Customer Reviews

359th Fighter Group (Osprey Aviation Elite 10)

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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!

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.