History of a fighter group

Air Classics, Oct 2003 by Hulett, George

World War Two action over Europe

Latest in Schiffer's growing series of unit histories, The 370th Fighter Group in WWII by Jay Jones is a worthy addition (Schiffer 610-5934777, $59.95). The history of the 370th FG is conveyed in the words and photographs of the veterans.

Organized in 1943 and equipped with Republic P-47 Thunderbolts, when the group arrived in England in early 1944 they were assigned to the 9th Air Force and converted to Lockheed Lightnings. The 370th was involved in every major Allied offensive from D-Day onward.

The squadrons of the 370th supported Operation Cobra, flew missions over the Falaise Gap, and flew cover over Operation Market Garden.

The 370th's base near Florennes, Belgium, was almost overrun during the Battle of the Bulge Iand on missions after the weather cleared, the men could actually watch from the base as their Lightnings made dive-bombing runs on the German armored columns.

During March 1945, the group converted to North American Mustangs - just in time to fly cover missions for Operation Varsity - the crossing of the Rhine River. Very well-printed, this history is loaded with first-hand accounts and many interesting photographs previously unpublished. A must for the WWII buff.