Philip D Caine

In 1941, before America entered World War II, determined young LeRoy Gover signed on with Britain's Royal Air Force to fly the plane of his dreams, the fast, sleek Spitfire. When America joined the fight, he transitioned to the powerful P-47 Thunderbolt. Former USAF pilot and aviation historian Philip D. Caine has skillfully selected from the young flyer's letters and diary entries to create a vivid portrait of the kind of man who helped win the war. A story of great courage, Spitfires, Thunderbolts, and Warm Beer is a testament to the many other brave men who served.

U. S. citizens fought & died in WW II long before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Among them were the pilots of the Eagle Squadrons, three fighter squadrons of Britains Royal Air Force manned by young U. S. flyers. This book tells how the Eagle squadrons were formed & summarizes the history of the units & evaluates their deeds, motivations, & contributions. Draws on interviews from more than 35 surviving Eagles, their letters & memoirs, & official records. Depicts their daily lives along with special heroes & amazing sacrifices. An important contribution to the study of American involvement in WWII. Highly recommended.