Book Description
Bell’s AH-1 Cobra was the first dedicated helicopter gunship to reach frontline service anywhere in the world. Developed as a private venture by the manufacturer, and based on the mechanics of the ubiquitous UH-1 Huey, the Cobra proved a huge success once introduced into combat with the US Army in 1966. Built as a key weapon in the Advanced Aerial Fire Support System concept of 1965, the AH-1 was one of the few aircraft to reach the combat zone after actual combat experience went into its design. The AH-1 helped reduce the losses being suffered by vulnerable troop transport helicopters by providing effective fire suppression during airmobile operations. This book explores its history, technology and crew.
Customer Reviews:
Factual errors.......2007-08-09
I was actually a "contributor" on this book, and I am "quoted" in the book. However, much of the information about me and my unit in this book is not accurate. I would recommend not taking anything in this book as "factual" unless verified elsewhere.
Good but could use more info........2005-05-15
This book follows the model of other books in the Osprey series, and while it is full of useful and interesting information it still lacks something.
I am still waiting for the day when we will get a book that fully details the units, markings and history of Army Aviation in Vietnam.
For those who have little to no knowledge of the AH-1 this book would be a great place to start. Overall a good book for what it is.
Book Description
While the best-known multi-division airborne operations were carried out in the European Theater of Operations (such as the Normandy landings and Market Garden), a significant number of airborne assaults were conducted in the Mediterranean Theater in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Southern France. These included parachute drops and in some instances glider assaults and provided valuable learning experience for the men and units that would lead the invasion of Europe in June 1944.
This author discusses each unit's internal organization, weapons and equipment (focusing on unique and unusual items), commanders, training, how the unit was raised, its missions, and the extensive combat operations it was involved in, with special attention given to airborne operations. Task organization for combat and details of attached units are also dealt with, together with the unit's command relationship with higher headquarters. The units that discussed in this book include the 82d Airborne Division, 1st Special Service Force, 1st Airborne Task Force (1ATF), 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, 551st Parachute Infantry Regiment, and the 550th Airborne Infantry Battalion.
The book also covers pre-war and early-war airborne units, detailing how the first ones were formed and the tactical thinking involved. Additionally it provides the context and background information for the other two titles on US Airborne Units in the European Theater 1944-45 (Spring 2007) and US Airborne Units in the Pacific Theater 1941-45 (Spring 2007). These volumes will ultimately provide a complete organizational record of all US Airborne units in World War II.
Customer Reviews:
US Airborne Units in the Mediterranean Theater 1942-44.......2007-01-18
The book was published by: Osprey Publishing. It was well written and is informative on the order of battle, training, unit organization and operations for the Airborne units that participated in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, during WWII.
The history, makeup and engagements of these early forces would change the outcome of the war........2006-11-05
Gordon L. Rottman's US AIRBORNE UNITS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN THEATER 1942-44 presents the first of three titles to examine the US airborne divisions of the second world war. The history, makeup and engagements of these early forces would change the outcome of the war.
Book Description
The bestselling book responsible for dubbing the U.S. Eighth Air Force as "The Mighty" is back again in a revised edition. The most remarkable and most popular account of WWII aviation depicts the 8th from its arrival in Britain in 1942, to its spread across the country to operate from over 40 bases, on the way to becoming the largest air unit ever committed to battle. An extensively detailed and fully researched account covers intensive bomber and fighter sorties over Europe conducted by over 2,000 aircraft involving over 150,000 men. The exploits of B-17s, B-26s, and P-47s are told, along with little-known explanations of the vastly sophisticated supply chain that kept them flying. Over 700 photos of planes on the ground and in battle action depict formations and strategies, while over 150 full-color illustrations display aircraft group markings.
Customer Reviews:
Both fascinating and full of meticulous detail.......2006-02-25
I bought this, in the US version, for research purposes. It is outstanding for that (it even covers some quite obscure use of Mosquitos on Red Stocking missions)but is also a fascinating and really good read! If only someone would produce an equally good book on the US Pacific war in the air.
Excellent - You are there!.......2002-01-08
Freeman's book is an excellent look at the 8th Air Force in England - from its first arrival in late 1942 to its departure at the end of the war. He writes so well that you actually feel as if you are there, riding along with the crews at 25,000 feet, in the harsh subzero atmosphere. The stories are remarkable - the fighter pilots; the Fortress gunners; the pilots remarkable duties while flying crippled ships - all fascinating. When the last of the planes and crews leave England at the end of the war, you can almost see the tears at this bittersweet end. Definitely recommended. My only complaint: I bought the British version - the font is smaller and as a result, more print is crammed onto a single page as opposed to American books. (But, I'd still buy it again and read it!)
Detailed, Meticulously Researched, Encyclopedic.......2001-06-07
This is the book to get if you want to really know the activities of the Eighth Air Force during World War II. It covers the Mighty Eighth from its inception all the way through the war. Arranged pretty much chronologically, the book is not a quick read by any means. The tiny print and comprehensive detail would make slow going for someone just trying to get a general overview of the Eighth Air Force. This is a book for the serious aviation history reader. Written by one of England's top authorities on the US Eighth Air Force, Roger Freeman, this book is crammed with excellent photographs and stories of all the major missions and developments in the war. It also has a beautiful color section showing all the planes of the Eighth, with an illustrated example from each bomb group and fighter group. This is followed by a brief unit history on every group. There is another color section on assembly ships, which have always reminded me of rodeo clowns with their gaudy paint jobs. This is followed by a short selection of vintage nose art, an illustrated listing of all the aces of the war, and another illustrated list of Medal of Honor Winners. The index is quite good, though at first a bit confusing as it is broken up according to names, places and aircraft and the listings are very specific (for example, it doesn't work for finding something general such as Switzerland). This is a high quality book, actually more of an oversized book than a standard trade paperback. It has been wonderfully put together. It is a masterpiece, the result of much painstaking research, full of excellent photographs. Anyoone with a serious interest in the Mighty Eighth would find this book to be one of the cornerstones of his or her collection, along with Ian Hawkins' books on Munster and the 95th. I highly recommend it.
Story of the Eightth Air Force in Europe 1942-1945.......2001-01-14
If you ever knew, or know anyone who served in the 8th Air Force in Europe during the period 1942-1945, this book will asnwer the question, "What Did You Do During World War II? If a member of your family flew with the 8th during that period, this is a must to keep as part of your family history, for generations yet to come. It deserves a prominent place on the family tree. It is well illustrated, and tells it like it was. I know, for i was there, and this is the way it was.
Average customer rating:
- A great reminder of WW2 in Sleepy Warton Lancashire
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The US 8th Air Force at Warton 1942-1945: The World's Greatest Air Depot
Harry Holmes
Manufacturer: Motorbooks International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0760305773 |
Customer Reviews:
A great reminder of WW2 in Sleepy Warton Lancashire.......2006-03-13
I have just been told that I Johnny Stinger have made some bad comments about this book, well I have not made any such comments in fact I consider the Author to be a personal friend of mine.
I am the proud owner of a copy of this book, which he has signed for me.
If anyone would like they can contact me at johnnystinger1@tiscali.co.uk.
I hope that this note will repair the damage done by whoever wrote the offensive article.
Regards, the real "Johnny Stinger"
Book Description
The first 50 years of the US Army airborne arm is a story of continuing battles with the nation's enemies, of battles within the Army's hierarchy, of change, and of adaptation. If there is any single attribute the airborne soldier can claim as his most sterling, it is his uncanny ability to adapt – his flexibility. The very nature of a paratrooper demands this ability to adapt. The motivation and ésprit de corps it develops within these units is something not to be taken lightly. The first class pairing of Gordon L. Rottman and Ron Volstad bring to life the history of these remarkable troops.
Customer Reviews:
A fine general history of American paras (008).......2006-06-18
I had read a fair bit on the German airborne arm, the legendary Fallschirmjägers, but I had read very little on the American version until this book by Gordon Rottman. It contained a number of surprises for me, first and foremost the debt owed to the famous Billy Mitchell. In October 1918, as a Colonel in the US Army, he put forward the plan to train the US 1st division in parachuting techniques, and to be dropped behind German lines by heavy bombers as part of the planned 1919 Spring offensive. The end of the war in November 1918 put paid to this plan, however the seeds were planted for the future. Colonel Mitchell had the forward looking idea to supply these men by air-dropping supplies, and using ground attack aircraft to prevent German use of approach roads to the drop zones, enabling the 1st US division to fortify their bases.
It was Mitchell again, now a Brigadier General, who conducted the first US Army airborne experiment, on 29.4.28. He had three volunteers from the 2nd Division parachute onto Kelly Field in San Antonio Texas, where they set up and fired a machine gun as part of the demonstration. Progress was slow, however, and it was not until 1933 before an entire battalion was air-lifted. With the stunning success of the German parachute, glider and air-landed troops at the start of the campaign in the West in 1940, the Army activated it's first parachute unit, the Parachute Test Platoon, on 25.6.40. On 16.9.40, the first US Army parachute battalion was activated, the 501st Parachute Battalion. The Army Air Corp began glider trials in July 1941, and the book describes the wrangling within the Army about the structure and function of the airborne units, leading up to the declaration of war on 8.12.41
The book then runs through the creation and formation of the various US Army and Air Corp airborne units, the success' and failures of these units in North Africa, Sicily and the Pacific, leading up to D-Day and Market Garden, followed by the Ardennes and through to Germany's surrender on 8.5.45. Next comes the years after the war, followed by Korea, Vietnam and beyond. The photographs are excellent, and as usual, Ron Volstadt has provided high quality colour plates. A great book for the casual and dedicated reader of military matters.
A top read!
Average customer rating:
- A WWII B-24 Navagator's Riveting Story
- Exception!
- Please change the tiltle!
- Great book-Insightful look into the 458th BG(H)
- "The Day We Bombed Switzerland"
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The Day We Bombed Switzerland: Flying with the US Eighth Army Air Force in World War II
J.W. Granholm
Manufacturer: Crowood
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1840371358 |
Book Description
This book tells of the author's military service spent flying aerial bombing runs over Europe with the 8th USAAF. Granholm describes operational events and horrors of massive daylight bombing raids over Germany and its occupied territories, from D-Day until the end of WWII. Declassified documents, plus the author's own recollections, make for compelling reading.
Customer Reviews:
A WWII B-24 Navagator's Riveting Story.......2003-09-11
Jackson Granholm has put together a wonderfully compelling narrative, telling about his transformation from a normal American boy enjoying his youth to a skilled Navigator of B-24 Liberator bombers with the 752nd Bomb Squadron, 458th Bomb Group (H), 96th Combat Wing, 2nd Air Division, 8th U. S. Air Force. He gives the reader an insightful look into his attitudes as the nation is being drawn toward the World War, then relates the rather haphazard process of being trained to become an efficient part of a bomber crew. The book is rich with anecdotal stories, leavened with occasional biting humor, making it both appealing and informative. His coverage of the dangers, horrors and vagaries of fighting a war from miles in the sky, flying in an airplane he clearly finds lacking in many ways despite it great capabilities, makes for riveting reading. His down-to-earth honesty as he describes a number of officers and men he serves with is particularly gripping, and sets the stage for the event which resulted in the book?s title, bombing Switzerland. As a newly promoted Captain, author Granholm is selected as Defense Attorney for the pilot and navigator of the lead ship in a squadron of B-24s which mistakenly bomb Zurich. His rich, sometimes funny, and extremely informative discussion of his work with two very unique characters, particularly his primary assistant Lieutenant Max Sokarl, reads like a mystery novel and is just as mysterious as to its outcome until the last instant. The Presiding Officer of the Court Martial is the famous actor, Colonel Jimmy Stewart, and his participation is the trial is most revealing of the man. This book is written for any reader with even the remotest interest in flying, WWII, mystery or human nature, and it is an absolute "must read" for those who enjoy wartime aviation history.
Exception!.......2003-01-07
The reviewer of Jackson Granholm's book, "The Day We Bombed Switzerland," intimated that the author and the crews of the 458th Bomb Group were a bunch of "idiots."
I take issue with that!
Crews of the 458th BG and all other Bomb Groups, including those of the RAF, were brave men who, at that time, were flying the most complicated and largest planes in existence. Most of the crews had less than 300 hours of flying time yet routinely flew overloaded planes in tight formations, often in unbelievable weather and almost always arriving at turning points and the target at "briefed times."
And what goes through a combat crew's mind before takeoff on a combat mission? "I wonder where I shall be sleeping tonight?"
Flying into a target heavily defended by flak and fighters, crews all knew that "There are no atheists in foxholes (or cockpits)."
"Bombs away;" "Lincoln Red-left turn;" "Any wounded?;" "How much battle damage?;" "Wonder what the weather is like at home base?;" "In case we're diverted, will we have enough fuel to go to a, hopefully, open base somewhere in England or Scotland?"
After sitting in one spot at high altitude for 8 hours (plus or minus), wearing an oxygen mask with a glob of ice dangling beneath, a (hopefully) operating electrically heated flight suit, a back-pack parachute, "Mae West," flak vest, throat mike, head set, and possibly your other clothing soiled by bodily wastes--"idiots?"
Yes they were "idiots"--brave, loyal, patriotic, dedicated "idiots--Thank God.
Remember: The real "heroes" were "KIA" (Killed In Action).
Peace,
Col. Charles H. Booth, Jr., U.S.A.F. Ret.
Please change the tiltle!.......2002-10-18
...It is fair to say that the author has a good story to tell and gives a good description of USAF bomber crews during WWII. However he never saw a Lufwaffe fighter during all his raids and fails to give any credible explanation for this. Also there is not one thought for all the civilians that were killed during Allied bombings. Jackson's first missions were over France and although he does mention USAF bombing US army positions, there is nothing for instance on the bombing of Caen where 5000 French civilians were killed. Later during the bombings over Germany there is no mention on the death of hundreds of thousands of German civilians. ...
Great book-Insightful look into the 458th BG(H).......2002-01-05
... My father flew 30 missions as navigator with the 755 Squadron 458th Bombardment Group from February - June 1944. I was very pleased to finally see a book about this Bomb Group. There are many interesting facts about the group and it's personnel in these pages, and Mr. Granholm does a fine job mixing drama and comedy along with the horrors of flying combat. I particularly liked the description and the dealings with Major Mottern, the Group Navigator. He was practically merciless on navigators who did not keep a complete flight log. One of my father's navigation logs have the comment written on it "Did you get home?" I assume that it was written by this officer. His subsequent mission logs are much more complete. It is great to get a little bit of insight about the man who wrote that comment. ...
"The Day We Bombed Switzerland".......2001-05-09
Review By: BOB STANE, President, B-17 Combat Crewmen & Wingmen.
Several times during "the" war American heavy bombers strayed into Swiss air space and dropped their loads on that neutral nation, so says author Jackson Granholm, in his book, "The Day We Bombed Switzerland." Five hundred pound explosives made the chocolates bounce but added little to the war effort. Evidently this happened several times and a chastened Uncle Sam always opened his wallet and paid the bill. In the final days of the war an unfortunate B-24 crew dropped a stick on a small town just adjacent to the German border and the locals threw a snit. It was not a yodeling affront.
A trial was called for and a trial it was. The Americans and British rolled out the big talent and a few of the crew members were roasted slowly on the spit of justice. The court room was packed.
This book is extremely readable. I rolled it around in my mind for several days and nights regretting the time when it would be finished and put on my bookshelf. The history of the crew was examined in appropriate detail along with the author, Jackson Granholm, whose expert rating in navigation and first rate education netted him the job as "defense." This book is from his notes of the trial and the investigation of the crew, the weather, the officialdom in charge and the enemy. It was a scholarly and lively pursuit.
The very lives of a competent and brave crew were at stake as was some of the reputation of The United States Army Air Corps and the U. S. as well.
Enough tension and color? Not yet. The Commanding Judge in the trial was none other that Jimmy Stewart, famed American actor and Squadron Commander. I had no idea Jimmy Stewart was that famous before the war but his calm demeanor kept the buzz from ruining the event. Lots of celebrity stories concerning Jimmy Stewart in the E.T.O.
Lots here for war buffs, law fans, navigator wannabees and personality cultist. A solid read and addition to your book shelf. A whole new view of the air war.
Lovely color jacket photo of a B-24 and crew.
Author Jackson Granholm, spoke before our group several years ago. He came to light per an article he wrote for "World War II Magazine." He is an accomplished author who does copious research and makes a story sing.
Book Description
While the most conspicuous components of the US Army Air Forces in World War II were the air units, there were also hundreds of ground units and organisations. Besides assigned military personnel the AAF also employed thousands of civilians. Many unique outfits were designed to meet the AAF's special needs. Uniformed civilians also possessed a variety of unique uniforms and insignia. These general issue and specific uniforms are the subject of this volume by one of Osprey's most experienced authors, Gordon L. Rottman, whose detailed text is backed by plenty of contemporary photographs and 12 full page colour plates by Francis Chin.
Book Description
To be a successful commander requires experience, character, tenacity and boldness: the ability to establish a good rapport with both your staff and your men is also vital. The real test comes in combat though, where a large proportion of luck is involved - the luck to be in the right place at the right time - and lasting reputations can be formed in a very brief and frenetic period. The key US commanders of World War II were subject to (and often gratuitously fostered) the projection of their 'characters', exploiting the growing power of the media. This title examines the careers, personalities and fortunes of the key US Army and Air Force commanders of World War II.
Customer Reviews:
If Patton Were Alive, He'd Slap the Authors !.......2002-11-19
What could have been an excellent book fails to pass muster on a few counts......For one there are only 8 pages of color plates as opposed to 10 which is the norm for the Elite Series by Osprey. There are quite a few generals in the color plates such as John Wood & Anthony McAuliffe who don't warrant a biography or even a mention in the main text. McAuliffe isn't even mentioned for his "Nuts" ! reply to the Germans at the Battle of the Bulge. Most of the biographies don't tell us anything new & the entry on Patton looks like an essay I did in 5th grade ! General "Jumping Jim" Gavin is depicted in the wrong uniform for the Arnhem operation as the M1942 Paratrooper's uniform had been replaced by Fall of 1944 & is shown as much older than his 37 years at the time. He was after all the youngest US General of WW2, why do you think Ryan O'Neal played him in "A Bridge Too Far" ? & Of course......Pacific Theater commanders get lesser coverage in this lesser volume in the Osprey Series. Recommended, but with reservations.
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