Customer Reviews

U.S. Navy Air Combat 1939-1946

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I like any book that has pictures of airplanes, but too many of them are not writen well, are difficult to identify photos with copy, and are illogical in their layouts. None of these problems can be found in this book. Larson knows his subject, and has found some photos of aircraft I have never seen, at least in their original navy fleet paint.

The period of 1939-1946 were the WWII years. Probably no time before, or after will so many aircraft or pilots fly from the decks of carriers. Nostalgia for weapons of war may seem inappropriate, but so were the armor suits that adorne museums and wherever they are viewed as the weapons of a particular time. Fortunately or unfortunately, so good comes from war. Technology to kill an enemy often translates into a benefit in peacetime. Without the military interest in Aircraft, we wouldn't be crossing the Oceans in comfort and safety.

Any time you come across a naval aviation book co-authored by Bob Lawson and Barrett Tillman, you know you're getting the A-team! Two of our finest aviation writers, Lawson and Tillman combined their considerable talents in 2000 to produce this informative, colorful tribute to U. S. Naval aviation in the Second World War. U. S. NAVY AIR COMBAT 1939-1946 definitely rates an OK-3 wire!

Within the book's 176 pages, Lawson and Tillman present a knowledgeable, insightful and entertaining history of Naval aviators at war. Dividing the topic into five chapters - From the Golden Age into Darkness, The Atlantic Pall, Toward the Rising Sun, The Mentors: Training Command and Twilight of War - they describe the development of the Navy from its paltry pre-war state into the largest and deadliest navy in the world. They skillfully weave first-person reminiscences throughout their narrative that puts the reader in the cockpit. U.S. NAVY AIR COMBAT 1939-1946 is great history...and a great read.

And then there's the gorgeous full-color photographs - over 200 in all - depicting F3Fs, Wildcats, Hellcats, SBDs, Ducks, Catalinas, SB2Cs, Avengers, Corsairs, Bearcats, Seahawks, pilots/aircrews/aces, various USN and IJN carriers, etc. Truly a visual delight for navy buffs.

This book is a must-have for anyone interested in carrier aviation. It dramatically brings the naval war in the Pacific vividly to life in words and images. Highly recommended.