Woodbine Red Leader: A P-51 Mustang Ace in the Mediterranean Theater

Flight Journal, Apr 2005

Woodbine Bed Leader: A P-51 Mustang Ace in the Mediterranean Theater by Lt. Gen George G. Loving, USAF (Ret.). Ballantine Books; 292 pages; illustrated; $6.99.

Like so many before it, this book is a compilation of one WW II fighter pilot's experiences. Two things, however, set this one apart: it is about an American pilot who flew Spitfires before the P-51 Mustang was readily available, and this pilot served with the lesser-known 15th Air Force in Italy.

George Loving flew 151 missions with the 31st Fighter Group-the highestscoring unit in the Mediterranean theater and fifth overall. Loving became a career officer with 37 years in the postwar Air Force. He retired in 1979 with the rank of lieutenant general.

His experiences with the 31st provide absorbing reading. Loving entered flight training as an aviation cadet in March 1942 and earned his pilot wings in 1943. By the time he had finished flying combat, he had completed 101 missions in Spitfires over such legendary places as Cassino and Anzio. Mustang operations as an escort for the heavy bombers that headed into Southern Europe and parts of Southern Germany formed the bulk of his remaining missions. Of particular interest is his participation in Operation Frantic, the flawed shuttle missions using Russian airfields.

Loving writes well, so readers can fully appreciate what it was like to fly life-anddeath missions nearly every day. His progression is fascinating to observe as he grows from an inexperienced, second lieutenant wingman into a confident captain who was able to lead the whole group in combat.

Autographed copies are available from the author for $10; send a check or a money order to 5211 Patriots' Colony Dr., Williamsburg, VA 23188.