American Spitfire Aces of World War 2 (A-o-t-A #80)

The first few American volunteers flew Spitfires with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. Many more joined their ranks, often posing as 'Canadians' eventually forming three 'Eagle' squadrons who earned a fierce fighting reputation. In 1942 the Eagle Squadrons were transferred to the Eighth Air Force and further fighter squadrons were formed which all flew Spitfires. In just two years of service with the USAAF, 22 pilots claimed five or more victories flying the Spitfire, whilst a further two dozen aces claimed part of their total flying them, a testament to their skill and success at the controls of this legendary warbird. Discover the experiences of a variety of American aces in their own words through first-hand accounts, interviews and combat reports, in a thrilling read that transports the reader from the Battle of Britain to the deserts of North Africa to Fortress Europe itself. "It provides the usual content of these "Aces" books, with a detailed description of Griffon Spitfire operations, illustrated with a huge selection of photographs of not just the aircraft, but also the men who flew them."- "Scale Aircraft Modeling" (July 2008)"Andrew Thomas' "American Spitfire Aces of World War II "surveys the first Spitfire volunteers and the development of units which began flying Spitfires to gain fame during the ear and joins others in Osprey's 'Aircraft of the Aces' series..." -"California Bookwatch "(December 2007)"Author Andrew Thompson does a fine job of telling this little-known story about US Spitfire aces... A book that I found to be a superb read and a great reference. I'm sure you will as well." - Scott Van Aken, "modelingmadness.com" (October 2007)