354th Fighter Group (Osprey Aviation Elite 7) [Paperback]

William Hess (Author), Chris Davey (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 25, 2002 | Series: Aviation Elite Units (Book 7)

‘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

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

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing; First edition (March 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841763152
• ISBN-13: 978-1841763156
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 0.4 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,688,143 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pioneer Mustang Group in Action!, December 13, 2008

By 

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

This review is from: 354th Fighter Group (Osprey Aviation Elite 7) (Paperback)

The definitive history of the 354th FG is Steve Blake's recently published PIONEER MUSTANG GROUP from Schiffer. A mammoth book with hundred of photos and dozens of combat reports/first-person reminiscences, Blake's book is worth every cent of its $69.95 price tag. IF you don't have that many coins to throw around, pick up a copy of Bill Hess' 354TH FIGHTER GROUP, published by Osprey in 2002. It's a good overview of the 354th in action and comes nicely illustrated with photos and profile artwork superior to that found in Blake's book. Last but not least, it sells for $22.95!

Hess' book describes the formation and combat history of this high-scoring 9th AF fighter group. With typical military logic, WWII's best long-range escort fighter was given to a group assigned to the tactical 9th AF. The 9th's big brother - the 8th AF - consequently used the 354th whenever possible as escorts for its B-17s and -24s. By war's end, the Pioneer Mustang Group had over 670 air kills, boasted the highest scoring squadron in the USAAF and the only fighter pilot to win an MoH in the ETO (Jim Howard).

354TH FIGHTER GROUP contains over 140 black and white photographs and 12 color pages of 354th P-51s and -47s done by Chris Davey and John Weal. The profiles found in Hess' book are far superior to those contained in Blake's book. The aircraft look right; ditto for the colors. (The aircraft profiles featured in Schiffer aviation titles have always been the weakest part of the books).

So, depending on budget, 354th FG fans and anyone interested in the P-51 in combat, have two good selections to choose from. Hess' book is a good summary with lots of combat reports, pix and top-notch artwork. And it is considerably easier on the pocketbook. Recommended.