FOGG IN THE COCKPIT: Howard Fogg - Master Railroad Artist, World War II Fighter Pilot

by Richard Fogg, Janet Fogg

Renowned for decades as one of the world's foremost railroad artists, Howard Fogg's career encompassed some 1,200 paintings. While his art has been appreciated for decades, few of his admirers are aware of his service as a fighter pilot in the U.S. 8th Air Force during World War II. Based in England with the 359th Fighter Group, Captain Fogg flew 76 combat missions in P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs. Providing bomber escort and participating in ground attacks, he was awarded the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Fortunately, Howard kept a detailed diary of his experiences, proving himself as adept with a pen as with a brush. From his backstage encounter in a London theater with Lawrence Olivier and Vivian Leigh, to the pre-dawn chaplain’s benediction on June 6, 1944, to a mission escorting B-17s as they flew below the snow-capped Alps dropping supplies to French freedom fighters, the diary offers a firsthand look at his fascinating and often unexpected wartime career.

The diary, presented in its entirety, is supplemented with material by Richard and Janet Fogg, as well as excerpts from the Chaplain’s Informal Monthly Reports of Morale and the Monthly Reports of the 359th Group Historian. It also incorporates period photographs and examples of Howard’s artwork, including previously unpublished political cartoons and preliminary drawings.

From the smallest daily details of the pilot’s lives to the strategic and tactical decisions that affected their fates, Fogg in the Cockpit presents a hidden side of one of the 20th century’s great artistic geniuses, with a vivid look at the life of a fighter pilot in World War II.

Genres: Nonfiction, World War II

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2011

Reviews

[KOMET · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book represents a labor of love for a family whose father (Howard Fogg), a renowned railroad artist, had served during the Second World War as a fighter pilot with the 359th Fighter Group of the United States Army Air Force (USAAF), which operated out of Britain between 1943 and 1945.

The heart of the book is made up of diary entries that Fogg had made between October 1943 (the month that the 359th arrived in Britain) and September 1944, when he completed his combat tour and returned to the United States. The historical commentary, which is interspersed throughout this book, provides a wonderful touch, which gives an added perspective on the contributions and sacrifices made by the USAAF in Europe towards the defeat of the Third Reich.

The reader is given entree into the day-to-day existence of a fighter pilot and its sometimes mundane aspects aside from the pressures and hazards of combat flying. The book also has a generous collection of wartime photographs and several examples of Fogg's postwar railroad paintings, which showcase his considerable talent.

For me, "FOGG IN THE COCKPIT" was one of the best purchases I made this year. Any student of the Second World War or aviation enthusiast will love this book.

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many people knew Howard Fogg from his artistry and iconic drawings and cartoons, yet many did not know of his exploits as a WWII P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang fighter pilot. This book is his essential diary of his time at war in the 8th Air Force’s 359th Fighter Group. Extensive photos and political cartoons round out this complementary war account.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free through a Goodreads giveaway.

I really enjoyed this book. This is a great story and very well written. Since starting a new job I haven't had much time to read but I was anxious to get back to this one. A wonderful view of a man's life and a great lesson in history.
I would highly recommend this book.

[Donovan J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always thought a fighter pilots life was full of thrills and adrenaline, turns out it is that plus more! And when I mean more, I mean the in between mission monotony and those moments l liked a lot, we know what happens in the air but the moment to moment life makes the missions more tense.

[Chandler Apt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Craftsman artist.

I have been a rail fan of Howard Fogg all of my life. I think that his paintings are the greatest.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, perfect timing for Memorial Day weekend as this book is clearly intended to honor, not just Howard Fogg, but all who have served in the United States military.

The book is vivid while not being over-blown in its presentation of a period of time in the ETO during WWII. In an unusual, but to me effective, format the authors use three sources. Many of the same events are recorded and, instead of redundancy, what the reader gets is perspective. The diary entries of Howard Fogg are terse, but first-hand; the Chaplain's report regularly addresses morale; and the History of the 359th Fighter Group, while "official" provides additional information on Captain Fogg's comments giving "the big picture".

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with even a little interest in combat narratives, but especially to anyone interested in WWII air warfare.

[Marti Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a personal interest in this book because my father was a fighter pilot in the 359th Fighter Group with Howard Fogg and the other pilots and crew of the 359th. I remember as a child seeing photos and the names the pilots gave the P-51 Mustangs, including Moose Nose, Fogg's P-51.

This book allowed me to get a glimpse of what life was like at East Wretham Airfield in England. Also enjoyed reading about Capt. Fogg's leave trips to London and Scotland.

Thanks to the son and daughter-in-law of Howard Fogg for putting this book together.

[Gusto Dave]

The author of this title is an RMFW member. For that reason, we do not rate these selections. We’re kind of biased. However, it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t have them on our shelves. And you’ll see this message on any other titles that come from our members. We do hope that you’ll consider reading it, though. ;)

Gusto Dave, Publicity Chair for RMFW

[G Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. Diary like.