Product Description

Lost in the air combat and air ace fanfare of World War II was the dangerous, unheralded and vital role played by USAAF fighter-bomber pilots over the Mediterranean and northwest Europe. Four times as many pilots were lost during strafing and ground attack sorties than were lost against the Luftwaffe in aerial combat. This extensive book is the first in-depth examination of American air-to-ground attack and explores numerous aspects of the subject. The three priorities of the fighter-bomber air superiority, interdiction and close air support along with combat reports and pilot narratives are put into the context of the various ground operations. The fighter-bomber pilot risked his life every day against the thickest flak in the war to deprive the enemy of vital reinforcements and supplies, altering his strategy and movement.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #599972 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 350 pages

Customer Reviews

Unsung Fighter-Bombers Get Their Due
After producing a comprehensive record of fighter aces in VICTORY ROLL, William Wolf turned his attention to an underappreciated facet of WW2 air combat--the American fighter-bombers or "jabos," as the Germans called them.

As Wolf writes in USAAF JABOS, "Over the Mediterranean and Northwest Europe, the fighter ace and dogfighter received the praise and publicity while the strafer and dive-bomber did unheralded journeyman's work. The interceptor/escort fighter pilot flew many uneventful missions without meeting an enemy aircraft. The fighter-bomber pilot often flew one or more daily sorties against a wide range of targets extending from the frontlines to several hundred miles behind enemy lines. On every mission he flew into the teeth of the heaviest flak and small arms fire encountered in the war, often sustaining heavy losses. The measure of his effort has never been truly appreciated, but the fighter-bomber pilot was a major player in the air war over Europe and Italy."

Wolf reportedly has the largest personal library of WW2 aviation books and microfilm in the world and it shows in the mind-boggling amount of information that he brings to USAAF JABOS. Wolf provides a systematic account of all US fighter-bomber campaigns in the European and Mediterranean theaters of operation. He also provides detailed information on the aircraft, weapons, tactics, targets, enemy defenses, and more. In all, this hefty book is almost 400 pages and packed full of rare photos. It is an unmatched and indispensable resource. With this book, the USAAF fighter-bomber pilots are finally getting their fair due.

Superb Book
I think this is an excellent book,in particular I like the Chapter sub sections which makes for easy access and continuity, for a difficult and scattered subject. Its all here in one vast book and will certainly not disappoint...