WILD BLUE 741 Squadron -- On a Wing and Prayer Over Occupied Europe by Stephen E Ambrose (Pocket Books £6.99) brings to life the extraordinary men who volunteered to join the American Air Force and undertook some of the most demanding and dangerous jobs in World War Two.
Suffering casualties of more than 50 per cent, air supremacy was crucial to the Allied attacks across Europe. Strategic bombing across Germany's oil refineries severely depleted German industries and transportation. By January 1945 Germany had been almost paralysed economically, and by April she was ruined.
By focusing on the men of the 741st Bomb Squadron in particular, the crew of the Dakota Queen, under bomber pilot George McGovern aged 22, Stephen Ambrose navigates an extraordinary account of heroism, courage and honour.
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