Masters of the Air

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
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If I’m violating some protocol by posting here on a book, let me know, but be gentle! You’re my first forum.

I just finished “Masters of the Air - America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany,” by Donald L. Miller, Simon and Schuster, 2006.

The first book I remember reading on the Air War 1939-45 was “The First and The Last,” when I was in the 3rd grade. Everyone else was reading about the Bobbsey Twins, and I was reading Galland. Warped me for life, I fear. Since then, I’ve probably read 125 books on the Air War, and 1/4 of them on the European theater. Miller’s book is the best I’ve ever read.

There isn’t much you’d call reference for modelers, though his descriptions of events and vignettes suggests dioramas ‘till the hot place freezes over. What it will give, you though, is an amazing depth and breadth of knowledge about the 8th Air Forces’ campaign. Miller’s historiography is solidly rooted in 114 pages of footnotes and bibliography. His use of the English language is sublime (though I did find a few piddling editing errors). His apprecation for the tribulations of the bomber crews and the people beneath their bombs is exquisite.

Now, if you’re a bee twentyfour type, or interested in the 9 or 15th Air Forces, this won’t have much for you. Those organizations are mentioned, and there is some coverage of 8th Fighter command, but the book could have been titled, “B-17 operations of the 8th Air Force.”

Remember what the newspaper ads said about “Saving Private Ryan?” “…a work of staggering virtuosity…” Well, in my opinion, that fits Miller’s book pretty well.

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Sounds like an intersting book. I will have to get. I just finished reading Clash of Eagles, USAAF 8th Air Force versus the Luftwaffe in World War 2. It’s by Martin Bowman and was published last. Have you read it yet. It’s a very good book as it tells the story by bomber and fighter crew members.

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I’ve read part 2 of Bowman’s work on B-17 units in the 8th AF, but have not seen “Clash of Eagles.” I’ll have to watch for it. Is it available at the usual book stores? I love books that interweave oral history with documentary, and I like Bowman’s style.

FWIW, I sent Miller an email, congratulating him on a fine book, and received a short but gracious reply.

Peter Townsend wrote a book called “Duel of Eagles,” about the Battle of Britian, that has been another of my favorites.

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I just got my first book about Gabreski. Its a fascinating story _authobiography. I saw a movie about him on “Legends of Airpower” (Military channel). It is pretty exciting how he struggled while in pilot’s training.

The book is: “Gabby - the fighter pilot’s life”

A lot of picturs but not enough from early days in Pearl Harbour :frowning: - I thought I will be able to build a P-40 he used while being there.

Greg