The Cactus Air Force [Paperback]

Thomas G. Miller (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Bantam Books (June 1987)
• ISBN-10: 0553147668
• ISBN-13: 978-0553147667
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,387,658 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best I've read on the air war over Guadalcanal, February 14, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Cactus Air Force (Hardcover)

The fight for Guadalcanal as told from the air. Another of my favorites, it recounts the deeds of Joe Foss, Marion Carl, et al and their desperate bid to hold onto America's first gains in the Pacific. This one will have you rooted to the edge of your seat. It's a great mix of well researched historical information and dramatic story telling.
"WWII Aviation Booklist" http://www.ampsc.com/~prophet/booklist.html

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine book on the Henderson Field operation, January 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Cactus Air Force (Hardcover)

I read this book several years ago and was impressed with the historical facts pertaining to the Quadalcanal fight. The men that took place in the defense of that island were true Heros.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Illuminating, February 16, 2001

By 

Chris - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cactus Air Force (Paperback)

Although the stunning Midway victory levelled the odds in the Pacific, it was the epic battle for Guadalcanal that tilted the scale irrevocably in favour of the Americans. Cactus Air Force may be the title of the book, but the author certainly does not limit his scope to the small but vital band of airmen. His immaculately researched account encompasses practically the entire air campaign, including detailed looks at the battles of Eastern Solomons and Santa Cruz. Right from the first page the reader is plunged headlong into the frenetic 90-day clash of military heavyweights concentrated in a tiny area.

While the information contained within this relatively slim volume is potentially overwhelming, with his authoritative grasp and style Miller is able to present his vast depository of facts and people in a way the reader can easily absorb. Not for a moment did I find any of the details gratuitous.

An excellent companion to this book is The Story Of Wake Island, a seemingly forgotten first-person account by the late Brigadier General James P.S. Devereux. Narrative differences aside, the two books tell what is essentially a continuing story. I heartily recommend both.