Reconnaissance paved the way

NEW ITEMS FOR THE AVIATION ENTHUSIAST

Combat recon and the invasion of Germany

With the Lockheed F-4/F-5 Lightning and the North American F-6 Mustang, the United States Army Air Force had an excellent force of photo-recon aircraft to guide the invasion of Europe, leading to victory over Germany. Pattern's Eyes in the Sky by Tom Ivie (Specialty Press 800-8954585, $44.95) is a new book that details the 10th Photo Recon Group and its tactical reconnaissance missions over northwest Europe during 1944-45.

These photo fighters were the "first on D-Day and the last on V-E Day" as they flew hazardous missions at very low level to capture the invasion beaches on film and then to guide Allied armies into the heart of Germany.

Using archival material and interviews with veterans, the author has created the ultimate reference of the 10th PRG and its Mustangs, Lightnings, and little-known Douglas F-3A Havocs (used for night missions). The 10th PRG also had more aces than any other similar group. The text is backed with 250 photographs (many never published) and 15 pages of excellent profile color artwork by Tom Tullis. The book also has numerous appendices that outline various subjects including just how aerial photos were taken, tactics, aerial victories, markings, etc. An excellent book for any WWII enthusiast.

Copyright Challenge Publications Inc. Nov 2003
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved