Checkertails: The 325th Fighter Group in the Second World War - Specials series (6175) [Paperback]

Ernest R. McDowell (Author), Don Greer (Colorist), Tom Tullis (Colorist)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1994

325th Fighter GroupCheckertails

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Squadron/Signal Publications; 1st edition (June 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897473167
• ISBN-13: 978-0897473163
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,788,976 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 Snapshots of the 325th FG in Action!, July 8, 2008

By 

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

This review is from: Checkertails: The 325th Fighter Group in the Second World War - Specials series (6175) (Paperback)

The Checkertail Clan was one of the most famous FGs to serve in the MTO. Entering combat on April 17, 1943 flying P-40s, the 325th FG later re-equipped with P-47s and ended the war flying P-51s. The Checkertails compiled a combat record second to none - 550+ missions, 529 kills, 27 aces and 2 DUCs. The history of this renowned unit is revisited in this excellent volume from author Ernie McDowell and Squadron/Signal.

In no way is CHECKERTAILS a complete history of the 325th at war. Rather it is a snapshot history of the Group. Various sections describe 325th aces, pilots and ground crews along with descriptions of the P-47, P-51 and special events in the Group's history. Bob Baseler, Wayne Lowry, Herky Green and a number of other 325th alumni contributed reminiscences which really provides the reader with an insider's look at the 325th at war.

Aside from the in-the-cockpit narratives, the book is a visual delight! It contains over 250 black & white and five color photographs along with eight pages of ABSOLUTELY SUPERB color side-views of Group aircraft by Don Greer.

In short, CHECKERTAILS is a wonderful introduction to some of the pilots and events that made the 325th FG one of the top guns of the MTO air war. The illustrations alone are well worth the $12.95 price tag. Add to that all the narratives from Checkertail vets and you have one winner of a book on your hands! Highly recommended.

*****

For a more comprehensive history of the Group, see 1969's CHECKERTAIL CLAN, written by Ernie McDowell and Bill Hess.