359th Fighter Group (Osprey Aviation Elite 10) [Paperback]

Jack H. Smith (Author)

Book Description

Series: Aviation Elite Units | Publication Date: October 2002

Nicknamed the 'Unicorns', the 359th FG was one of the last groups to arrive in the UK for service in the ETO with the Eighth Air Force. First seeing action on 13 December 1943, the group initially flew bomber escort sweeps in P-47s, before converting to the ubiquitous P-51 in March/April 1944. Throughout its time in the ETO, the 359th was credited with the destruction of 351 enemy aircraft destroyed between December 1943 and May 1945. The exploits of all 12 aces created by the group are detailed, along with the most significant missions flown. This book also discusses the various markings worn by the group's three squadrons, the 368th, 369th and 370th FSs

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Over 130 photographs and 45 color profiles make the book an excellent addition to Osprey's outstanding series and a must for any WWII aviation bookshelf." -George Hullet, Air Classics Magazine

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (October 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 184176440X
• ISBN-13: 978-1841764405
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 0.4 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nicely Done History of the Life and Times of the 359th FG!, November 3, 2005

By 

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

This review is from: 359th Fighter Group (Osprey Aviation Elite 10) (Paperback)

The 359th Fighter Group was one of the last units assigned to the 8th Air Force, flying its first missions in December 1943. Equipped with P-47s and P-51s, it finished the war with 255 1/2 air kills and 121 on the ground. In part the group's low aerial score reflected the group's adherence to sticking with their bomber charges, a rule strictly enforced by their first CO, Col. Aveline Tacon. The 359th lost 125 aircraft and their pilots in return.

If the 359th wasn't as well known as Blakeslee's 4th FG or Zemke's Wolfpack, the group still flew its share of exciting missions. Lt. Col. John Murphy destroyed the first Me 163 credited to the 8th Air Force, one of three Komets eventually claimed by the 370th FS, an ETO record. The group received a Distinguished Unit Citation from downing 26 Luftwaffe aircraft on 11 September 1944. 359th aces included Murphy, Ray Wetmore, George Doersch and "aces in a day" Paul Olson and David Archibald.

The 359th story is well told by Jack Smith in this Osprey Aviation Elite book. Smith's comprehensive text is complimented by many rare group photos and 14 pages of color profiles and photos. If you're interested in 8th Air Force fighter ops, you'll want this book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great history, March 27, 2007

By 

L. Morgan (Kennewick WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 359th Fighter Group (Osprey Aviation Elite 10) (Paperback)

Excellent and very detailed and thorough history. Was impressed with all the photographs. I bought to book for the photographs of my cousin and was pleased to find 3 photos of him and 2 photos of his plane. Accounts were detailed and very interestingly written. Would highly recommend.