32 CoPilots

About the Book

With a primary wartime goal to weaken the enemy through strategic bombing key assets, the England based 8^th Air Force, nevertheless, flew tactical missions against troop concentrations as well as bridges, rail lines and canals to interdict supply. With the Allies in France after D-Day, the 8^th flew low-level missions to re-supply paratroops dropped behind enemy lines, to supply our own troops on the Continent with fuel, munitions and supplies, and, the local populace with food. The story includes over 100 photos, charts, etc. plus the names of over 700 men and women involved, many of whom tell their own personal tales of accomplishment to defeat the enemy, to keep the planes flying or to just survive, plus, interesting sketches of life both on and off the base in wartime England, Ireland and Scotland.

While the book covers parts of Spring, Summer and Fall of 1944, the 492^nd Bomb Group ceased operations after August 7^th due to high losses. "No bomb group in World War II lost as many aircraft and crew members in a three month period"* The remaining crews were dispersed and the survivors tell their stories from their new stations. Some wre shot down and returned; others became prisoners, some of which escaped. Many of the 700 men and women tell their own personal, often incredible, histories. Once you start reading, you'll have to finish the story. It's just that engrossing.

*December 14^th, 1994 letter to U.S. Senator Bob Dole from Lt. Col. Beth A. Unklesbay USAF, Office to the Secretary, Department of the Air Force.

About the Author

A wartime warrior only, the author waited five years after retiring to work on the history. Despite this, the story includes the names and deeds of over 700 men and women, many of whom tell their own personal tales of accomplishment to defeat the enemy, keep the planes flying and to survive both war and life in wartime England.