The Greatest Aces

by Edward H. Sims

This unique book is a thrilling, minute-by-minute account of the greatest aerial missions as recalled by the top WW II aces of the RAF, USAAF and the Luftwaffe. There is Douglas Bader, one of the best of the RAF fighter pilots despite two artificial legs; Adolf Galland of the Luftwaffe, who, subsequent to being shot down in France one morning, took off in another Messerschmitt that afternoon; another German ace, Hans-Joachim Marseille, the young "Pilot of Africa" who would steal into the British fighters' own formations to down several Hurricanes before the enemy could react; and Robert S. Johnson, the American who heroically defended Liberator and Flying Fortress formations.

Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 1967

Reviews

[Tom Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took in the Audible version of this history. It is from a the Books On Tape ear; a digitized cassette of low sound quality and mechanical narration. Still, the excite of the detailed, movement-by-movement recreations of dog fights comes through. Compiled in the 60s when participants were alive and lucid, this is a well-researched and authentic compilation of war history. The focus is on American, British, and German "aces" such as Erich Hartmann. Hartmann is an example of the successful fighter pilot detailed here; technical and calm, not a flashy "top gun". That being said, some are portrayed as rashly aggressive and disobeying orders to hasten to engagements.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good detail and descriptions of the dogfighting made me feel like I was in the fight. I appreciated the analysis of the different battles as the air war progressed over Europe.

[Joe Stufflebeam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides really good detail on a number of the best fighter aces of World War II. There is a lot of background and personal information on many of the pilots, including the best of American, British, and German pilots.