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B 24 Liberators of the 15th Air Force 49th Bomb Wing in World War II 1st Edition by Michael D Hill, John R Beitling ISBN 0764324233 9780764324239

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B 24 Liberators of the 15th Air Force 49th Bomb Wing in World War II 1st Edition Michael D. Hill & John R. Beitling Digital Instant Download

Author(s): Michael D. Hill & John R. Beitling
ISBN(s): 9780764324239, 0764324233
Edition: 1
File Details: PDF, 25.23 MB
Year: 2006
Language: english
SKU: EB-55139932 Category: Tag:

B 24 Liberators of the 15th Air Force 49th Bomb Wing in World War II 1st Edition by Michael D Hill, John R Beitling – Ebook PDF Instant Download/Delivery: 0764324233, 9780764324239
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ISBN 10: 0764324233 
ISBN 13: 9780764324239
Author: Michael D Hill, John R Beitling

The first in a planned series that presents the B-24 Liberators used by the 15th Air Force in World War II, noted B-24 historians Robert Beitling and Mike Hill present for the first time the biographies of the individual B-24s used by the 451st, 461st and 484th Bomb Groups of the 49th Bomb Wing in Italy. As much information as is known about the individual aircraft is presented in biographical form: serial number, nickname, how the aircraft received its nickname, number of missions, original aircraft for the groups, and the ultimate fate of the aircraft. The volume will be of interest to historians, veterans and those who are interested in the B-24s that flew in the flak filled skies of the Third Reich.

B 24 Liberators of the 15th Air Force 49th Bomb Wing in World War II 1st Table of contents:

Chapter 1: Genesis of a Wing: Formation and Training

  • The activation and organization of the 49th Bomb Wing.
  • Recruitment and training of aircrews and ground personnel in the United States.
  • The B-24 Liberator: Technical overview and operational characteristics.
  • Preparation for overseas deployment.

Chapter 2: The Journey to War: Deployment to the Mediterranean

  • The transatlantic ferry flights to the European Theater of Operations (ETO) and then to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO).
  • Establishing bases in Italy (e.g., Puglia region, around Foggia).
  • Initial challenges of living and operating in a combat zone.

Chapter 3: The Strategic Bombing Campaign Begins: Early Missions and Targets

  • The strategic objectives of the 15th Air Force.
  • Initial bombing raids: targets in Austria, Germany, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe.
  • Encountering enemy defenses: Flak and fighter opposition.

Chapter 4: The Oil Campaign and Key Industrial Targets

  • Focus on the critical oil refineries (e.g., Ploesti) and their strategic importance.
  • Accounts of particularly dangerous and costly missions.
  • Bombing industrial centers, transportation hubs, and military installations.

Chapter 5: Life on the Base: Daily Routine and Morale

  • Life for aircrews and ground personnel between missions.
  • Living conditions, recreation, and challenges of maintaining morale.
  • The role of support personnel.

Chapter 6: The Human Element: Crew Experiences and Personal Stories

  • First-hand accounts from pilots, co-pilots, navigators, bombardiers, gunners, and ground crew.
  • Stories of camaraderie, fear, loss, and resilience.
  • The psychological impact of sustained combat.

Chapter 7: Combat Operations and Tactics: Evolving Strategies

  • Development of bombing formations and tactics.
  • Escort fighter protection and its effectiveness.
  • Evolution of enemy defenses.
  • Specific examples of missions, successes, and failures.

Chapter 8: Air Battles and Losses

  • Detailed accounts of aerial engagements with Luftwaffe fighters.
  • The high casualty rates among bomber crews.
  • Evading capture, POW experiences, and escape and evasion.

Chapter 9: The Final Push: Missions in 1945 and Victory

  • The continuing bombing campaign as the war approached its end.
  • Contribution to the final defeat of the Axis powers.
  • Transition from combat to redeployment.

Chapter 10: Legacy and Remembrance

  • The sacrifices made by the 49th Bomb Wing personnel.
  • Post-war recognition and reunions.
  • The enduring legacy of the B-24 and the strategic bombing campaign.

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Tags: Michael D Hill, John R Beitling, Liberators, Air Force