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332nd Fighter Group: Tuskegee Airmen (Aviation Elite Units, 24) Paperback – January 10, 2007

by Chris Bucholtz (Author), Jim Laurier (Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 42 ratings
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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), 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 success 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.

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  1. Print length
    128 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Osprey Publishing
  4. Publication date
    January 10, 2007
  5. Dimensions
    7.2 x 0.3 x 9.8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1846030447
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1846030444
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Over in England, Osprey just keeps cranking out high-quality aviation books under the editorship of Tony Holmes... [This book is in] Osprey's Aviation Elite Units series and features the usual blend of concise text, good quality black and white photos, and numerous color profiles... [This volume] on the all-black 332nd Fighter Group gives a good look into the formation of the outfit and how it trained for combat... There are lots of good photos and stories of the Group in action... recommended.” ―Jim Larsen, Mustangs International

“Aviation Elite Unit books are a departure from the usual Aircraft of the Aces ... and focus on units and their histories instead of specific planes and fronts. The Tuskegee book discusses the humble beginnings of the first all 'Negro' fighter squadron despite the discrimination common at that time. Air war enthusiasts will find [this book] enjoyable and interesting to read ... the color plates are invaluable references when painting [P-51] aircrafts.” ―Michael Koznarsky, Historical Miniature Gamer (Issue 11)

“...covers a Tuskegee Experiment designed to prove that Afro-Americans were not capable of flying combat aircraft: an experiment which created one of aviation's top units... Their saga comes to life, here.” ―Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Chris Bucholtz embarked on a writing career after a six-year stint in the US Navy. His books include bestselling titles for Osprey's AEU and ACE series. He has written about military aviation for Aviation Enthusiast, Flight Journal and Scale Aircraft Modelling. An avid scale modeller, he is the managing editor of the IPMS/USA Journal, and runs his own scale model detail parts company, Obscureco. Chris, a California native, lives with his wife Elizabeth and his daughter Amelia in Alameda.

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974–78, and since graduating with Honours, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Osprey Publishing; First Edition (January 10, 2007)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1846030447
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1846030444
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.2 x 0.3 x 9.8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 42 ratings

About the author

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Chris Bucholtz

Chris Bucholtz

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The grandson of a WWII B-25 crewman and a chemist at the Ford Willow Run B-24 plant, I was doomed to be interested in aircraft and aviation. I started a career in technology journalism in the mid-1990s, and worked as an editor at publications including Telephony, VARBusiness, HP World, Semiconductor Manufacturing and InsideCRM. I still work as a technology writer, serving as content marketing manager for a major cloud software vendor.

It wasn't until I invited a former B-17 pilot on a press flight in a restored Flying Fortress in 2002 that I realized how important documenting the past was. That pilot shared his story with me and it became an article; other former flyers followed and eventually I won the opportunity to write the book on the Tuskegee Airmen I always wanted to read.

My career and the timing of my life was fortuitous - any younger, and I would have missed the chance to talk to the WWII generation. In a different profession, I would have lacked the skills to interview and record their stories. I consider myself very lucky!

I still build models, and I'm the managing editor of the International Plastic Modelers Society Journal. But now, my models tend to depict the planes flown by the people I meet and write about!

My next book, "Thunderbolts Triumphant," is the result of a model decal sheet I researched for the 1998 IPMS/USA National Convention and Model Contest. After more than 20 years of work, this book is the first really in-depth look at an extraordinary USAAF unit. I'm very proud to have been entrusted by so many veterans of the group with their stories.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
42 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the narrative well-written, informative, and balanced. They appreciate the wonderful full-color illustrations and photos. Readers describe the book as easy to read and concise.

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Narrative qualityIllustrationsReadability
9 customers mention "Narrative quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the narrative quality of the book well-researched, informative, and balanced. They say it's a fascinating, exciting chronicle of some very brave men. Readers also appreciate the good anecdotes, statistics, and model markings/liveries. Overall, they describe the book as concise and comprehensive.

"For all its 128 pages, this book provides a concise and comprehensive account of the United States Army Air Force's (USAAF) 332nd Fighter Group's..." Read more

"...Author Chris Bucholtz' narrative is a finely balanced effort showcasing the Group's aerial combats - and fighter bomber missions - while..." Read more

"...detailed history yet the author does bring together a concise, complete history, often citing other sources and interviews to add important detail..." Read more

"...The text is well-organized and easy-reading, and the book is liberally sprinkled with black and white photos...." Read more

5 customers mention "Illustrations"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the illustrations in the book wonderful, appropriate, and well-chosen. They appreciate the large number of illustrations and pictures. Readers also mention the color profiles are helpful and the model markings are complete.

"...This book also has a large number of photos and illustrations which any aviation enthusiast and model builder will love. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED." Read more

"...The photographs are well chosen to illustrate the text and many of the pilots and ground crew are included. The color profiles are very helpful...." Read more

"...well-organized and easy-reading, and the book is liberally sprinkled with black and white photos...." Read more

"Always readable and well illustrated, Osprey books provide details and specifics in one volume that satisfy the beginner or the specialist...." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-organized, easy to read, and concise. They also appreciate the complete history.

"...as a highly detailed history yet the author does bring together a concise, complete history, often citing other sources and interviews to add..." Read more

"...The text is well-organized and easy-reading, and the book is liberally sprinkled with black and white photos...." Read more

"Always readable and well illustrated, Osprey books provide details and specifics in one volume that satisfy the beginner or the specialist...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

KOMET
5.0 out of 5 stars IN TRIBUTE TO THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2014
Verified Purchase
For all its 128 pages, this book provides a concise and comprehensive account of the United States Army Air Force's (USAAF) 332nd Fighter Group's outstanding combat record in Europe during the Second World War.

Prior to the 332nd Fighter Group's deployment to Italy in 1944, there was the 99th Pursuit (Fighter) Squadron. It was established in 1941 after the U.S. Army yielded to political and public pressure and allowed its creation to provide African Americans with the opportunity to fly and fight, refuting the then prevailing racist belief that African Americans were incapable of flying modern combat aircraft. This book goes into some detail in relating the obstacles placed before the 99th Fighter Squadron, both stateside and in its subsequent deployment in North Africa (April 1943), Sicily, and Italy flying battle-weary P-40 fighters.

The 332nd Fighter Group flew a variety of fighters in combat --- from the P-40, the P-39 Airacobra (mainly on coastal patrol missions in early 1944), the P-47 Thunderbolt, to the P-51 Mustang, which it used superbly in the role of long-range fighter escort to many of the bomber units in the 15th Air Force, USAAF. (The 332nd Fighter Group also earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for the 1,600 mile mission on March 24th, 1945 to Berlin, where it provided bomber escort for the 5th Bomber Wing and shot down 3 Messerschmitt 262 jet fighters.) This book also has a large number of photos and illustrations which any aviation enthusiast and model builder will love. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
2 people found this helpful
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Mike O'Connor
5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful History of a Pioneer Fighter Group!
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2007
Verified Purchase
The black airmen who comprised the 332nd Fighter Group fought two enemies in World War II - Axis fliers and bigoted American military commanders who believed blacks were only fit for menial tasks. That the "Red Tails" not only survived but thrived reflects greatly on men who served in the group and especially on its lone wartime commander, Benjamin O. Davis. The story of the 332nd's two-front war is told in this excellent Osprey 'Aviation Elite Units' volume by Chris Bucholtz.

The racism that was rampant in America was reflected in the top American leadership, SecWar Stimson stating that Negroes did not possess leadership abilities. If not for the efforts of President Roosevelt and his wife, blacks may indeed have been relegated to staffing mess halls in World War II.

Eventually the all-black 99th FS, commanded by Capt. Davis, was formed and entered combat in the MTO in June 1943 flying P-40s. Attached to the 33rd FG, the 99th turned in a commendable performance yet 33rd FG CO William Momyer & higher 12th AF commanders actively schemed against the unit and even misrepresented its achievements in official documents. Davis was forced to return stateside and testify before a Congressional committee. Following a comprehensive investigation of all MTO P-40 units, Davis and his squadron were vindicated. The 99th was later transferred to the 15th AF and joined into the all-black 332nd FG. Known as the "Red-Tails," the 332nd, equipped with P-51s and led by now-Col. Davis, ran up an outstanding record on bomber escort missions, claims being made that the Group never lost a bomber to enemy action while under their care. By war's end the Tuskegee Airmen had racked up over 400 e/a destroyed including 119 air kills, and earned a DUC. Almost 100 black airmen became POWs or were KIA.

Author Chris Bucholtz' narrative is a finely balanced effort showcasing the Group's aerial combats - and fighter bomber missions - while underscoring the dogged determination of Davis & Co. to prove that black airmen were equal to the task. Unlike other 'Aviation Elite Unit' books which basically relate the combat history of a unit, this volume also gives you a glimpse of the social history of the times these men lived in. Over 100 black and white photographs and eight pages of top-notch Jim Laurier color profiles compliment the text.

All in all, a fascinating, exciting chronicle of some very brave, determined men and their tough-as-nails commander.
16 people found this helpful
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Charles
5.0 out of 5 stars A good, basic history, well illustrated
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2012
Verified Purchase
This series is not intended as a highly detailed history yet the author does bring together a concise, complete history, often citing other sources and interviews to add important detail to the text. The photographs are well chosen to illustrate the text and many of the pilots and ground crew are included. The color profiles are very helpful. The 332nd had a variety of markings and a great many variations. This book will be helpful to those who wish to read a complete, to-the-point history that is appropriately illustrated. Scale modelers will find the book especially helpful. Yes, there have been a few corrections to some of the generally held beliefs about the 332nd since this book was published. But over-all, these do not detract from the well-researched, well-written history presented by the author.
2 people found this helpful
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John A. Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars 332nd Fighter Group - Tuskegee Airmen (Aviation Elite Units)
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2012
Verified Purchase
There is currently an overwhelming number of books on the Tuskegee Airmen, and unless you're intent on becoming an expert on the subject, you probably just want a good overview. If you're only going to read (or own) one book on the Tuskegee Airmen, then this is the one I recommend. It is typical of Osprey books, but this one is a little "meatier" than most. The text is well-organized and easy-reading, and the book is liberally sprinkled with black and white photos. The added bonus, as in all Osprey aviation books, is the center spread with color side-profile paintings of many of the aircraft the 332nd flew.

The price is reasonable and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Luciano Leone
5.0 out of 5 stars Ottimo!
Reviewed in Italy on December 12, 2021
Verified Purchase
Ottimo testo, ottimi profili degli aerei. Foto non chiarissime!
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roscoe l raven
5.0 out of 5 stars WW2 courage.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 29, 2019
Verified Purchase
Very good, interesting book.
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salford girl
5.0 out of 5 stars Husband loved it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 20, 2013
Verified Purchase
My husband is hard to buy books for but this really hit the spot. He only likes true stories of arial combat. I've no idea why it's good I don't read them
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Christopher Lalor
4.0 out of 5 stars At last !! some detailed information about this fighter group
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 14, 2009
Verified Purchase
A well written and produced book covering the history of this legendary fighter group. The only all black US Army Air Force unit to see actual combat, the 332nd was ground breaking not only because of it's racial implications but also for it's policy of strict adherence to the tasks it was assigned. Created almost by presidential whim, the Tuskegee airmen probably experienced the toughest non combat tests ever faced by US servicemen, anywhere, so great was the prejudice they had to deal with . This book gives the reader all the facts of their accomplishments from start to finish. The book is packed with rare photographs and some splendid colour illustrations, ideal for the enthusiast or studied amateur. If you're a model maker this book will allow you to choose from 20 plus different versions of aircraft flown by the group, including the rarely seen Bell P-39 Airacobra. Full of facts and statistics of their combats missions and air to air kills, the book is a real must for anybody wanting to know about this unit.
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