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 by L. Johnson and T. C. Hill Self Published 2002 Softcover 56 pages photos, illustrations, maps ISBN: 0803292600 Cover Price: $16.00 Language: English  Order now at amazon.com Return to |
The Missions and P-38 Lightnings of Richard I. Bong A Synopsis This book is a summary of the P-38 Lightnings flown by Richard I. Bong in the South West Pacific Area during World War II. The book is divided into four parts. Co-author T. C. Hill was a World War II veteran was gunnery instructor for Bong at Foster Field during June 1944 until August 6, 1944. LeRoy Johnson, Jr. was an anthropologist by training who became a detective-historian. Together, Johnson and Hill researched the complex history of Bong and the missions and P-38 Lightnings he flew in combat in the South West Pacific Area during World War II. Part I is a background sketch of the air war in the Southwest Pacific starting in May 1942 with the Battle of the Coral Sea and the movement of U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) 5th Air Force (5th AF) Fighter Squadrons from Australia to Port Moresby in New Guinea. The historical summary extends into late 1942 and early 1943 when Bong arrived including the Battle of the Bismarck Sea and Allied advances towards Rabaul followed by a summary of the SWPA until late 1944 when Bong completed his third tour of duty. This section is a broad summary but does help to place Bong's three tours of duty in the larger context of the Pacific War. Part III details Bong's aerial victory missions and the P-38 Lightnings he flew. This section is the most interesting as it contains a detailed analysis of each of his forty aerial victory missions and the planes he flew. For some missions, the exact plane can not be determined as Bong's logbook and other sources did not list the serial number, often only the model. Part IV details..... Review by Justin Taylan Return to Book Reviews | Add a review or submit for review Last Updated |
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