The Mighty Eighth War Manual [Paperback]

Roger A. Freeman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 2002

The Mighty Eighth was the largest striking force ever committed to battle, and putting it in the air remains one of the greatest military achievements of the Second World War. Over 1,700 aircraft, involving 15,000 men and a vastly sophisticated supply chain, engaged in a ceaseless war of high-altitude daylight precision bombing. More than 300 photographs, maps, and line drawings--along with details of the procedures and improvisations that went into play--tell the history of this incredible success. A leading authority on WWII aircraft and their pilots (the author of six books on this division alone) discloses the operational techniques of bombers and fighters; the background behind weather and photographic reconnaissance; the secrets of special operations; as well as experimentation, training, logistics, and more. All the installations, armament, and equipment are here, too, from the airfields and depots to the gunsights and communication sets to the flight clothing and oxygen tanks. A splendid tribute to the men who helped safeguard liberty.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Roger A. Freeman is one of the leading authorities on Second World War US warplanes and the men who flew them.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Cassell; Corr. ed. edition (May 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0304358460
• ISBN-13: 978-0304358465
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #941,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy read. A must for military history buffs, May 30, 2003

By 

Thomas A. Vallejos "flyingwombat" (San Leandro,, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mighty Eighth War Manual (Hardcover)

The Eighth Air Force is a milestone to development of air power. Here are the details on how the Mighty Eighth became the unrelenting force against Nazi Germany. Mistakes were made. But the leaders of the eighth learned from them and overcame the obstacles. Here in the War Manual is how it was done.

Details are many. Historians, roleplayers and reenactors can read about the planning before a mission. You can read about the tactics used by 8th AF bombers in 1942, then later in 43, 44 and 1945. How they evolved from a lose squadron formation to 1,000 bomber combat boxes escorted by 700 to 800 fighters. Diagrams are included. Even the Summer 1944 radio callsigns for 8th AF Squadrons are listed.

The Equipment list is staggering! Not only familar aircraft such as the B-17, B-24, and the P-51 are listed, but also comparatively unfamiliar types in US inventory like the Lysander and the Lockheed Hudson. Gunsights, bombsights, radars, radios, flight suits, machine guns. It's all here!!
5 stars aren't enough.