352nd Fighter Group (Osprey Aviation Elite 8) [Paperback]

Tom Ivie (Author), Tom Tullis (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 25, 2002 | Series: Aviation Elite Units (Book 8)

Nicknamed the ‘Bluenosed Bastards of Bodney’ due to the garish all-blue noses of their P-51s, the 352nd FG was one of the most successful fighter groups in the Eighth Air Force. Credited with destroying almost 800 enemy aircraft between 1943 and 1945, the 352nd finished fourth in the ranking of all groups within VIII Fighter Command. Initially equipped with P-47s, the group transitioned to P-51s in the spring of 1944, and it was with the Mustang that its pilots enjoyed their greatest success. Numerous first-hand accounts, 55 newly commissioned artworks and 140+ photos complete this concise history of the ‘Bluenosers’.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Looking at elite fighter and bomber units in action, these books draw on profile artworks, black and white photographs, fully detailed appendices and breathtaking first hand accounts.

About the Author

Tom Ivie is the official historian for the 352nd Fighter Group Association, He has written a number of volumes on this group over the past three decades. This is his first title for Osprey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (April 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841763829
• ISBN-13: 978-1841763828
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.3 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #737,099 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Colorful History of a Top 8th AF Fighter Group!, January 5, 2006

By 

Michael OConnor "Wordsmith" (Wausau, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 352nd Fighter Group (Osprey Aviation Elite 8) (Paperback)

The exploits of the 352nd Fighter Group are nicely covered in this Osprey Aviation Elite volume by author Tom Ivie. Ivie is well-qualified to write this volume since he co-authored "Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney," a massive - 300 pages, 1,000+ photographs - tome which stands as the definitive history of the Group.

The 352nd FG flew its first 8th AF combat mission in October 1943. Initially equipped with P-47s, the Group really hit its stride when they re-equipped with P-51s in March 1944. By war's end, thanks to the efforts of such group luminaries as George Preddy, John Meyer, Ray Littge, Carl Luksic and Bill Whisner, the group had downed or destroyed almost 800 German aircraft, 505 of which were air kills. In return the Group lost 70 pilots including Preddy, the top Mustang ace of the war.

Ivie's book is a treat - lots of action, lots of photos and 14 pages of color profiles by Tom Tullis. If your interest is air combat, you will enjoy this book. Recommended!

5.0 out of 5 stars Another in a fine series by Osprey, June 7, 2010

By 

M. C. Lents "McLents" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 352nd Fighter Group (Osprey Aviation Elite 8) (Paperback)

Anyone who is a modeler or just wants a quick history of a particular event or, in this case group, will again find this Osprey book as good as all the others. Whether it be the Aircraft of the Aces series or the Elite series, concise history with enough individual accounts of events makes the reading quick and enjoyable. The addition of the color profiles completes the package.