Books about the 4th Fighter Group and Eagle Squadrons
1000 Destroyed: The Life and Times of the 4th Fighter Group
By Grover C. Hall, Jr. Perhaps the best fighter group memoir ever written, Montgomery Advertiser editor Hall was the group's PR officer during the war. Focusing on the larger-than-life personalities within the group as opposed to operational details, Hall gives the reader an intimate look at the atmosphere and what life was like at Debden. Beyond the mission reports, Hall gives the reader a sense of how these guys felt - not just what they did. Hall perfectly captures the zeitgeist of the 4th Fighter Group. Originally published in 1946, and again in 1961, 1964 (reprint of 1961 edition) and 1978.
Aero Publishers, Inc. Fallbrook, California 1978, ISBN 0-8168-5004-6 , Hardcover 384 pages
out of print, but readily available online or at used bookstores
Aero Publishers, Inc. Fallbrook, California 1978, ISBN 0-8168-5004-6 , Hardcover 384 pages
out of print, but readily available online or at used bookstores
Published by Grover C. Hall, 1946 Printed by Brown Printing, Montgomery, Alabama
First edition, Hardcover 332 pages out of print, but occasionally available online or at used bookstores |
Published by Morgan Aviation Books Dallas, Texas 1961 LCC 46-20744
Second edition, Hardcover 286 pages out of print, but occasionally available online or at used bookstores |
Escort To Berlin: The 4th Fighter Group in World War II
By Garry L. Fry and Jeffry L. Ethell The perfect compliment to 1000 Destroyed, Escort To Berlin was the culmination of 10 years of intense research long before the days of the Internet. An operational history of the group, Escort To Berlin offers a synopsis of each mission from their Spitfire days to the last days of the war. Included are appendices detailing combat victories, personnel losses, pilots of each squadron, a group aircraft inventory, a listing of aces and yet another of squadron commanders. All this amid 300+ photos of the men and machines that made the 4th the highest scoring fighter group of the war. Often referred to as "The Bible of the 4th".
ARCO Publishing, Inc. 1980, ISBN 0-668-04768-2 Hardcover, 226 pages
out of print, but readily available online or at used bookstores
ARCO Publishing, Inc. 1980, ISBN 0-668-04768-2 Hardcover, 226 pages
out of print, but readily available online or at used bookstores
The Debden Warbirds: The 4th Fighter Group in World War II
By Frank E. Speer 334 pilot Speer presents a longer form operational history of the 4th, with daily mission write-ups augmented by the group's squadron histories and tower log book. Filled with hundreds of great photos, Debden Warbirds also shines a light on some of the lesser known pilots and ground crew members that many times get overlooked in other histories of the group. As an added bonus, a Nose Art Gallery featuring Don Allen's great nose art is provided in the latter pages. Allen recreations are included along with photos of his art where it belongs - on the group's fighters.
Schiffer Military History, 1999, ISBN 0-7643-0725-8 Hardcover, 224 pages
Schiffer Military History, 1999, ISBN 0-7643-0725-8 Hardcover, 224 pages
Mr. Tettley's Tenants
By Grover C. Hall, Jr. The precursor to 1000 Destroyed, Mr. Tettley's Tenants was Hall's first go at a memoir of the group, following the men of the 4th through April 1944. Originally published for 4th vets exclusively, it has become a big $$$ item on the rare book market. Copies become available from time to time, but fair warning: this one's gonna hurt the checkbook!
Sanders Philips and Co., Ltd. The Baynard Press, London, 1944, Hardcover, 180 pages
out of print, but occasionally available online or at used bookstores
Sanders Philips and Co., Ltd. The Baynard Press, London, 1944, Hardcover, 180 pages
out of print, but occasionally available online or at used bookstores
The Debden Eagles: The 4th Fighter Group in World War II
By Garry L. Fry Fry's first effort on the 4th, this volume is filled with great photos, many that do not appear in the later Escort To Berlin. This is a photo history.
Walker Smith Inc., 1970, ISBN 0-9600376-1-6, Softcover 102 pages
out of print, but available online or at used bookstores
Walker Smith Inc., 1970, ISBN 0-9600376-1-6, Softcover 102 pages
out of print, but available online or at used bookstores
The Look of Eagles
By John T. Godfrey 336 pilot An autobiography written as Godfrey was succumbing to the ravages of ALS. Remarkably candid, Godfrey covers his life from growing up in Rhode Island to his final days in South Freeport, Maine. In between, he speaks frankly of his time with the RCAF and the 4th. This was published after his death on June 12, 1958. One photo of Godfrey in the hardcover version.
Randon House, 1958, Library of Congress Card # 58-9867; Hardcover 245 pages
Ballantine Books 1973, ISBN 345-23657-2-125; Softcover 244 pages
out of print, but available online or at used bookstores
Randon House, 1958, Library of Congress Card # 58-9867; Hardcover 245 pages
Ballantine Books 1973, ISBN 345-23657-2-125; Softcover 244 pages
out of print, but available online or at used bookstores
One Man Air Force
By Don S. Gentile as told to Ira Wolfert 336 pilot Don Gentile spent two weeks with correspondent Ira Wolfert as his roommate, during which time he shared his life story and thoughts about air combat in the ETO. At the time it was written, Gentile had just become the first pilot to destroy more planes than famed World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker. There are a few photos interspersed throughout the text. A small format book ("reduced to conserve material necessary for the war effort.") which Gentile handed out to crowds on his Stateside War Bond Tour in 1944.
L.B. Fischer Publishing Corp. , 1944, Hardcover, 55 pages
L.B. Fischer Publishing Corp. , 1944, Hardcover, 55 pages
Tumult in the Clouds
By James A. Goodson 336 pilot and CO Jim Goodson's story - from his experience aboard the SS Athenia (torpedoed off the Scottish coast early in the war) through the war's end. A gifted story-teller, Goodson's book is filled with wonderful anecdotes in addition to offering up his observations of the 4th's many characters. The first of three 4th related books authored by Goodson.
St. Martin's Press, New York, 1983, ISBN 0-312-82327-4, Hardcover 238 pages
also available in softcover
St. Martin's Press, New York, 1983, ISBN 0-312-82327-4, Hardcover 238 pages
also available in softcover
The Last of the Knights
By James A. Goodson Goodson picks up his story where Tumult in the Clouds left off, sharing his experiences as a POW and life immediately after the war.
Harrop Press Ltd., 1990, ISBN 1-872809-03-0, Hardcover 192 pages
out of print, but available online or at used bookstores
Harrop Press Ltd., 1990, ISBN 1-872809-03-0, Hardcover 192 pages
out of print, but available online or at used bookstores
Over-paid, Over-sexed, and Over Here
By James A. Goodson and Norman Franks Goodson teamed up with noted aviation author Norman Franks on this volume covering the various Eagle Squadron members and their post-Eagle Squadron service. The authors recount the careers of those who transferred to the US 8th Air Force as well as those who decided to remain in the RAF. The details of their service are mingled with colorful anecdotes - told as only Jim Goodson can tell them - and over 50 photographs.
Wingham Press - Canterbury, 1991 , ISBN 1-873454-09-0 , Hardcover 203 pages
out of print, but available online or at used bookstores
Wingham Press - Canterbury, 1991 , ISBN 1-873454-09-0 , Hardcover 203 pages
out of print, but available online or at used bookstores
The Flying Greek
By Steve N. Pisanos 334 pilot and evadee Pisanos wanted to be a fighter pilot - badly enough to leave his homeland at 19 and emigrate to America - with $10 in his pocket and not a word of English in his vocabulary. Succeeding against all odds, Pisanos became a member of the Eagle Squadrons, the 4th Fighter Group and ultimately a U.S. citizen. Read about his incredible life journey and his combat exploits, from a deadstick landing of his damaged Mustang - while standing on the wing - to fighting with the French Resistance.
Potomac Books, Inc., 2008, ISBN-13: 978-1-59797-078-5, Hardcover 349 pages
Potomac Books, Inc., 2008, ISBN-13: 978-1-59797-078-5, Hardcover 349 pages
Go with God
By Norm Achen 334 pilot Achen was downed and captured in August 1944, becoming a POW. This book primarily recounts his experiences while in captivity.
Trafford Publishing, 2007, ISBN 978-1-4120-6874-1, Softcover 140 pages
Trafford Publishing, 2007, ISBN 978-1-4120-6874-1, Softcover 140 pages
Spitfires, Thunderbolts, and Warm Beer
By Philip D. Caine Story of Leroy Gover, 336 pilot . This is primarily Lee Gover's wartime diary, transcribed by Caine, with details added into it by Gover and Caine. Member of the RAF, then 133 Eagle Sqdn, and finally the 4th FG. Gover won the first Silver Star in the 4th.
Brassey's, Washington & London, 1995, ISBN 0-02-881115-1, Hardcover 221 pages
out of print, but readily available online or at used bookstores
Brassey's, Washington & London, 1995, ISBN 0-02-881115-1, Hardcover 221 pages
out of print, but readily available online or at used bookstores
Donald's Story
By Sandra D. Merrill The story of 336 pilot Donald Emerson as told by his niece, this book is a moving tribute to one of the 4th's lesser known heroes.
"The Book Is Wonderful. Sandra Merrill has achieved the remarkable task of telling three stories at once...Donald and his family then, her experience of rediscovery now, and the overall history of the 4th Fighter Group in WWII. I was moved many times and salute her for it." - Jeff Ethell.
"I can't recommend it highly enough; it is that good." - Robert DeGroat, FLIGHT magazine
Tebidine Publishing, 1996, ISBN 0-9649541-4-1, Softcover 231 pages
"The Book Is Wonderful. Sandra Merrill has achieved the remarkable task of telling three stories at once...Donald and his family then, her experience of rediscovery now, and the overall history of the 4th Fighter Group in WWII. I was moved many times and salute her for it." - Jeff Ethell.
"I can't recommend it highly enough; it is that good." - Robert DeGroat, FLIGHT magazine
Tebidine Publishing, 1996, ISBN 0-9649541-4-1, Softcover 231 pages
Kidd Hofer - The Last of the Screwball Aces
By Troy White The definitive history of one of the 4th's colorful characters, Lt. Ralph Kidd Hofer, of 334 Sqdn. Well illustrated.
"This is the last and final story of Kidd Hofer. Also the most important book on a US ace to emerge in some time. Here Hofer is given his rightful place in aerial history. One has to admire a pilot who flew in an orange and blue football jersey and did victory rolls over his base with half of his rudder shot off!. A great read that no WWII 8th AF buff miss. An excellent and needed first book by Troy White. Hopefully many more will follow." - Garry Fry, author of Debden Eagles , Escort to Berlin and Eagles of Duxford: The 78th Fighter Group in World War II.
Stardust Studios, 2003, ISBN 0-9727413-0-5. Softcover, 199 pages
"This is the last and final story of Kidd Hofer. Also the most important book on a US ace to emerge in some time. Here Hofer is given his rightful place in aerial history. One has to admire a pilot who flew in an orange and blue football jersey and did victory rolls over his base with half of his rudder shot off!. A great read that no WWII 8th AF buff miss. An excellent and needed first book by Troy White. Hopefully many more will follow." - Garry Fry, author of Debden Eagles , Escort to Berlin and Eagles of Duxford: The 78th Fighter Group in World War II.
Stardust Studios, 2003, ISBN 0-9727413-0-5. Softcover, 199 pages
Adventures of the 4th Fighter Group
By Troy White This volume chronicles the experiences of over three dozen men who served at Debden, some well known, others whose stories appear in print for the first time. Using squadron histories, combat reports, pilot log books and personal correspondence with the subjects, White not only gives the reader "the gen" on the likes of Johnny Godfrey, Duane Beeson and Don Gentile, but details the contributions made by men like Willard Gillette, Fonzo Smith, Sy Koenig and Allen Bunte. Like all of Troy's works, this volume is profusely illustrated, and includes some of the Don Allen club decorations and a special color section in the deluxe edition. This book is a must have addition to anyone's 4th Fighter Group library.
Stardust Studios, 2015, ISBN 978-0-578-16605-6. Hardcover, 328 pages
Stardust Studios, 2015, ISBN 978-0-578-16605-6. Hardcover, 328 pages
A Pilot's Memoirs
By Otey Glass 336 pilot. Otey's life story, written mainly for his children and friends.
PIP Printing, Lynchburg, VA, around 1995 or 1996. Softcover, 158 pages
PIP Printing, Lynchburg, VA, around 1995 or 1996. Softcover, 158 pages
See Me Later
By Wilbur B. Eaton 335 pilot. Wilbur Eaton tells his life story, including his time with the 4th FG. The title comes from the name he had painted on all of his P-51's.
Lulu Publishing , 2009, Softcover 336 pages
Lulu Publishing , 2009, Softcover 336 pages
My Road Through Life
By Andrew Lacy 334 pilot. An autobiography WWII POW Andy Lacy wrote for his family.
Unknown publisher, 1996, Hardcover 364 pages
Unknown publisher, 1996, Hardcover 364 pages
Delayed Legacy
By Conrad Netting IV A book about a son's search for his father's story. Conrad Netting III died in combat in June 1944 as a member of the 4th FG. Fifty-nine years later his son Conrad Netting IV found his father's footlocker, neatly packed by his mother and containing all the letters and items of his fathers wartime service. Using that as a starting point, his research uncovered the details of his father's service, the impact of his loss on the family and ultimately led him to a surprising end in a small village in France.
Maverick Publishing Company, 2005, ISBN 1-893271-37-4 , Hardcover 207 pages
Maverick Publishing Company, 2005, ISBN 1-893271-37-4 , Hardcover 207 pages
Wingman
By Frank Speer Autobiography of Frank Speer, covering his time with the 4th FG and as a POW in Stalag Luft III, to his eventual escape during the Death March of 1945. Talks about being a wingman to Kidd Hofer, with whom Frank was flying when he was hit strafing a German airfield.
Carlton Press, Inc. 1993, ISBN 0-8062-4539-5, Hardcover 144 pages
out of print, but available online or at used bookstores
Carlton Press, Inc. 1993, ISBN 0-8062-4539-5, Hardcover 144 pages
out of print, but available online or at used bookstores
One Down, One Dead
By Frank Speer Frank tells two stories here. His own story of his time in the 4th FG and the story of his 334 Squadron Commanding Officer, Winslow "Mike" Sobanski, who was KIA on June 6, 1944.
Xlibris Corporation, 2003, ISBN 1-4010-9907-6 Hardcover 225 pages
Xlibris Corporation, 2003, ISBN 1-4010-9906-8 Softcover 225 pages
Xlibris Corporation, 2003, ISBN 1-4010-9907-6 Hardcover 225 pages
Xlibris Corporation, 2003, ISBN 1-4010-9906-8 Softcover 225 pages
Eighty-one Aces of the 4th Fighter Group
By Frank Speer This book covers all 81 Aces in the 4th Fighter Group with photos and a brief biography on each pilot. This book includes both air & ground aces.
Schiffer Military History, 2009, ISBN 978-0-7643-3374-3, Hardcover , 144 pages
Schiffer Military History, 2009, ISBN 978-0-7643-3374-3, Hardcover , 144 pages
The 4th Fighter Group in World War II
By Larry Davis A brief history of the group packed with photos.
Squadron/Signal Publications, 2007, ISBN 0-89747-515-1, Softcover 79 pages
Squadron/Signal Publications, 2007, ISBN 0-89747-515-1, Softcover 79 pages
4th Fighter Group 'Debden Eagles'
By Chris Bucholtz Volume #30 in Osprey's "Aviation Elite Unit" series.
Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2008, ISBN 13: 978-1-84603-321-6, Softcover 128 pages
Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2008, ISBN 13: 978-1-84603-321-6, Softcover 128 pages
Don S. Gentile: Soldier of God and Country
By Mark M. Spagnuolo, D.D.S. The life story of Don Gentile, from growing up in Piqua, Ohio to his death in 1951.
College Press, East Lansing, Mich. 1986, Hardcover, 333 pages
out of print, but can be found online or in used bookstores
College Press, East Lansing, Mich. 1986, Hardcover, 333 pages
out of print, but can be found online or in used bookstores
Two-Man Air Force
By Philip Kaplan The story of Don Gentile and John Godfrey of 336. Covers both life stories.
Pen & Sword Aviation, 2006, ISBN 1-84415-177-8 , Hardcover 164 pages
Pen & Sword Aviation, 2006, ISBN 1-84415-177-8 , Hardcover 164 pages
The Eagles' War
By Vern Haughland The story of the three Eagle Squadrons, 71, 121, 133. Covers the overall story with a lot of combat narratives. Same text in hardback and softback, but different photos in each version.
Jason Aronson, New York - London, 1982, ISBN 0-87668-495-9, Hardcover 234 pages
TAB Books (Division of McGraw-Hill, Inc) 1992, ISBN 0-8306-2145-8(p) Softcover 182 pages
Jason Aronson, New York - London, 1982, ISBN 0-87668-495-9, Hardcover 234 pages
TAB Books (Division of McGraw-Hill, Inc) 1992, ISBN 0-8306-2145-8(p) Softcover 182 pages
American Pilots in the RAF: The World War II Eagle Squadrons
By Philip D. Caine A well done book about the three Eagle Squadrons. Tells a lot more of the background of the organization and why different members joined up. Complete with stories from interviews with the Eagles themselves.
Brassey's (US), 1993, ISBN 0-02-881070-8, Hardcover ; Also available in softcover
out of print, but readily available online or at used bookstores
Brassey's (US), 1993, ISBN 0-02-881070-8, Hardcover ; Also available in softcover
out of print, but readily available online or at used bookstores
The RAF Eagle Squadrons
By Philip D. Caine A virtual encyclopedia, containing a biography of every Eagle Squadron member, and a photo of each member as well. A must have for Eagle Squadron buffs.
Fulcrum Publishing , 2009, ISBN 978-1-55591-702-9, Hardcover 486 pages
Fulcrum Publishing , 2009, ISBN 978-1-55591-702-9, Hardcover 486 pages
Fighter Pilot: The First American Ace of World War II
By William R. Dunn A first hand account written by Dunn, who in 1939 joined the Seaforth Highlanders in Canada to get into the War. Flying as a as a Highlander he shot down a Stuka during the Battle of Britain. Transferring to the RAF, he was posted to 71 Eagle Squadron and became the first American ace during the War, just beating Gus Daymond for the honor. Wounded during that same flight, he recovered from his injuries and transferred to the USAAF, ultimately flying P-47's in the 9th AF. He eventually served in Viet Nam and retired in 1973.
University Press of Kentucky, 1982, ISBN 0-8131-1465-9, Hardcover 226 pages
out of print, but readily available online or at used bookstores Also available in Softcover
University Press of Kentucky, 1982, ISBN 0-8131-1465-9, Hardcover 226 pages
out of print, but readily available online or at used bookstores Also available in Softcover
They Called Me Dixie
By Lt. Col. Richard L. Alexander, USAAF Ret'd Richard "Dixie" Alexander's own story of his wartime service. Joining the RAF and being posted to 133 Eagle Squadron, he later transferred to the 4th FG. After his time with the 4th, he served in the "Beagle" Squadron in the 52nd Fighter Group. He also saw duty in North Africa as well as Sicily before the end of the War and was a POW.
Robinson Typographics, 1988, ISBN 0-918837-10-3, Hardcover 271 pages
out of print, but readily available online or at used bookstores
Robinson Typographics, 1988, ISBN 0-918837-10-3, Hardcover 271 pages
out of print, but readily available online or at used bookstores
Oscar: His Story
By Col. Oscar H. Coen, USAF (Ret.) and Mildred Coen Robeck, Ph.D. From the publisher's writeup: "The wartime activities of Oscar Coen during some of the prominent historical battles of World War II and his daring escape efforts in German-occupied France are chronicled in this exciting tale of adventure and heroism."
Dorrance Publishing Co., 2000, ISBN 978-0805947106 , Softcover 152 pages
Readily available online via Amazon.com or the publisher
Dorrance Publishing Co., 2000, ISBN 978-0805947106 , Softcover 152 pages
Readily available online via Amazon.com or the publisher