Customer Reviews

George Preddy, Top Mustang Ace

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I knew George 'Ratsy' Preddy as a fellow-pilot in the 352nd Fighter Group--the Bluenosers. I saw him at briefings and in action, and quickly developed a tremendous respect for him as a dedicated pilot--calm on the ground, aggressive in the air. This book by Joe Noah and Sam Sox is not only a marvelous tribute to his courage and combat achievements, but a mirror of an outstanding person. He inspired those who flew with him. This book brought back many memories. As Editor/Historian of he 352nd FG Association, I recommend it highly.

These are merely some thoughts that came to mind while reading the book and shortly thereafter and are in no particular order. This is a detailed account with complimentary diary excerpts providing an excellent glimpse into the man and the ace fighter pilot. A hall mark of a well written biographical account in my opinion is one that depicts the person, not just his/her accomplishments. Military biographies generally do this. I detected no attempt to smear anyone or organization as some lesser works. The book is supported by solid research and timely use of primary and secondary sources, especially interviews and personal rememberances of Preddy. The use of personal recollections makes the book read like an oral history instead of a typical biographical sketch. A particular strength of the work is the use of 'real' photographs, not the well publicized and over used images commonly found in biographical accounts. The gun camera stills bring a certain sense of immediacy to thebook. What better way to visualized the chaotic, swirling dogfights over Europe than with the same images Preddy saw, taken from his own gun camera. I personally like the clear, logical manner of organziation in the book. The writing seemed dynamic and vibrant instead of staid and flat. I never thought the material presented was out of scope in the chapter in which it appeared. Your own close family ties with George did not prevent you and Sam from capturing the man George was. The writing stayed focus on Preddy's life and did not become a dry operational history of the 352nd during Preddy's service. This certainly held true in the first part of the book with Preddy serving in the Pacific. So often in WWII literature, if the subject served in the ETO and PTO authors commonly short shaft the PTO since it does not carry the same appeal. Your book is proportionally balanced. Well done.

These are just random thoughts I had. I enjoyed reading the book. This book does not require prior knowledge like some biographies.

When the original edition of this book was published, I wondered why the publisher had chosen the "mini" size that has since become more routine for mainstream books---routine in today's world of consolidation and globalization because the tiny handful of big bookstore chains put such a premium on space. The story of Major George Preddy, who was credited with 23.83 aerial victories at the controls of the P-51 Mustang, warranted larger dimensions, more pages, greater thickness, I thought. Many other aces have become the subject of full-sized biographies while some, like Col. (later, Gen.) J. C. Meyer, who admired Preddy, has not.

I became very much aware of the Preddy brothers a decade ago when writing a book on the P-51 Mustang (now out of print).

The reader of this book will get first-hand glimpses at George Preddy and brother Bill from a cousin (co-author Noah) who knew Preddy personally. The selection of photos is interesting, since many come from family sources and have not been seen elsewhere. The story of George Preddy and his career makes exciting reading. I probably should have given this volume a couple more stars in my rating, but I'm one of those teachers who never hands out an "A." I cannot imagine anyone with an interest in air combat in World War II not having this book.

This is an interesting story of a young man in World War II. It is detailed and well researched. General John C. Meyer is quoted as saying: "George Preddy was the greatest fighter pilot who ever squinted through a gunsight; he was the complete fighter pilot". The book is also an accounting of the man himself (apart from his war efforts) and his family. It is written by a man who knew George Preddy as a child and looked up to him.

Reviewer: John Edwards from United States February 29, 2000 These are merely some thoughts that came to mind while reading the book and shortly thereafter and are in no particular order. This is a detailed account with complimentary diary excerpts providing an excellent glimpse into the man and the ace fighter pilot. A hall mark of a well written biographical account in my opinion is one that depicts the person, not just his/her accomplishments. Military biographies generally do this. I detected no attempt to smear anyone or organization as some lesser works. The book is supported by solid research and timely use of primary and secondary sources, especially interviews and personal rememberances of Preddy. The use of personal recollections makes the book read like an oral history instead of a typical biographical sketch. A particular strength of the work is the use of 'real' photographs, not the well publicized and over used images commonly found in biographical accounts. The gun camera stills bring a certain sense of immediacy to thebook. What better way to visualized the chaotic, swirling dogfights over Europe than with the same images Preddy saw, taken from his own gun camera. I personally like the clear, logical manner of organziation in the book. The writing seemed dynamic and vibrant instead of staid and flat. I never thought the material presented was out of scope in the chapter in which it appeared. Your own close family ties with George did not prevent you and Sam from capturing the man George was. The writing stayed focus on Preddy's life and did not become a dry operational history of the 352nd during Preddy's service. This certainly held true in the first part of the book with Preddy serving in the Pacific. So often in WWII literature, if the subject served in the ETO and PTO authors commonly short shaft the PTO since it does not carry the same appeal. Your book is proportionally balanced. Well done.

These are just random thoughts I had. I enjoyed reading the book. This book does not require prior knowledge like some biographies.

This book provides an outstanding look at the career of one of this Nation's top aviation heros of World War II. George Preddy was the United States Army Air Force's top Mustang Ace, scoring 23.83 aerial victories in the P-51 Mustang. In addition to his P-51 victories, Preddy also scored three aerial victories while flying the P-47 Thunderbolt. The book, which was a labor of love for its authors, covers Preddy's short life in detail.

Many people who have heard of George Preddy, the great Ace, might be surprised to learn that it was a real struggle and accomplishment for him to even get into military aviation. Through his personal determination Preddy overcame the obstacles that his small stature presented and worked his way into the Air Force. Once this happened, "the rest is history."

Authors Noah and Sox utilized official records, family records and diaries, and interviews with many of the "Bluenosers of Bodney" to prepare this outstanding! story of George Preddy's life. Joe Noah, Preddy's cousin, was able to access George's diary, letters, and other family material and gave this book the personal touch that few others could have. Sam Sox has long been interested in the George Preddy story, and played an important role in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina's decision to name a boulevard after the Preddy brothers, both of whom lost their lives in World War II. Additionally, Sam Sox has produced an excellent video covering the life of George Preddy. Along with an interesting narrative, this book is enhanced with over 100 quality photos.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of World War II, and suggest that they add it to their library.

wanted to know the story of george preddy. this great book tells the story. his combat mission reports places the reader in the cockpit. a must read for anyone interested in air combat in WWII.

Admitted, I know the author, Joe Noah. Admitted, I've done work for the Preddy Memorial Foundation.

Still, buy/read the book. My bias will become your bias, too.

George Preddy is memorialized for good reason - he was the clinched WW2 fighter pilot. Born of an artistic, creative temperament, George Preddy brings the human spirit to life in his writing and intentional life. His story is moving in that the reader gets the easy sense that he/she could be or become friends with George - and that in and of itself is inspiring.

WW2 aviation/history buffs will appreciate the breadth of George's experience - from 1942 Australia to 1944 Bodney, England. Students of Leadership will value the uncommonly wise and good musings that George felt compelled to share in his poetry, his letters...

Buy the book - you'll enjoy the read and think of George Preddy often.

wily
ww2fighters.blogspot.com

I have just finished reading five books about top aces during WWII from different theaters of operation. All were good but this book was a little different. The story was very well written and held your interest. The pictures were displayed at the right time as you continued to read. The story was inhanced with the way Preddy's fellow pilots were tied in with his service to our country. If you are into reading about fighter pilots you should add this one to your list.

This book is a must read for anyone who has an interest in World War II aviation history. The text is thoroughly researched and well-written. The story is true and fascinating. I recommend it highly.