From huddled command conferences to cramped cockpits, John Lundstrom guides readers though the maelstrom of air combat at Guadalcanal in this impressively researched sequel to his earlier study. Picking up the story after Midway, the author presents a scrupulously accurate account of what happened, describing in rich detail the actual planes and pilots pitted in the ferocious battles that helped turn the tide of war. Based on correspondence with 150 American and Japanese veterans, or their families, he reveals the thoughts, pressures, and fears of the airmen and their crews as he reconstructs the battles. These are the stories of the Wildcat and Zero fighters, and the Dauntless, Avenger, Betty, Kate, and Val bombers. Lavishly illustrated with drawings, maps, and photographs, this fresh look at the campaign set a standard for aviation histories when first published in 1994.
John B. Lundstrom is a curator of American and military history at the Milwaukee Public Museum, where he has been a member of the staff since 1967. He is the author of several books on World War II naval aviation.
- ISBN10 1591144728
- ISBN13 9781591144724
- Publish Date 1 October 2005 (first published 1 December 1993)
- Publish Status Transferred
- Out of Print 31 October 2008
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Naval Institute Press
- Format Paperback
- Pages 636
- Language English