To War with the Yoxford Boys: The Complete Story of the 357th Fighter Group

Flight Journal, Jun 2005 by DeGroat, Robert S

To War with the Yoxford Boys: The Complete Story of the 357th Fighter Group by M/Sgt. Merle C. Olmsted, USAF (Ret.); 376 pages; Illustrated; $64.95 (Standard); $245 (Special Edition).

There are many books out on the fighter units of the Mighty Eighth, and the 357th Fighter Group is no exception. They had their share of outstanding pilots, with names like Anderson, Hayes, Peterson, Weaver and Yeager. It didn't hurt that they all flew the P-51 Mustang over Europe, either.

But after 60 years, can anything new be found on this legendary group? Surprisingly, the answer is "yes." Here is the final word on the 357th Fighter Group written by group historian Merle Olmsted. This unit history, titled "To War with the Yoxford Boys: The Complete Story of the 357th Fighter Group" is one of the few truly complete histories of a WW II Mustang group that has ever been published.

It covers the forming of the group, its training days, combat in Europe and even includes its continued legacy in the form of present-day Warbirds painted in 357th colors. There are listings from the official mission reports, monthly statistical and operational reports, the pilot's individual encounter reports and Missing Air Crew Reports. Olmsted merges many personal accounts with official history to provide a tremendous overview of what made the 357th Fighter Group what it was.

The book is a marvelous testament to the men and machines of the 357th. It is beautifully written, and the men of that unit are justifiably proud of the effort. This book will undoubtedly become a WW II fighter op classic. Don't miss out.

-Robert S. DeGroat