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Type of bind: Paperback
Brand: Osprey Publishing
Dewey Decimal Number: 940.544973
EAN num: 9781846030444
ISBN number: 1846030447
Label: Osprey Publishing
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 128
Printing Date: January 10, 2007
Publishing house: Osprey Publishing
Release Date: January 30, 2007
Sale Popularity Level: 57096
Studio: Osprey Publishing
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
The USAAC's Tuskegee Experiment, designed to prove that African-Americans were not capable of flying combat aircraft, ironically resulted in the creation of one of the USAAF's elite units.
Crewed by highly-educated and exceptionally motivated men, the 99th Fighter Squadron, led by Col Benjamin O. Davis (later joined by the 100th, 301st, and 302nd FS to form the 332nd Fighter Group), very first flew ground attack missions in P-40s in North Africa and participated in the destruction and surrender of Pantelleria, off Sicily. Later, after the unit was equipped with P-51 Mustangs, the 'Redtails' began flying escort missions deep into Germany.
The unit scoreboard boasted 111 aerial kills (including several Me 262 jets), 150 strafing victories, 950 vehicles and railway rolling stock destroyed, and the sinking of a German destroyer by war's end. The group were both feared and respected by the Germans, who called them the 'Schwartze Voglemenschen' (Black Birdmen), and revered by others as the 'Black Red-tail Angels', partly because of their distinct red-tailed aircraft, and partly because they never lost a bomber under escort to enemy attack (a feat which was unmatched by any other USAAF fighter group in World War II). The pilots of the 332nd FG attribute their sucess to the discipline instilled by Col Davis, who is reputed to have told them, 'If you lose a bomber, don't bother to come back.'
This book will reveal the true story of the unit who rose above discrimination to achieve elite status.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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The main point in favor of this book is the large number of illustrations and pictures. The author has certainly done the research and has complied a very large number of historical photographs.
Beyond that however, I found I simply skimmed very long parts of this book. It begins with a promising narrative on the formation of the Tuskegee Airmen and the people and work involved to make it happen in what was obviously a very oppressive environment. Once the squadron heads off to the front however, the book turns into a very long bullet by bullet recounting of each and every truck, bridge, and enemy aircraft encountered. The squadron moves from mundane patrols in the most obsolete aircraft to bomber escort in the famous P51 fighters, but very little is revealed about what was going on behind the scenes, who was working in their favor and who not. We are given only a couple of 'because of their record' paragraphs to introduce the upgrade to each more advanced fighter.
I was perhaps most disappointed to not get a good deal more background on the famous Red Tails who escorted bombers. We are treated to many pictures and a section of wonderful full colour illustrations of each of the squadron P51's. But the historical record presented is again limited to a day by day recount of strafing runs and technical descriptions of dogfights. What I was really wishing to see was interview recollections from the pilots and, just as important, the airmen in the bombers they were escorting.
The subject of discrimination is discussed a good deal during the opening chapter about the formation of the group, but later, is seems to shrink to the occasional mention of a compliant over a segregated area in a post movie tent. I wanted to know what really happened. Who's attitudes where changed and who's where not and for that reason, I did not feel satisfied with this book as anything more than something to thumb through.
So, to summarize - Technical recap of the specifics of air combat by the group A+. Historical narrative about the group and its place in time and history C-.
Rated by buyers 
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Book Review for 332nd Fighter Squad: Tuskegee Airmen
The book, 332nd Fighter Squad received an average five star rating from most critiques, however I would give it a four and a half (rounding to five). It was a beautifully written story, filled with straight facts, showing vast initiative. I believe that the story, by itself, was deserving of a five-star rating. The quality of the artwork however, was questionable. Taking a very first look at this book, caused a feeling of dubiousness. It is an intimidating looking book, with such small font pressed so tightly together. Plus the words only take up half of the page, making it seem so curtailed. In fact, in only a few more years, I might not be able to read this book.
Of course, making the book with 14 font, double spacing, and full-page would have cost the author more money, but in the long run, it would have made him more famous and sold more copies.
Though this is not entirely his fault. He may not have had a say in the matter. I know some of the publishers these days are so pushy. They get everything the way that they want it. And they want it cheap. Even if the cheapest way isn't necessarily the best financial move, they have to go that route.
This book is packed with interesting, relevant information . Chris Bucholtz is a great writer. For I would find it hard to find all of this information on the Tuskegee airmen. He made this topic interesting. You are glued to your seat with this book.
I can understand how much Chris Bucholtz enjoys aviation. When you like aviation that much, artwork seems to not matter at all. I applaud Chris on his wonderfully written book, and I strongly encourage him to keep up the amazing work. I expect great things from him.
Jonathan McNeill
Rated by buyers 
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Nobody says the 332d FG didn't do a good job. But so many of the claims for this group have been debunked, especialy the boast that they never had a bomber shot down. Theres also no proof they had any aces. That doesn't mean theyre not worthy of respect, just that they didn't do many of the things they say they did. This book repeats most of those mistakes. However, the pictures are excellent and colour profiles are well done.
Rated by buyers -
Before I even finished the 1st chapter of this book I was well impressed by the exploits of these men even as they were in training for combat missions in Europe(40 Tuskegee graduates,I learned actually went to the Pacific as aerial spotters which I'm now very eager to learn about as well.). I had previously thought myself somewhat familiar with the Tuskegee Airmen,this book instantly proved me wrong.Reading about the accomplishments of these intrepid men literally sent shivers down my spine. I was deeply affected by the numbers of them who met tragic ends, both during and after the war. Very few,it seemed,were actually shot down and they never lost an aircraft under their escort to enemy fighters.
The book approaches the subject in a no-nonsense textbook-like method which takes you right into the action, even before members' deployments. It provides numerous,if brief statements on individual missions and members' personalities and it accounts various engagements,accidents,victories,bail-outs,downed pilot rescues and E&E's(escape and evasions).It also touches on members' post-war accomplishments.This book crams an incredible amount of information into a space of just over 120 pages and is rich with photographs and detailed colour illustrations of aircraft and insignia. The only additional information I would have liked to have seen would be appendices devoted to KIA's and awards.
I am now eager to learn more about these gallant men who trully serve as shining examples of great Americans who ignored adversity and perservered. I'd be grateful if I could be half the man that is any given member of this squadron.
Rated by buyers -
Always readable and well illustrated, Osprey books provide details and specifics in one volume that satisfy the beginner or the specialist. This Elite volume is not different. Good anecdotes, statistics, and model markings/liveries that are complete. Outstanding buy.
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