Drawn from the files of English, American, New Zealand, Australian and Canadian sources, as well as from veterans, this is the story of Lockheeds Lucky Star the marvelous Ventura! Fashioned from the Lockheed Model 18 airliner, the Ventura went on to fight on nearly every World War II battlefront as a penetration bomber, anti-submarine patrol aircraft, reconnaissance bomber, and even nightfighter.
Focusing on the 8th Photo Squadron's critical role in World War II, the book chronicles its operations starting in April 1942 with just four Lockheed F-4 Lightnings. It highlights the squadron's challenges, including harsh weather and equipment failures, while providing essential aerial reconnaissance across the Southwest Pacific. Covering significant campaigns and battles, the narrative is enriched by over 500 previously unpublished photographs and new insights from the squadron's annotated diary, showcasing its vital contributions to the American war effort.
World War II. Tells the epic story of the 475th Fighter Group from combat reports, offical American, Australian, and Japanese documents, and from interviews and conversations with the veterans themselves.
Featuring illustrations depicting P-38 models from the E to the H-5 previously not known to the general public, unpublished photographs and new data, this volume presents an account of some of these lesser known aces.