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These are some of the books and magazines that provided much of the
information contained on these pages. Some are out of print but with
diligent searching you will probably prove successful. A couple date from
the World War II era and will prove to be both difficult to find, but not
impossible, as well as costly to purchase. I have provided a couple of
links to prominent book stores as well as a used book search engine.
You will find that there are far fewer books about the Pacific Air
War than there are about the European Air War. There are probably
more books about the 8th Air Force in WW II than all the other Army
Air Forces put together. That is not to say the 8th AF didn't do a
tremendous job and rightly earn all those accolades for it truly did, but
it also doesn't mean the other air forces didn't do a tremendous job as
well. It simply means they did not get as much press or notoriety.
My hat is off to ALL of them. Read about them and you will understand.
Click here for the webmasters list of recommended reading.
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From Fiji Through The Philippines
With The Thirteenth Air Force
Lt. Col. Benjamin E. Lippincott
Newsfoto Publishing Co.,
San Angelo, Texas (1948)
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This out-of-print book is difficult but not impossible to find. You can try the
search engine for used books. I bought mine through the eBay on-line auction.
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Vampire Squadron!
The Saga Of The 44th Fighter Squadron
In The South And Southwest Pacific.
William H. Starke, Lt. Col. USAFR (Ret.)
Robinson Typographics,
Anaheim, CA (1985)
Limited Edition (In reprint).
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This comprehensive book was written by a veteran of the 44th Fighter Squadron.
If you want to read about the war from the perspective of a fighter squadron, this
is the book. The 44th is my "adopted" squadron and I've patterned my uniform for
my living history participation after theirs. I've chosen Lt. Col. Robert B. Westbrook
as the model for my inspiration. Read about him here, in this book.
Col. Starke has graciously offered to make his book available for those who are
interested in owning a copy. Believe me this is a rare opportunity. I recommend
it to students and historians as well as aviation and World War II buffs. The price
is only $39.95 plus $3.50 mailing--$5.50 if out of U.S. Now here's the very special
part: He will sign it for you if you ask him! Think about how special that is ------
A WW II squadron history written by a participating pilot and signed by him for
only $39.95! (In case anyone is wondering, no, I don't make a dime off any sales
of this book.That's not what this is all about.). Here is the address:
William Starke
614 W. Sherman Ave.
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
That's $39.95 plus $3.50 mailing--$5.50 if out of U.S. and remember to ask him if
he would please sign it for you.
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Crash Boat, Wartime Missions of the
P-399, Guadalcanal to the Philippines
Earl A. McCandlish
Edited by George D. Jepson
Bowsprit Press,
Monticello, IA (©2000)
Readily available.
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This fine book gives a great personal insight into a seldom, almost never, seen
aspect of WW II, one of the support groups, specifically the crew of an Air-
Rescue Vessel (AVR) credited with 30 rescues. Highly recommended!
Contact Information:
Email:George D. Jepson.* New email address.
Or Mail:George D. Jepson
PO Box 188
Monticello, IA 52310
Telephone:319-465-3142
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NOTE: The upcoming May 2008 issue of WoodenBoat magazine contains an
article by Mr. Jepson on the AVR 63 (crash boat) SEA HORSE (P-399), which
was the subject of the book, Crash Boat: Wartime Missions of the P-399,
Guadalcanal to the Philippines.
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Fire In The Sky, The Air
War In The South Pacific
Eric M. Bergerud
Westview Press,
Boulder, CO (2000)
Readily available.
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This comprehensive book is extensively researched and detailed. Even if you've been
reading about World War II for years, as I have, you will learn from this book.
Click here to access the "Fire In The Sky" web page.
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Tour Of Duty
The Bob Upfield Crew
S.W. Pacific
October 1944 - June 1945
868th Bombardment Squadron (H)
Thirteenth Air Force
Michael Kosiak
Self Published,
Minneapolis, MN (2002)
Readily available.
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This book is written by the navigator, with the aid of the official Combat Mission
Reports. This 98 page hardcover book presents a short history of the "Snoopers"
as well as a portrayal of the life of a B-24 bomber crew in the South West Pacific.
Included are several crew photographs, maps showing the Snoopers Operational
combat area as well as a single photograph of the Upfield Crew being intercepted
by several enemy aircraft while preparing to attack a four-ship Japanese Convoy.
The price of the book is $34.95 plus $2.50 for mailing ($6.50 for mailing out of the
U.S.).
Order from:
Michael Kosiak
3305 Skycroft Circle
Minneapolis, MN 55418
The author will sign each copy also!
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B-24 Liberator Units Of The Pacific War
Robert F. Dorr
Osprey Publishing Ltd.,
Oxford, UK (1999)
Readily available.
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P-38 Lightning Aces of the Pacific and CBI
John Stanaway
Osprey Publishing Ltd.,
Oxford, UK (1997)
Readily available.
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P-61 Black Widow Units Of World War 2
Warren Thompson
Osprey Publishing Ltd.,
Oxford, UK (1999)
Readily available.
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Japanese Army Air Force Aces 1937-45
Henry Sakaida
Osprey Publishing Ltd.,
Oxford, UK (1997)
Readily available.
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Air Force Combat Units Of World War II
Ed., Maurer, Maurer
U.S. Govt. Printing Office
Washington DC (1983)
Out of print.
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Thirteenth Air Force Story
Kenn C. Rust and Dana Bell
SunShine House Publishing Co.,
Terre Haute, IN (1981)
Out of print.
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World War II Combat Squadrons
Of The United States Air Force
Ed., Maurer, Maurer
Smithmark Publishers
New York, NY (1992)
Out of print.
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Attack On Yamamoto
Carroll V. Glines
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
Atglen, PA (1993)
Available.
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Pacific Sweep, The 5th And 13th
Fighter Commands in World War II
William N. Hess
Doubleday & Company
Garden City, NY (1974)
Out of print.
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Air Force, The Official Service Journal
Of The U.S. Army Air Forces
U.S. Army Air Forces
Air Force Editorial Office,
New York, NY (1942-45)
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These magazines were published monthly for members of the Army Air Forces
throughout the war and even continued on after it ended. They can be found
occasionally on eBay and at flea markets.
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