About This Book

Noted author and historian Barrett Tillman has complied yet again another literary masterpiece. This time devoted exclusively to US Marine fighting squadrons in World War II. The US Marine Corps aviation recently celebrated its centennial in 2012. During the last 100 years ‘the flying leathernecks’ have enjoyed a rich heritage of bravery and excellence. Exploring this, Barrett Tillman steps up and delivers factual accounts from the best known Marine aviators such as Greg ‘Pappy’ Boyington, Joe Foss and many more. Tillman also included a wartime interview of Boyington. Through these recollections you’ll learn about the caliber of the men that defended our freedom in clear and honest recollections. These guys were as tough as nails. Their presence in the Pacific helped lead the US to victory against the mighty Japanese Empire by cutting off their aggressive stranglehold. These Marines flew fearless combat mission with what some called the worst aircraft of World War II and the ill fated Brewster Buffalo. And while their favorite aircraft, the F4U Corsair, is spotlighted, this book covers all fighter types flown. The stories are incredible and the B&W photographic collection is remarkable to say the least. The author includes several who’s who lists of the aces, achievements and awards.

My copy was of nice quality, it’s well bound and clearly printed. The photos are beautifully reproduced on higher quality glossy photo-paper.

Contents

• Prologue
• The Fighters
• Armament
• US Marine Corps Fighter Aviation in World War II- An Overview
• US Marine Corps Fighter Squadrons Deployed During World War II
• Biographies
• Medal of Honor Citations
• Who is the Leading Marine Ace?
• The Combat Stratery and Tactics of Maj Gregory Boyington
• Wartime Interview with Capt J.J. Foss
• List of Illustrations

Appendices

• Top 20 US Marine Corps Fighting Squadrons
• Top Squadrons by Aircraft
• US Marine Corps Medal of Honor Fighter Pilots
• The Aces
• Aces per Squadron
• US Marine Double Aces
• First 25 US Marine Corps Aces
• Leading US Marine Corps Ace in a Day
• Carrier Fighter Squadron Victory Totals
• Top-Scoring US Marine Corps Carrier Pilots
• US Marine Corps Aces who Died in World War II
• Aces by Aircraft
• Leading US Marine Corps Pilots by Aircraft type
• US Marine Corps Night Fighter Squadron Scores
• Top US Marine Corps Night Fighter Pilots
• Highest Daily Fighter Claims
• Highest Squadron Daily Claims
• Miscellany
• US Marine Corps Fighter Squadrons deployed during World War II (six month intervals)
• Deployed US Marine Corps Fighter Squadrons of World War II
• Non-Deployed US Marine Corps Fighter Squadrons of World War II
• Current US Marine Corps Fighter and Attack Squadrons with World War II Heritage
• Selected World War II Aviation Airfields
• Selected Sources
• Index

Bottom Line

It’s a must read for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps history buff. It’s full of great information that will aid the purest scale modeler wanting to build an accurate U.S. Marine fighter airplane with a story. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Thanks to Osprey Publishing and IPMS for the opportunity to present such a fine book.