In the aftermath of World War II; the Continental Air Command was redesignated as the Strategic Air Command (SAC) as part of a plan to organize the Army Air Forces around three new organizations based on strategic; tactical and air defense missions. Nearly everything about the SAC was secretive—its capabilities; strengths; order of battle and unit identities. Its aircraft were rarely photographed and those images that were captured revealed little information. This book comprehensively documents SAC tactical aircraft markings from the organization’s inception in 1946 to the end of the tail-marking era in April 1953; a period when the marking schemes included large tail markings; vivid squadron identification markings and attractive; colorful unit insignia. The SAC’s history is described along with the evolution of its aircraft markings policy; basic definitions on aircraft markings terminology; and individual unit sections on SAC’s bombardment; strategic reconnaissance and fighter groups and wings. The text is heavily illustrated and features many never before seen photographs of SAC aircraft in full war paint.
#4173489 in Books McFarland Company 2001-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .76 x 7.29 x 10.34l; #File Name: 0786411228219 pages
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy TONY F. SANCHEZ JRbest book5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Excellent regimental historyBy BomojazThomas Parson here relates the story of the five companies of men recruited from California (the only ones from that state to fight in the East) that made up almost half of the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry regiment; in so doing he actually gives the history of the entire regiment. Originally a single company was raised from the Bear Flag State; and they were known as The California Hundred (100 men = one company). After they arrived in Boston; it was found difficult to raise additional companies there; so the governor of Massachusetts requested from California additional recruits. In a short while; 400 men were recruited and were on their way (by ship via the Isthmus of Panama) to join their fellow Californians.They were led by Col. Charles Russell Lowell of the famous Lowell family of Boston. A highly regarded officer and leader of men; he died from wounds received at Cedar Creek in the Shenandoah Valley in 1864. Parson traces the proceedings of the 2nd MA Cavalry from its formation through all their engagements; including actions in the northern Shenandoah in 1862 against Mosby; scouting and pickett duty just west of Washington; and; after being assigned to Sheridan's Army of the Shenandoah; much action throughout the Valley in 1864. After witnessing the surrender at Appomattox; the regiment was mustered out. It was a little depressing to learn that; in typical government fashion; Washington at first refused to pay for the regiment's return home to Californian until a lawyer brought suit for the men. Three months later; the government relented and paid. I wonder how many men couldn't or wouldn't wait the three months and went home on their own? Even more; I wonder how many took the overland route (Oregon-California Trail) rather than going by ship?Parson's narrative is interesting and well told. He has researched deeply and cites frequently from diaries and letters written by the soldiers. His account is detailed and authoritative; but contains much of human interest as well. It's another excellent regimental history in the McFarland series. Highly recommended.
