Italy: July 1944
Destruction of the Luftwaffe: August 1944
Down to Earth: September 1944
General Mud Becomes the Enemy: September 1944 March 1945
The Final Campaign: March May 1945
Commanding Officers Aces Reference Notes Bibliography Essentially a chronology of the 52nd, it is written in a style that lends itself favorably to reading. The authors offer a bit of insight into certain aviators lives, and provide anecdotal accounts of missions from the point of view of the men who flew them. Coupled with the plethora of incredible photos, this book is not just a history lesson; it is, quite simply, a snapshot in time. Highly recommended. My thanks to John Noack, 1st VP IPMS/USA and Karen Hill, Promotions and Special Sales, Specialty Press for this review book. |
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