The Men Who Killed the Luftwaffe

by Jay A. Stout

Stackpole Books

Reviewed by Mick Evans

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Jay Stout is a retired U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot with 20 years of service.  He flew 37 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm and is now a senior aviation analyst for a leading defence corporation.

On the 2nd July 1942 the US Eighth Air Force had just three combat aircraft stationed in the UK; by 8th May 1945 the US Army Air Force (USAAF) was operating more than 17,000 aircraft in Europe and the Mediterranean.  How did an air force that began World War II with just 1600 aircraft deliver the final blow to the mighty Luftwaffe?

In his account of “The Men Who Killed the Luftwaffe” Jay Stout presents an illuminating and comprehensive account of the birth of the USAAF from its humble beginnings as the U.S Army Air Corps to its triumphant victory over the formidable Luftwaffe.  In his book Stout pays tribute to the hundreds of thousands of ‘unsung eagles’ who made up the air force, weaving their first hand accounts into his detailed exploration of the strategy and doctrine behind the USAAF.

From training at home to combat units overseas, Stout has produced a captivating narrative that seeks to analyse both the men and the machines behind the USAAF.  The book is as spell binding as it is authoritative, never before has there been such a detailed work on the USAAF.

The book contains 401 pages which includes 84 black and white period photographs many of which I have not seen before.

This is a compelling compilation from Jay Stout that enlightens the reader into the air war struggle over Europe and the life and death battle faced every day by the pilots on both sides.  Jay’s previous books include Hornet over Kuwait, Fortress Ploesti and Hammer from Above.

Thanks to Casemate Publishing for this review sample.

Review Copyright © 2011 by Mick Evans
This Page Created on 12 July, 2011
Last updated 12 July, 2011

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