Customer Reviews

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

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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.