Reviewed by Hub Plott

I obtained my copy of the hardcover edition from  http://www.368thfightergroup.com/ . The hardback is now sold out to the general public but copies of the soft cover are still available.

The first thing that one notices is the massive size of this book., 544 pages with large numbers of wartime photos, 15 color profiles and many other gems throughout the pages. The author is the son of a 368th FG member and his love of the subject shows.

The book is laid out in eight chapters covering the history from formation of the group, through their ETO exploits and finishes up with their service during the occupation. This section concludes with remembrances and personal stories.

In the truth is stranger than fiction area the book provides the  brief account of  1st Lt. Harold Eyrich’s downing of a WWI Fokker D.7 in the Prague area  on April 22,1944. The Fokker was being used as an observation aircraft. Thus probably assuring that Lt. Eyrich is the only WWII fighter pilot to have engaged and downed a WWI fighter in aerial combat during WWII.

The book has many such interesting stories and  varied information, such as an explanation of how V-mail was sent. As well as combat information from German pilots who shot down or were shot down by 368th pilots.
All in all this is a very good read with a wealth of information and personal wartime photos, nose art photos and personal accounts. If you have an interest in the 368th, P-47s, unit histories or just WWII aviation, I think that you would be glad to add this book to your library!

Review Copyright © 2010 by Hub Plott
Page Created 15 February, 2010
Last updated 2 March, 2010

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