Through blue skies to hell : America's 'bloody 100th' in the air war over Germany / by Edward M. Sion.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sion, Edward M.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations, American.

World War, 1939-1945.

Bombing, Aerial--History--20th century.

Bombing, Aerial.

Ayesh, Richard R--Diaries.

Ayesh, Richard R.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (257 p.)

Place of Publication:

Drexel Hill, Pa. ; Newbury, [Berkshire, UK] : Casemate, 2008.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This book provides a comprehensive look at air war over Europe during the climactic year of World War II, combining firsthand experience with expert analysis. The centerpiece is a mission-by-mission diary of 1st Lieutenant Richard R. Ayesh, bombardier on a B-17 Flying Fortress, who flew with the 100th Bombardment Group, 13th Combat Wing of the 8th Air Force-the legendary "Bloody 100th." He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Croix de Guerre and the Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, amongst others.This book follows Ayesh's progress from his youth during the Great Depression in Wichita

Contents:

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS; PREFACE; 1. GROWING UP IN THE AIR CAPITAL; 2. THE MAKING OF AN AIRMAN; 3. THE BOMBARDIER'S ARSENAL; 4. TOP SECRET BOMBSIGHT; 5. BOMBER FORMATIONS & FIGHTER TACTICS; 6. BLIND BOMBING, RADARS AND PFF; 7. HEADING TO COMBAT; 8. WELCOME TO THORPE ABBOTTS; 9. LEGEND OF THE BLOODY HUNDREDTH; 10. SITUATION GROUND WAR, POST D-DAY; 11. SITUATION AIR WAR, FALL 1944; 12. THE NERVE CENTER AT HIGH WYCOMBE; 13. THE AIR WAR ON SYNTHETIC OIL; 14. GERMAN DEFENSES AGAINST BOMBERS; 15. EVE OF COMBAT; 16. MISSION BY MISSION (I); 17. LONDON ENCOUNTERS; 18. MISSION BY MISSION (II)

19. THE LUCKY BASTARDS HEADING HOME20. THE IMPACT OF STRATEGIC BOMBING ON FINAL VICTORY; 21. 20TH CENTURY MORAL ISSUES AND 21ST CENTURY IMPLICATIONS; NOTES; BIBLIOGRAPHY; INDEX

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 205-209) and index.

ISBN:

9781935149965

1935149962

OCLC:

797916118