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Lucky 666: The Impossible Mission
by Bob Drury Tom ClavinFrom the authors of the New York Times bestselling The Heart of Everything That Is and Halsey's Typhoon comes the dramatic, untold story of a daredevil bomber pilot and his misfit crew who fly their lone B-17 into the teeth of the Japanese Empire in 1943, engage in the longest dogfight in history, and change the momentum of the War in the Pacific--but not without making the ultimate sacrifice.It is 1942, the Japanese war machine has rolled up nearly all of the Pacific Theater, and American forces are clinging to what little unconquered territory remains. While US Marines claw their way across Guadalcanal, small contingents of US Army Airmen make their way to the lonely, embattled Allied airbase on Papua New Guinea. Their mission: to defend Australia from invasion, harass Japanese supply lines, fly perilous bombing missions over enemy-held strongholds, and make reconnaissance runs to provide intelligence for America's nascent island-hopping campaign. Among these men are the pilot Captain Jay Zeamer and the bombardier Sergeant Joseph Raymond Sarnoski, whose swashbuckling reputations precede them. Zeamer, who cannot convince his superiors to give him his own plane, teams up with Sarnoski to recruit a crew of fellow misfits to rebuild a dilapidated B-17 bomber from spare parts in the base's junkyard. They christen the plane Old 666, naming it from its tail identification numbers. In June 1943, Zeamer and Sarnoski and their crew volunteer for a 1200-mile suicide mission into the heart of the Japanese Empire that may well change the course of the war--but which only one of the two friends will survive. In Lucky 666, Drury and Clavin bring to vivid life one of the last great untold stories of World War II. Featuring personal letters, diaries, US Army Air Force after-action reports, even the translated Japanese Imperial Air Force's official account of the longest dogfight in history, Lucky 666 is a tale of friendship, heroism, and sacrifice set against the horrific backdrop of vicious aerial warfare, wounded crewmates, and a white-knuckle emergency landing in the jungles of New Guinea--a must-read for anyone who loves pulse-pounding narrative nonfiction.
Lucky Billy: A Novel About Billy the Kid
by Susan Wyler John VernonA myth-busting novel about America’s most infamous and beloved outlaw, Billy the Kid, from a critically acclaimed historical novelistAccording to legend, Billy the Kid killed twenty-one men, one for every year of his short life; stole from wealthy cattle barons to give to the poor; and wooed just about every senorita in the American Southwest.In Lucky Billy, John Vernon digs deeply into the historical record to find a truth more remarkable than the legend, and draws a fresh, nuanced portrait of this outlaw’s dramatic and violent life.Billy the Kid met his celebrated end at the hands of Pat Garrett, his one-time carousing partner turned sheriff, who tracked Billy down after the jail break that made him famous. In Vernon’s telling, the crucial event of Billy’s life was the Lincoln County War, a conflict between a ring of Irishmen in control of Lincoln, New Mexico, and a newcomer from England, John Tunstall, who wanted to break their grip on the town. Billy signed on with Tunstall. The conflict spun out of control with Tunstall’s murder, and in a series of revenge killings, an obscure hired gunman called Kid Antrim became Billy the Kid.Besides a full complement of gunfights, jail breaks, and bawdy behavior, Lucky Billy is a provocative picture of the West at a critical juncture between old and new. It is also a portrait of an American icon made human, caught in the middle, more lost than brave, more nadve than principled, more of an accidental survivor than simply the cold-blooded killer of American myth.
Lucky Chance Cowboy (Big Chance Dog Rescue #2)
by Teri Anne StanleyAt Big Chance Dog Rescue, everyone can find a forever homeMarcus Talbott is a soldier through and through, and he's not going to let an injury keep him from his Army unit. Sure, his last mission nearly broke his back, but that's nothing his positive attitude and work ethic can't fix, right? In the meantime, he's got a place on the board at the Big Chance Dog Rescue, and flirting with his friend's sassy sister, Emma, is a welcome distraction.Emma Stern is barely scraping by while working and caring for her elderly grandfather, but she's running out of options—and hope. The last thing she has time for is Marcus and his flirting, sexy as he might be. But every time Emma thinks she's reached the end of her rope, Marcus is there to lend a hand. Maybe there's more to the handsome playboy after all...Big Chance Dog Rescue Series: Big Chance Cowboy (Book 1) Lucky Chance Cowboy (Book 2)Praise for Big Chance Cowboy: "A real page turner with a sexy cowboy you can root for, a sassy heroine you can fall in love with, and an ugly dog that brings them together."—CAROLYN BROWN, New York Times bestselling author "Love...and puppies... Be prepared to fall in love with this cast of characters and this book."—JENNIE MARTS, USA Today bestselling author of the Cowboys of Creedence series "Big Chance Cowboy is a tail-wagging good read. I was hooked from start to finish."—DEBBIE BURNS, acclaimed author of the Rescue Me series "Inspiring... Stanley hits the mark with wonderfully complex, caring characters; catchy dialogue; and lessons in self-esteem, loyalty, and forgiveness."—Publishers Weekly
Lucky Hitler's Big Mistakes
by Paul Ballard-WhyteAdolf Hitler’s Great War military experiences in no way qualified him for supreme command. Yet by July 1940, under his personal leadership the Third Reich’s armed forces had defeated Poland, Czechoslovakia, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Belgium and France. The invasion of Great Britain was a distinct reality following Dunkirk. Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania had become allies along with the acquiescent military powers of Mussolini’s Italy and Franco’s Spain. These achievements prompted Field Marshal Willem Keitel, the Wehrmacht’s Chief of Staff, to pronounce Hitler to be ‘the Greatest Commander of all time’. Storm clouds were gathering, most notably the disastrous decision to tear up the treaty with the Soviet Union and launch Operation Barbarossa in 1941. As described in this meticulously researched and highly readable book, Hitler’s blind ideology, racist hatred and single-mindedness led him and his allies inexorably to devastating defeat. How far was it good luck that gave Hitler his sensational early political and military successes? Certainly fortune played a major role in his survival from many assassination attempts and sex scandals. The author concludes, from 1941 onwards, the Fuhrer’s downfall was entirely attributable to military misjudgments that he alone made. Lucky: Hitler’s Big Mistakes exposes the enigmatic Dictator for what he really was – incredibly lucky and militarily incompetent.
Lucky Johnny: The Footballer who Survived the River Kwai Death Camps
by Johnny SherwoodIn 1938 Johnny Sherwood was a young professional footballer on the brink of an England career, touring the world with the all-star British team the Islington Corinthians. By 1942 he was a soldier surrendering to the Japanese at the siege of Singapore. Taken prisoner he was sent to a POW camp deep in the heart of the Thai jungle, where he was starved, beaten, and forced to build the notorious 'railway of death' on the River Kwai. Johnny kept his and his men's spirits up with tales of his footballing past, even organising matches until he and the other prisoners became too weak to play. One day, he even encountered a brutal Japanese guard, and was shocked to recognise him as a Japanese footballer Johnny had played against. Many years after Johnny's death, his grandson Michael discovered an old manuscript hidden in the attic of his mother's house. It was Johnny's own account of his wartime experiences - the story too horrific to reveal in full to his loved ones. In the tradition of bestselling memoirs like The Railway Man, Lucky Johnny is an inspirational tale of survival against the odds.
Lucky Johnny: The Footballer who Survived the River Kwai Death Camps
by Johnny SherwoodIn 1938 Johnny Sherwood was a young professional footballer on the brink of an England career, touring the world with the all-star British team the Islington Corinthians. By 1942 he was a soldier defending Singapore against the Japanese. Taken prisoner he was sent to a POW camp deep in the heart of the Thai jungle, where he was starved, beaten, and forced to build the notorious 'railway of death' on the River Kwai. Johnny kept his and his men's spirits up with tales of his footballing past, even organising matches until he and the other prisoners became too weak to play. One day, he encountered a brutal Japanese guard, and was shocked to recognise him as a Japanese footballer Johnny had played against. Despite the inhumane treatment he received at the hands of the guards, and the trials the POWs continued to face even after liberation, Johnny's story is an inspirational tale of survival against the odds. Many years after Johnny's death, his grandson Michael discovered an old manuscript hidden in the attic of his mother's house. It was Johnny's own account of his wartime experiences - the story too horrific to reveal to his loved ones. Now, in publishing Johnny's memoirs, Michael is finally fulfilling Johnny's wish that the world should know the truth about his traumatic time as a POW, and his long journey back to civilisation.
Lucky Thirteen: D-Days in the Pacific with the U. S. Coast Guard in World War II
by Ken WileyThis story is about the U .S. Coast Guard's role in World War II, as told from the perspective of a teenage boy who played a part in that great global struggle. It is also about an unheralded boat that played an insignificant and yet very important role in America's response to restoring freedom to a part of the world enslaved by an evil tyranny. Lucky 13--my boat--was a weapon specifically designed and mass produced in the United States to bridge the 6,000-mile ocean gap and carry the war to the shores of the enemy. The "Higgins" boats were lowered from troop ships with one mission: to carry the infantry and equipment the last seven miles of the long and perilous journey onto the beaches of enemy-held islands.
Lucullus: The Life and Campaigns of a Roman Conqueror
by Lee FratantuonoThe military achievements of Lucius Licinius Lucullus (118-57/56 B.C.) have been the subject of admiration and great respect throughout the history of the study of warfare. Yet there have been few studies dedicated to a comprehensive examination of exactly how Lucullus conquered the Roman East and made it a more or less cohesive part of the empire. Lee Frantantuono considers every aspect of Lucullus life, starting with the training and education of a future Roman officer, but the greatest emphasis is on his military strategy and tactics during the Third Mithridatic War and his military adventures in Armenia. His most famous achievement was his victory against immense odds at the land battle of Tigranocerta. We are also reminded that he one of the most formidable naval strategists of the Roman Republic. Lucullus complicated relationship with Sulla and Crassus is explored and the study concludes with the retirement of the man Pliny the Elder memorably referred to as 'Xerxes in a Toga', a patron of the arts and master of a life of horticulture and reflection.
Lucy: A Novel
by Ellen FeldmanAn utterly absorbing novel about a famous political marriage and an epic infidelity. On the eve of World War I, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin Delano Roosevelt, fiercely ambitious and still untouched by polio, falls in love with his wife's social secretary, Lucy Mercer. Eleanor stumbles on their letters and divorce is discussed, but honor and ambition win out. Franklin promises he will never see Lucy again. But Franklin and Lucy do meet again, and again they fall in love. As he prepares to run for an unprecedented third term and lead America into war, Franklin turns to Lucy for the warmth and unconditional approval Eleanor is unable to give. Ellen Feldman brings a novelist's insight to bear on the connection of these three compelling characters. Franklin and Lucy did finally meet, across the divide of his illness and political ascendancy, her marriage and widowhood. They fell in love again. As he prepared to run for an unprecedented third term and lead America into war, Franklin turned to Lucy for the warmth and unconditional approval Eleanor was unable to give. Drawing on recently discovered materials to re-create the voice of a woman who played a crucial but silent role in the Roosevelt presidency, Lucy is a remarkably sensitive exploration of the private lives behind a public marriage. Reading group guide included.
Ludendorff's Own Story, August 1914-November 1918 The Great War - Vol. I: from the siege of Liège to the signing of the armistice as viewed from the Grand headquarters of the German army (Ludendorff's Own Story #1)
by Anon Anon General Erich Friedrich Wilhelm LudendorffAs the German army moved swiftly into its start positions at the beginning of the First World War, efficiently and seamlessly forming up for the hammer blow that was to fall on France it must have been with some pride that General Ludendorff would look upon the first grand strategical plan that he had a hand in. A cool, calculating planner dedicated to ensuring that chance played as little a part in war as possible General Erich Ludendorff was the product of the prestigious German Kriegsakademie. His memoirs on the First World War are an excellently detailed account of the planning and execution of the ambitious German High command and their thirst for VictoryAlthough known primarily as staff officer his initial service, in the German army, during the war, was at the siege of Liège for which he was awarded the coveted Pour La Mérite by the Kaiser himself. He was rushed to the embattled Eastern Front as Chief of Staff to General von Hindenburg, and the two made an impressive team winning that battles of Tanneburg and the Masurian Lakes. Once again Ludendorff, this time was his chief Hindenburg, was drafted in as a replacement to ensure the fortunes of the German forces, this time on the Western front in 1916. He operated as the prime mover in the German empire from this point until the end of the war; masterminding the 1918 offensives as the last throw of the dice before capitulation.This first volume covers his early career until 1917 and is enriched with maps of the campaigns of the First World War.Author -- General Erich Friedrich Wilhelm Ludendorff, 1865-1937.Translator -- Anon.Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in New York and London, Harper & Brothers, 1919.Original Page Count - 477 pages
Ludendorff's Own Story, August 1914-November 1918 The Great War - Vol. II: from the siege of Liège to the signing of the armistice as viewed from the Grand headquarters of the German army (Ludendorff's Own Story #2)
by Anon Anon General Erich Friedrich Wilhelm LudendorffAs the German army moved swiftly into its start positions at the beginning of the First World War, efficiently and seamlessly forming up for the hammer blow that was to fall on France it must have been with some pride that General Ludendorff would look upon the first grand strategical plan that he had a hand in. A cool, calculating planner dedicated to ensuring that chance played as little a part in war as possible General Erich Ludendorff was the product of the prestigious German Kriegsakademie. His memoirs on the First World War are an excellently detailed account of the planning and execution of the ambitious German High command and their thirst for VictoryAlthough known primarily as staff officer his initial service, in the German army, during the war, was at the siege of Liège for which he was awarded the coveted Pour La Mérite by the Kaiser himself. He was rushed to the embattled Eastern Front as Chief of Staff to General von Hindenburg, and the two made an impressive team winning that battles of Tanneburg and the Masurian Lakes. Once again Ludendorff, this time was his chief Hindenburg, was drafted in as a replacement to ensure the fortunes of the German forces, this time on the Western front in 1916. He operated as the prime mover in the German empire from this point until the end of the war; masterminding the 1918 offensives as the last throw of the dice before capitulation.This second volume covers from 1917 until the end of the War and is enriched with maps of the campaigns of the First World War.Author -- General Ludendorff, Erich Friedrich Wilhelm, 1865-1937.Translator -- Anon.Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in New York and London, Harper & Brothers, 1919.Original Page Count - 473 pages
Ludendorff: Strategist
by LTC William A. JonesOne of the techniques to understanding the successful choreography of the elements of strategy is the study of the great strategists of history. This worthy endeavor, however, should not be limited to the study of success. Many significant lessons concerning the components of strategy can only be derived from studying the examples of great strategic failure. Erich Ludendorff failed as a strategic leader. This case study traces the genesis of his failure in the context of his inability to properly coordinate the elements of strategy. It is an analysis of the process which led to his failure. An appreciation of his background and heritage reveals the nature of his values and prejudices which accompanied him to the strategic level. An analysis of his strategic development links his character with his personal experiences at the different levels of leadership. Finally an essay of his work as a strategic leader is diagrammed in terms of his character, his development and the strategic environment of the times. Collectively, this diversified group of inputs, some complimentary, others often in direct competition, serve to identify the base from which his strategic decisions were made. The value of this study becomes apparent as the errors suddenly become glaring and the student finds himself learning from the strategic solution that in fact led to failure.
Ludendorff: The Tragedy of a Military Mind
by Karl Tschuppik W. H. JohnstonSome historians postulate that the First World War would have ended several months earlier if it were not for the successful strategy and deception employed by German President Paul von Hindenburg (1847-1934) and General Erich Ludendorff (1865-1937) of the German High Command.It is believed that both Hindenburg and Ludendorff realized as early as 8 August 1918 that victory was not possible; however, neither could conceive of accepting defeat. Therefore, in late September 1918, a carefully planned ‘revolution from above’ resulted in the High Command being placed under government control which gave Hindenburg and Ludendorff the opportunity to shift the responsibility of seeking an armistice and military defeat from the High Command to the civilian government and the Reichstag.First published in its English translation in 1932, this book by Austrian writer and journalist Karl Tschuppik is an analysis of Erich Ludendorff. The author demonstrates the power the High Command had over the Chancellor and Kaiser, and the book provides a useful in understanding the High Command’s power and for obtaining quotations regarding the High Command’s power.
Ludlow in the Great War (Your Towns & Cities in the Great War)
by Julie PhillipsWars affect everyone. Whether they are fought on the battlefields or on the home front, by the armed forces or civilians, sacrifices have to be made, and everyone suffers one way or another. This book gives a flavour of what it was like to live in Ludlow through the Great War years. Ludlow was proud to send its brothers, husbands, uncles and fathers to fight for King and Country, many of whom had never been far from home before, some who came from decorated service backgrounds for whom the armed services was in their blood. Rich or poor, farm worker, office manager or son of a wealthy estate owner, they all united to defend their town and protect British values and way of life. Life continued as usual for many of those on the home front despite, amongst other things, the introduction of DORA, rationing and the loss of the labour force from the farms. Ludlow was already generous in its giving to the poor but this was taken to a whole new level with the introduction of many national and local war charities. They knitted, sewed, auctioned and sung their way through the war even a patriotic donkey called Willie and a pig did their bit by being auctioned several times to raise money for the war effort.This show of patriotism and stoicism was made against the backdrop of a bloody and heinous war that went on far longer than anticipated. The constant threat of receiving the dreaded telegram indicating their loved ones fate was never far from the minds of Ludlow's civilians, yet the people of Ludlow kept the home fires burning brightly.
Luftwaffe Aces in the Battle of Britain
by Chris Goss“An extraordinary analysis of the ‘scores’ chalked up by individual fighter pilots serving in the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. So much detail!” —Books MonthlyThe term “fighter ace” grew in prominence with the introduction and development of aerial combat in the First World War. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an “ace” has varied but is usually considered to be five or more.For the Luftwaffe, a number of its fighter pilots, many of whom had fought with the Legion Condor in Spain, had already gained their Experte, or ace, status in the Battle of France. However, many more would achieve that status in the hectic dogfights over southern England and the Channel during the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940. A number would also be either killed or captured. Some of these men, individuals such as Adolf Galland, Werner Mölders, and Helmut Wick, who between them had claimed 147 aerial victories by October 31st1940, are well-known, but most are less so.In this book, the story of each of the Luftwaffe’s 204 Messerschmitt Bf 109 “aces” from the summer of 1940 is examined, with all of the individual biographies, detailing individual fates during the war, being highly illustrated throughout. Original German records from the summer of 1940, have been examined, providing a definitive list of each pilot’s individual claims. It also covers, to a lesser extent, those forgotten fifty-three Messerschmitt Bf 110 pilots who also achieved ace status by day and also by night between 10 July and 31 October 1940.“A fascinating book indeed.” —UK Historian
Luftwaffe Aces in the Battle of Britain
by Chris Goss“An extraordinary analysis of the ‘scores’ chalked up by individual fighter pilots serving in the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. So much detail!” —Books MonthlyThe term “fighter ace” grew in prominence with the introduction and development of aerial combat in the First World War. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an “ace” has varied but is usually considered to be five or more.For the Luftwaffe, a number of its fighter pilots, many of whom had fought with the Legion Condor in Spain, had already gained their Experte, or ace, status in the Battle of France. However, many more would achieve that status in the hectic dogfights over southern England and the Channel during the Battle of Britain in the summer of 1940. A number would also be either killed or captured. Some of these men, individuals such as Adolf Galland, Werner Mölders, and Helmut Wick, who between them had claimed 147 aerial victories by October 31st1940, are well-known, but most are less so.In this book, the story of each of the Luftwaffe’s 204 Messerschmitt Bf 109 “aces” from the summer of 1940 is examined, with all of the individual biographies, detailing individual fates during the war, being highly illustrated throughout. Original German records from the summer of 1940, have been examined, providing a definitive list of each pilot’s individual claims. It also covers, to a lesser extent, those forgotten fifty-three Messerschmitt Bf 110 pilots who also achieved ace status by day and also by night between 10 July and 31 October 1940.“A fascinating book indeed.” —UK Historian
Luftwaffe Aces: German Combat Pilots of WWII (Stackpole Military History Series)
by Franz KurowskiCombat biographies of seven ace pilots flying for the Nazi German air force during World War II, featuring in-the-cockpit accounts of aerial dogfights. Whether providing support for the blitzkrieg in Poland and France, bombing British cities and industrial centers, or attacking Allied fighters and bombers in the light of day and dark of night, the Luftwaffe revolutionized aerial warfare and experienced some of World War II&’s most harrowing combat. For the pilots who carried out these missions, every flight meant possible death and certain danger. Franz Kurowski puts readers in the cockpit with seven of these men—three day-fighter, on night-fighter, one close-support, and two bomber pilots—who were among the most successful ever to take to the skies.
Luftwaffe Air & Ground Crew 1939-45
by Mike Chappell Robert StedmanThe Luftwaffe, honed in the Spanish Civil War, played a vital part in Germany's 'Blitzkrieg' victories during the 1939-41 period of World War II. Badly overstretched by war on three fronts in 1942-44, it was crippled by an incompetent commander-in-chief, the losses among experienced aircrew, and shortage of fuel. In 1944-45 it faced a final battle of attrition in skies ruled by the Allies as the Eastern and Western pincers closed on the Reich; but until the very end the dwindling band of veteran pilots - among them the greatest 'aces' the world has ever known - presented a potent threat. This fact-packed review of Luftwaffe uniforms and flying kit is illustrated with rare personal photos, insignia charts, and two dozen meticulously detailed colour figures.
Luftwaffe Bomber Aces: Men, Machines, Methods
by Mike SpickThe Luftwaffe excelled at ground attack and in doing so helped revolutionised modern warfare. Whether flying in support of panzer columns during the invasion of Poland and the destruction of France, deployed against British airfields and cities, sent against Soviet tanks, or thrown into the defence of the Reich, Germany's bomber and dive-bomber pilots wrought havoc across the face of Europe during the Second World War.Mike Spike, author of a number of acclaimed books on fighter pilots, now turns his attention to outstanding ground-attack pilots. He outlines the Luftwaffe's revolutionary tactics, first tested during the Spanish Civil War, and highlights individual techniques and methods used against specific types of target.Biographical sketches of the leading bombers many of whom were awarded the Knight's Cross allow an insight into the diverse career and backgrounds of Luftwaffe personnel and outline just what it took to be a successful bomber pilot.First-hand accounts add gripping drama to the narrative, and give an unsurpassed appreciation of just what it was like to dive-bomb, come under attack by fighters or brave a barrage of anti-aircraft guns.
Luftwaffe Bombers in the Battle of Britain: Rare Photographs From Wartime Archives (Images of War)
by Andy SaundersLuftwaffe Bombers in the Battle of Britain will contains some 140-150 images of German bomber aircraft during the summer of 1940. The images will cover the entirety of the battle and will depict losses across Britain during this period. Each picture will tell its own story, and will be fully captioned with historical detail.Each section will have a short introduction and the images will include those of shot down aircraft, including relatively intact machines, badly damaged/destroyed wreckages, photographs of pilots and other related illustrations. All images are from the author's unique collection of wartime photographs of Luftwaffe losses, collected from a variety of sources across some thirty-five years of research.
Luftwaffe Bombers in the Blitz, 1940–1941: Rare Photographs From Wartime Archives (Images of War)
by Andy SaundersLuftwaffe Bombers in the Blitz will comprise of some 140-150 images of German bomber aircraft during the Blitz of 1940-1941. The images will cover the entirety of the Blitz and will also depict losses across Britain during this period. Each picture will tell its own story, and will be fully captioned with historical detail. Each section will have a short introduction and the images will include those of shot down aircraft, including relatively intact machines, badly damaged/destroyed wreckages, photographs of pilots and other related illustrations. All images are from the author's unique collection of wartime photographs of Luftwaffe losses, collected from a variety of sources across some thirty-five years of research.
Luftwaffe Field Divisions 1941-45
by Ronald Volstad Kevin RuffnerHermann Göring raised the Luftwaffe Field Divisions [LwFD] during 1942, when Nazi Germany was still making spectacular gains but was first feeling the pinch of its losses on the Eastern Front. The Reichsmarschall decided to raise his own divisions for ground service under the command of Luftwaffe officers. On 17 September 1942, Göring called for volunteers from throughout the Luftwaffe for combat duty in the East. Even before that date, however, some Luftwaffe troops were heavily engaged against the enemy in Russia in a ground role. Kevin Conley Ruffner's engaging text tells the fascinating story of the LwFD during World War II.
Luftwaffe Fighter Ace: From The Eastern Front To The Defense Of The Homeland (Stackpole Military History Ser.)
by Norbert HannigA World War II memoir by the renowned German fighter pilot—from his Hitler Youth glider training to combat missions against the Soviet Air Force. Herr Norbert Hanning&’s wartime career makes for fascinating and highly informative reading on an aspect of the 1939-45 air war not often covered in the English language; primarily that of the campaign against the Soviet Union. He was one of the midwar-generation Luftwaffe fighter pilots and began operations with JG 54 on the eastern (Leningrad) front in early 1943; initially flying Messerschmitt Bf 109s before transitioning to the Focke-Wulf Fw 190. He became a Staffel CO and was credited with 42 victories, also serving with JV 44 (whose CO was Adolf Galland); he then returned to Germany towards the closing stages of the war to convert to Me 262 jet fighters. Many and varied were his experiences in action against the rejuvenated Soviet Air Force in the east, and the powerful western Allies over the homeland during the final chaotic months of hostilities, which culminated in his captivity. John Weal&’s skillful translation ensures that the fluid and descriptive style of the author is preserved. Thankfully, also, Norbert was a keen photographer who shot a profusion of images, all previously unpublished, many of which appear in this important book.
Luftwaffe Fighter Aces: The Exploits and Tactics of Germany's Greatest Pilots
by Mike SpickGet in the cockpit with some of the greatest German flying aces of all time! In this exciting book, Mike Spick shows how the Luftwaffe's leading fighter pilots were able to outscore their allied counterparts so effectively and completely during World War II. When the records of the Jagdflieger pilots became available after the war, they were initially greeted with incredulity—the highest claim was for 352 kills, and more than one hundred pilots had recorded more than one hundred victories. However, post-war research proved that these claims had in fact been made in good faith and confirmation had only been given after rigorous checking. To discover the secret of this success, aviation history expert Mike Spick examines the exploits of these aces and sets out the context in which they took place. Every major theatre is covered in detail including the conditions peculiar to each: climate, relative numerical and qualitative strengths, the presence or absence of radar and other measures, and the relative merits of the planes being flown. He focuses on the methods and tactics used by individual aces and uses first-hand sources wherever possible to put the reader right alongside the pilot in the cockpit.
Luftwaffe Fighter Force: The View from the Cockpit
by Adolf Galland Hubertus Hitschhold&“A fascinating book&” of thirty-four debriefings given by pilots and flight crew members—including the legendary German fighter ace Adolf Galland (HistoryOfWar.org). The Nazi air force pilot and crew members featured in this unusual collection divulge what was once highly-confidential information—including fighter tactics, aircraft technology and operations, and chain of command. Along with maps and diagrams, thirty rarely seen photographs are included featuring uniformed Luftwaffe officers, close-up shots of fighter planes, and the areas where the planes were authorized to carry out their missions. This unique volume was compiled by acclaimed military historian David C. Isby and is extraordinarily comprehensive. To make it, Isby poured over accounts of the war given by members of the Luftwaffe shortly after the events they describe. Much of the information in the book has been shared for the first time, and, after a limited run, is finally back in print. &“If you&’re a student of page-turning pilot memoirs from World War 2, this is a vital reference for understanding how the Luftwaffe&’s pilots functioned—and why. Regardless of whose story you&’re following, knowing how the opposing pilots came into each encounter will only enrich your appreciation of the outcome.&”—Airscape