Formed around a nucleus of pilots already seasoned by their experience as volunteers in the RAFs Eagle Squadrons, the 4th Fighter Group was established in England in October 1942. Initially flying Spitfires, the Debden Eagles went on to fly the P-47 and P-51, becoming, in July 1943, the first Eighth Air Force fighter group to penetrate German air space. The groups record of 583 air and 469 ground victories was unmatched in the Eighth Air Force, and the group produced a cast of characters that included legendary aces Don Blakeslee, Pierce McKennon, Kid Hofer, Duane Beeson, Steve Pisanos and Howard Hively. Involved in the D-Day landings, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge and the crossing of the Rhine, the groups achievements came at a high price, with a 42 percent casualty rate. Packed with first-hand accounts, detailed aircraft profiles and full combat histories, this book is an intriguing insight into the best-known American fighter unit in World War II.

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: From Eagle Squadrons to AAF

Chapter 2: The Rugged Jug

Chapter 3: Mustang Stampede

Chapter 4: Close Support from 'Little Friends'

Chapter 5: Winning the Winter Skies

Chapter 6: Hastening the Luftwaffe's Collapse

Appendices