Volume IV of the Battle Colors© series concludes the examination of USAAF combat insignia and aircraft tactical markings in the European Theater during WWII. Covered within this work are the Ninth; Twelfth; and Fifteenth AAFs from the first to last combat operations by U.S. air power in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. These operations were extensive and covered territory extending from the sands of North Africa to the heartland of Germany; and from the shores of French Morocco to the oil fields of Romania. Combat units covered include both Day and Night fighters; Bombers; Troop Transports; and Reconnaissance and Special Operations groups/squadrons.All combat units assigned or attached to either of the three AAFs are covered within this work; utilizing over 1;123 full color illustrations and wartime photos. These depict every currently known AAF group/squadron insignia belonging to the Air Forces being examined. Included are both official and unofficial combat insignia; in addition to many designs that were superseded by later images. Wartime photos showing common applications of these unit insignia are interspersed throughout the text.Aircraft tactical markings are depicted via original full color illustrations; showing full and close-up profiles in addition to upper elevation views when appropriate. All known Theater airfield assignment locations and dates are detailed with color area maps included within each respective units section; and are all fully indexed for ease of reference in the back of the book. Reader-friendly "Group Markings" and "Group/Squadron Code" visual indexes are also included to assist research into specific AAF units.Additional topics addressed include the evolution of U.S. AAC/AAF national markings; combat mission markings; and basis airframe nomenclature.Those familiar with Volume III of this series (which deals exclusively with the Ninth USAAF) may wonder initially whether the inclusion of the Ninth in this current work is a rehash of material covered in Volume III. It is not! Volume IV deals with the same subject matter; but at an earlier period of the Ninth AAFs deployment in the MTO; prior to redeployment of this unit to the UK; from which point Volume III picks up.Next in the Battle Colors© series (Volume V) will shift focus to the Pacific Theater of Operations. This work will examine the insignia and tactical markings of the Fifth; Tenth; Eleventh; and Thirteenth USAAFs.
#2804155 in Books Schiffer Publishing; Ltd. 1997-07-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.16 x 1.10 x 8.68l; 3.75 #File Name: 0764302728264 pages
Review
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A Good CollectionBy Daniel WaltimireI have no doubt that this book was indeed a labor of love for its writer as he claims. Further he has achieved his stated intention to help preserve and honor the memory of the B-29 and; more importantly those who took it to war; through the publication of previously unseen photographs the writer painstakingly assembled. That said the book's text (including captions) reads like a first draft and its format is rather awkward. The editor must have either been very busy or asleep at the switch when this was run past him.The primary subject of the book's photos is B-29s serving in the Pacific in WW-2; with lesser coverage of the bomber's earlier service in the CBI theater and little on its extensive (and important) post WW-2 career. It is also not a book which seeks to detail the B-29; its history; or the tactics it's crews employed in war - though it makes no claim to that end.Physically the book is well made and well printed - important to we old timers who still seek to archive our interests with physical artifacts! Of course it is thus also a bit pricey.In spite of its failings and limitations; if you are a B-29 or a 20th Air Force enthusiast you will want to add it to your collection.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. GreatBy CustomerI got this because my grand dad; who is passed away now; flew B-29's in world war II and e was stationed on guam.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Know what you're buying...By J. PetraskaProbably the most valuable thing I can do for prospective purchasers of this book is to explain exactly what it is. This book consists almost entirely of photographs and captions; most of which are nose art. Most chapters are dedicated to a specific bombardment wing; and start with a short (< 1 page) description of its activation; group and squadron make-up; and eventual deactivation. After that; what follows is a listing of each individual aircraft in that wing by name; serial number; group/squadron; markings; and final disposition. Sometimes there is also a short description of an event of particular interest to that aircraft.This is not a book for someone who wants to read about the history or operations of the B-29 Superfortress. This is a highly-illustrated reference book. However; it is an very comprehensive collection of wartime B-29 photographs; and that's where I think this book's true value lies. If that's what you're looking for; then this is the book for you. If you want to read history; however; look elsewhere.
