George Preddy, Top Mustang Ace

by Joe Noah

This is a biography of Major George E. Preddy, Jr. who became the leading active ace in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. When he was killed on Christmas Day 1944 by Allied ground fire, he was the top P-51 Mustang ace of all time, with 27 aerial and five ground victories. George's younger brother, Bill, was killed on April 17, 1945 while strafing an enemy aerodrome near Prague. A chapter is devoted to his short career in which he claimed two aerial victories.

Genres: Biography, World War II

Hardcover

First published March 22, 2015

Reviews

[Larry M Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

It kept me excited and wondering what would happen next. I thought it was well written and i will read it again

[Jeannie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true story and a wonderful tribute to a courageous and dedicated fighter pilot during World War Two. George Preddy was a first-class individual both in private life and while serving his country. He excelled at flying Mustangs with a talent and expertise that was hard to surpass. He served with the 352nd Fighter Group, and was credited with 27 l/2 enemy kills. He was a leading ace in air to air combat. I felt so sad when I learned George was shot down by friendly ground fire. At the time he was killed, he was flying in a group of three mustangs. All three planes were shot down by their own troops in friendly fire. Ironically, George's brother was also a fighter pilot who was also becoming an ace when he was shot down by enemy ground fire.
This is a sad story, but I thought it was also very inspiring. When I finished reading "George Preddy, Top Mustang Ace" I felt as if I knew George and felt very privileged to getting to know him. I think we all need to read these kind of books to find out about the good, courageous service personnel who risked and gave their lives so that we could live in freedom and peace. I hope everyone takes time to read this very inspiring true story of a remarkable young man who gave up everything for us.

Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author - "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Preddy was one of our greatest aces during World War II. He was a first rate pilot and a first rate warrior. "George Preddy, Top Mustang Ace" is an excellent book about Preddy's life and his experiences during World War II. Preddy was shot down by 'friendly fire' flying over the lines one day or he may have ended up the highest scoring American ace of all time (Richard Bong has that title). Soon, no one will remember men like Preddy; I doubt if there are more than a handful of kids today who would know who he was.

Joe Noah, the author, details Preddy's life story, his service during wWII and the circumstances surrounding his death. The great thing about this book is that it seems to be constantly updated with new information even to this day. A couple of things I did not know about Preddy before reading this book is that Preddy was engaged to a girl he met in Australia when he was stationed there and that Preddy's brother Richard also died in combat flying a Mustang.

If you are interested in American heroes or just like a good book this is a first-rate read.

[Aaron Mcqueen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book...but I kept feeling there was more to the story. Some context on Preddy's time in Europe would have helped. I especially enjoyed the section on his time in the Pacific. His time in Australia really opened up a period of the war you don't see written about often.

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read as a dissertation. Every incident told by three observations or later reports. For those who like facts with little humanity.

[Steve hackworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Very good, I really enjoy reading about WW 2 air war history, very exciting , hope you all enjoy this as much as I...

[John Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Even got a wood burning portrait of Preddy and his P-51.